Favorite Creamed Spinach
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this "Favorite Creamed Spinach" recipe, a rich and creamy side dish that's as decadent as it is easy to make. Featuring fresh wilted spinach coated in a luxurious sauce made from butter, milk, heavy cream, Parmesan, and cream cheese, this dish is elevated with the subtle warmth of garlic and a hint of optional nutmeg for an added layer of flavor. Perfectly thickened with a simple roux, this velvety creamed spinach comes together in just 25 minutes, making it a foolproof choice for weeknight dinners or holiday feasts. Pair it with roasted meats, poultry, or even serve it as a satisfying vegetarian side—either way, this fan-favorite recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 16 ounces fresh spinach
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 0.5 cups heavy cream
- 0.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 0.125 teaspoons ground nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
Wash the fresh spinach thoroughly and remove any tough stems. If using pre-washed bagged spinach, skip this step.
In a large skillet or pot, heat 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the spinach in batches, cooking until wilted, about 2-3 minutes per batch. Remove the cooked spinach and set it aside in a colander to drain any excess liquid. Once cooled, squeeze out the remaining liquid and roughly chop the spinach.
In the same skillet, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Sprinkle the flour over the garlic and butter mixture, stirring constantly to create a roux. Cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring the mixture remains smooth. Then, add the heavy cream. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese and cream cheese until fully melted and incorporated.
Add the chopped spinach back into the skillet. Mix well to combine and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Season the creamed spinach with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if desired. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Remove from heat and serve warm as a side dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1267 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 101.3 g | 130% | |
| Saturated Fat | 61.1 g | 306% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 307 mg | 102% | |
| Sodium | 2529 mg | 110% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 45.0 g | 16% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.7 g | 42% | |
| Total Sugars | 14.0 g | ||
| Protein | 40.7 g | 81% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.7 mcg | 13% | |
| Calcium | 1249 mg | 96% | |
| Iron | 15.6 mg | 87% | |
| Potassium | 492 mg | 10% | |
*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.
