Indulge in the creamy decadence of Bechamel Creamed Spinach, a classic side dish that elevates fresh spinach with a rich, velvety béchamel sauce. This easy-to-make recipe combines tender blanched spinach with a buttery roux, whole milk, and a hint of aromatic nutmeg for a perfectly smooth and flavorful base. Sautéed garlic adds depth, while a sprinkle of optional Parmesan cheese takes the creaminess to the next level. Ready in just 30 minutes, this elegant dish pairs beautifully with roasted meats, grilled seafood, or as part of a holiday feast. Perfectly seasoned and irresistibly comforting, Bechamel Creamed Spinach will quickly become a favorite accompaniment at your dinner table.
Wash and trim the fresh spinach, removing any tough stems. Blanch the spinach in boiling water for 1-2 minutes until wilted, then immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Squeeze out excess water and roughly chop the spinach. Set it aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Sprinkle the flour over the melted butter and garlic. Whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a roux, making sure the mixture doesn’t brown.
Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to ensure no lumps form. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens and is smooth, about 5-7 minutes.
Season the béchamel sauce with nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Stir the chopped spinach into the béchamel sauce, ensuring it is evenly coated. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes over low heat until warmed through.
If desired, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor and creaminess.
Serve the Bechamel Creamed Spinach warm as a side dish. Enjoy!
Calories |
773 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 53.1 g | 68% | |
| Saturated Fat | 31.9 g | 160% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 141 mg | 47% | |
| Sodium | 1293 mg | 56% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 40.2 g | 15% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.2 g | 47% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.1 g | ||
| Protein | 37.6 g | 75% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1153 mg | 89% | |
| Iron | 17.4 mg | 97% | |
| Potassium | 133 mg | 3% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.