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This Fresh Creamed Spinach recipe shines by combining fresh baby spinach with rich, creamy cheeses, creating a luscious yet balanced side dish that’s both comforting and nutritious.
Unlike heavier versions, this recipe uses cream cheese and Parmesan sparingly, delivering satisfying creaminess without overwhelming richness.
It’s a fantastic way to sneak in fiber and essential vitamins like A, C, and K, while providing a modest boost of plant-based protein.
At just 142 calories per serving, it balances good fats from butter and cheese with low carbs, making it a great choice for those mindful of their macros.
Quick to prepare and packed with flavor, it suits busy weeknights or meal-prep routines, elevating any meal with minimal fuss.
The subtle hint of cayenne adds a gentle warmth, enhancing the dish’s appeal without overpowering its freshness.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
Dutch Oven
This heavy-bottomed pot ensures even heat distribution, perfect for sautéing onions and gently wilting spinach without burning.
Its tight-fitting lid helps lock in moisture, making it invaluable for soups, stews, and braises beyond this recipe.
Chef’s Knife
A sharp, reliable chef’s knife is essential for finely chopping onions and mincing garlic quickly and safely.
Its versatility extends to all kitchen prep, making it a fundamental tool for efficient cooking.
Garlic Press
This handy tool quickly crushes garlic cloves, releasing more flavor with less effort.
It speeds up prep time and minimizes mess, ideal for any recipe featuring fresh garlic.
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Accurate measurements of butter, cream cheese, and spices guarantee consistent results.
High-quality sets streamline baking and cooking, ensuring recipes turn out just right every time.
Creamed Spinach with Garlic
Equipment
- 1 Medium Dutch Oven
- 1 Chef’s knife
- 1 Garlic Press
- Measuring cups (set)
- Measuring Spoons (set)
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion finely diced
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- A small pinch of cayenne pepper optional, for a mild kick
- 16 ounces fresh baby spinach leaves
- 4 garlic cloves minced or pressed
- 4 ounces cream cheese cut into small cubes
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics for Flavor: In a medium-sized heavy pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the finely diced onion along with the salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne. Stir frequently and cook until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 5 minutes, allowing its natural sweetness to develop.
- Gradually Wilt the Spinach: Add the baby spinach in large handfuls to the pot, stirring well after each addition to allow the leaves to wilt evenly. Continue this process until all the spinach has been incorporated and softened, which should take around 3 to 5 minutes. The spinach will reduce significantly in volume.
- Infuse Garlic Aroma: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, just until the garlic becomes fragrant and tender, but not browned. This step ensures the garlic flavor blends gently into the greens.
- Creamy Cheese Integration: Lower the heat to medium-low. Add the cream cheese cubes to the pot and stir continuously until they melt completely and the mixture becomes silky and smooth. Then, sprinkle the grated Parmesan over the spinach and stir to combine, enriching the dish with its nutty, savory notes.
- Final Taste and Serve: Remove the pot from heat. Taste the creamed spinach and adjust the seasoning with extra salt and pepper if desired. Serve warm as a deliciously creamy, nutritious side dish.
Notes
- Fresh Spinach: Using fresh baby spinach is key to this recipe’s vibrant flavor and tender texture. Avoid frozen spinach here, as it contains too much water and changes the dish’s consistency.
- Cheese Options: For a slightly different flavor, feel free to substitute cream cheese with mascarpone or ricotta. Parmesan adds a salty, umami kick but can be swapped with Pecorino Romano if preferred.
- Adjusting Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter version, reduce the amount of cream cheese or use a lower-fat variety.
- Make Ahead: This dish can be prepared a day in advance and reheated gently on the stovetop. Add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to restore creaminess.
- Serving Suggestions: This creamy spinach pairs beautifully with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or as a comforting side to pasta dishes.
Chef’s Secrets to Creamy Perfection
Achieving the perfect creamy texture in this spinach dish hinges on careful ingredient choices and timing.
Using fresh baby spinach ensures a tender, bright green base that wilts quickly without becoming soggy.
Cooking the onions slowly over medium heat allows their natural sweetness to develop, balancing the richness of the cream cheese and Parmesan.
Adding the spinach gradually, in batches, helps it cook evenly and prevents steaming, which can lead to excess water and a watery sauce.
When melting the cream cheese, keep the heat low and stir gently to avoid curdling, resulting in a luxuriously smooth consistency.
A pinch of cayenne pepper is a subtle trick that adds warmth without overpowering the flavors.
Lastly, tasting and adjusting seasoning at the end guarantees a perfectly balanced dish every time.
Serving Suggestions for Elegant Pairings
This fresh creamed spinach is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes.
Its rich, creamy texture complements grilled or roasted meats like steak, chicken, or pork, making it an excellent side for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
It also works well as a bed for seared fish or sautéed mushrooms, providing both flavor and nutrients.
For a vegetarian meal, serve it alongside a hearty grain like quinoa or brown rice, or mix it into pasta for an indulgent yet healthy twist.
Garnish with toasted pine nuts or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan for added texture and flavor.
Whether served as a simple side or incorporated into more complex recipes, it elevates any plate with its vibrant taste and creamy appeal.
Storage Tips to Keep It Fresh
To store leftover creamed spinach, allow it to cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor. When reheating, do so gently over low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or drying out.
Adding a splash of milk, cream, or broth during reheating helps restore the creamy texture.
This dish is not ideal for freezing because the texture of the spinach and cream cheese can become grainy and watery after thawing.
For best results, prepare only what you plan to eat within a few days and enjoy the leftovers promptly for maximum taste and quality.
Frequently Asked Questions About Creamed Spinach
1. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
While frozen spinach can be used in some recipes, fresh baby spinach is preferred here for its vibrant color and delicate texture. Frozen spinach contains extra water, which can make the dish watery and less creamy.
2. What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If you don’t have cream cheese on hand, mascarpone or ricotta can be used as alternatives. They provide a similar creamy texture but with slightly different flavors.
3. How do I make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute the butter with plant-based margarine, use vegan cream cheese, and opt for nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. Keep in mind this will alter the flavor slightly.
4. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this creamed spinach recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
5. Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the creamed spinach a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a little milk or cream to bring back the creamy consistency.
This recipe is inspired by cookieandkate and has been carefully refined to enhance clarity, streamline preparation steps, and ensure accurate results. We’ve also included health benefits, nutritional highlights, and Must-Have Tools to help you get the best results every time you cook.