Elevate your side dish game with this indulgent Spicy Cream Spinach with Cheddar Cheese! Creamy, cheesy, and bursting with bold flavors, this recipe combines tender fresh spinach with a velvety sauce made from sharp cheddar, whole milk, and heavy cream. A dash of red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper adds the perfect spicy kick, while a hint of garlic infuses the dish with irresistible aroma. Quick and easy to prepare in just 30 minutes, this versatile dish is perfect as a comforting side or a vibrant topping for rice or baked potatoes. Whether you're serving it at a dinner party or a cozy family meal, this spicy creamed spinach is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Keywords: spicy creamed spinach, cheesy spinach recipe, side dish with cheddar cheese, easy spinach recipe, flavorful spinach dish.
Wash the spinach thoroughly and remove any tough stems. Set aside to drain.
In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the melted butter and garlic. Whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
Gradually pour in the whole milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Then, add the heavy cream and continue whisking until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely, creating a smooth and creamy sauce.
Add the red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to the cheese sauce. Stir well to incorporate the spices evenly.
Roughly chop the drained spinach and add it to the skillet with the sauce. Stir to coat the spinach evenly in the spicy cream sauce.
Cook the mixture on low heat for 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the spinach to wilt completely.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or spice if needed.
Serve the Spicy Cream Spinach with Cheddar Cheese warm as a side dish or over a bed of rice for a comforting main course.
Calories |
1772 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 148.3 g | 190% | |
| Saturated Fat | 90.6 g | 453% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 451 mg | 150% | |
| Sodium | 2422 mg | 105% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 46.1 g | 17% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.1 g | 43% | |
| Total Sugars | 12.0 g | ||
| Protein | 49.1 g | 98% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.3 mcg | 16% | |
| Calcium | 1551 mg | 119% | |
| Iron | 16.3 mg | 91% | |
| Potassium | 573 mg | 12% | |
*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.