The Best Creamed Spinach
Ingredients
- 1 lbspinach or 2 pounds fresh
see notes
- 2 tbspbutter
- ½ mediumonion
chopped
- 2 clovegarlic
minced
- ¾ cheavy/whipping cream
- 4 ozcream cheese
1/2 block Philly
- 1 cparmesan cheese
- 1 pinchnutmeg
- Salt & pepper
Directions
- 1
Frozen spinach: Thaw the spinach, then squeeze out as much of the excess water as you can. Fresh spinach: Boil a pot of water. Add the spinach and cook for about 1 minute. Drain it and rinse it under cool water. Squeeze out excess water. Chop if desired.
- 2
In a pot, sauté the butter and onion over medium heat until it's lightly browned (about 5-7 minutes).
- 3
Reduce heat (I keep it on medium-low for this step, but you can increase heat as needed). Stir in the garlic, followed by the heavy cream, cream cheese, parmesan, and nutmeg. It will take a few minutes for the cream cheese to melt in. I break it up with my spoon/stir it continuously. The sauce should thicken up as it cooks.
- 4
Stir in the spinach and let it heat through. If you want more liquid, add in a splash more cream. If there's too much liquid, you may need to cook the spinach for a few more minutes to reduce the sauce to your liking.
- 5
Season with salt & pepper as needed (I am pretty generous with both).
The Best Creamed Spinach
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About this Recipe
The Best Creamed Spinach: Your New Favorite Side Dish
Are you searching for an easy creamed spinach recipe that tastes like it came straight from a gourmet steakhouse? Look no further! This incredible creamed spinach recipe delivers ultimate comfort and rich flavor in just 25 minutes, making it the perfect creamy spinach side dish for any meal, from weeknight dinners to special occasions. Whether you're using convenient frozen chopped spinach or vibrant fresh leaves, you'll achieve a velvety, decadent result that will impress everyone.
What makes this particular creamy spinach so special is its luxurious texture and depth of flavor. We combine tender spinach with a luscious sauce made from heavy cream and softened cream cheese, ensuring every bite is unbelievably smooth and rich. Sautéed onions and minced garlic provide an aromatic base, while a generous amount of freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty finish. A pinch of nutmeg might seem subtle, but it's the secret ingredient that elevates the dish, bringing a warmth and complexity that truly defines "the best."
This recipe is incredibly versatile. For those busy nights, frozen spinach is a fantastic time-saver – just make sure to thaw and squeeze out all excess water for the best consistency. If you prefer fresh, simply sauté it down until wilted before incorporating it into the creamy sauce.
Tips for Perfect Creamed Spinach:
- Drain Well: This is crucial for frozen spinach! Squeeze it dry using a cheesecloth or paper towels to prevent a watery dish.
- Soften Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth, lump-free sauce.
- Fresh Parmesan: Opt for freshly grated Parmesan over pre-shredded for superior melting and flavor.
Variations & Serving Suggestions: Elevate your creamed spinach even further!
- Cheesy Boost: Stir in some shredded Gruyere or mozzarella for extra cheesy goodness.
- Crispy Topping: Sprinkle with toasted breadcrumbs or crispy fried onions before serving.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
This creamy spinach is the ultimate accompaniment to grilled steaks, roasted chicken, baked salmon, or even as a delightful addition to your holiday spread. It's truly a dish that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to create!