Description
This classic Creamed Spinach recipe features fresh or frozen spinach cooked in a rich, creamy sauce made with butter, garlic, onions, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of nutmeg. It’s a perfect, comforting side dish that pairs beautifully with steak, chicken, or holiday roasts, delivering a luscious texture and savory flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Spinach
- 1 pound fresh spinach (roughly chopped) or 10 oz frozen spinach (thawed and drained)
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Spinach: If using fresh spinach, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the spinach until wilted, about 3–4 minutes. Remove from the pan, drain excess liquid, and set aside.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma.
- Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture and stir constantly for 1–2 minutes to create a roux, which will thicken the sauce.
- Add Dairy: Slowly whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, stirring continuously until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken.
- Season the Sauce: Stir in the ground nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Continue to cook for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Add Cheese and Spinach: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated. Fold the sautéed spinach back into the sauce and cook together for another 1–2 minutes until heated through and creamy.
- Serve Warm: Transfer the creamed spinach to a serving dish and enjoy while warm as a delicious side dish.
Notes
- For a richer texture, consider adding cream cheese or Gruyère cheese to the sauce.
- This side dish pairs wonderfully with steak, chicken, or holiday roasts.
- Make sure to drain spinach well to avoid a watery sauce.
- You can adjust seasoning to your taste, especially salt and nutmeg.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
