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Home » Sides » Easy Classic Creamed Spinach

Published: Aug 20, 2020 Michelle Boulé

Easy Classic Creamed Spinach

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There are times when I want vegetables but want the comfort food version. Easy Classic Creamed Spinach is just that, it's vegetables but for your soul. This side dish shouldn't just be a thing of the past. It's a delicious side dish that is a classic for a reason!

Spinach is wilted down and mixed with a combination of milk, cream and cheese to create a creamy and delicious side dish. This recipe is a diner staple that has endured and remains a comfort food favorite to this day.

a grey bowl of Easy Classic Creamed Spinach.
Jump to:
  • What is creamed spinach
  • What to serve with creamed spinach
  • How to thicken creamed spinach
  • How to thaw frozen spinach
  • Fresh or frozen spinach
  • Ingredients Needed
  • Equipment Needed
  • Storage Tips
  • Latest Posts
  • Creamed Spinach
  • About Michelle

What is creamed spinach

Creamed Spinach is a spinach side dish that is common in steakhouses, diners and vintage recipes. It is considered a classic side dish as it has been a common staple in american cooking for quite some time. Creaming spinach means that it is cooked with heavy cream. This recipe is a good way to use up spinach, even if it is beginning to wilt.

a spoonful of Easy Classic Creamed Spinach.

What to serve with creamed spinach

This recipe pairs well with steak but can go with any protein. Pairing with baked chicken breast, salmon or ribeye steak are some of my favorite combinations.

How to thicken creamed spinach

If you do not remove the water properly from the spinach, it can lead to a very watery creamed spinach. To thicken a creamed spinach, create a slurry of cornstarch and water and add to the spinach. Mix to combine and cook on a low simmer until sauce has thickened to the desired consistency.

How to thaw frozen spinach

The easiest way to defrost frozen spinach is to place desired amount in a microwave proof bowl. Add a tablespoon of water and microwave for 30 seconds. Stir and continue to microwave until fully defrosted.

Place spinach in cheese cloth and squeeze excess water out. Spinach contains a lot of water so you'll need to squeeze a lot of excess water out.

Easy Classic Creamed Spinach in a grey bowl and silver spoon.

Fresh or frozen spinach

You can use either fresh or frozen spinach for this recipe. If using fresh spinach, you will need to cook it down completely. Then put into cheesecloth to squeeze out the liquid. Leaving excess liquid in the spinach for this dish will make it watery and the incorrect consistency. Using frozen spinach requires less draining, though it will still need to be drained a bit.

a detail shot of Easy Classic Creamed Spinach.

Ingredients Needed

  • 20 Oz Baby Spinach
  • 2 Tbsp Butter
  • ½ Yellow Onion Chopped
  • 2 Cloves Garlic Minced
  • ½ Cup Milk
  • ¼ Cup Heavy Cream
  • 4 Oz Cream Cheese
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • ¼ Cup Shredded Parmesan

Equipment Needed

  • Saucepan
  • Dutch Oven or similar
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Chef's Knife
  • Cutting Board

Storage Tips

Fridge: Easy Classic Creamed Spinach can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. To store, place in an airtight container and keep cold. To reheat, microwave until warmed.

Freezer. Creamed spinach can be store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Place in an airtight container before freezing. To reheat, defrost in the microwave until warmed through.

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Creamed Spinach

Creamed Spinach

Michelle Boulé
Creamed Spinach is a classic vegetable side dish that pairs well with most proteins. Easy to make and delicious to eat, it's a classic!
5 from 7 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 25 mins
Total Time 30 mins
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 188 kcal

Equipment

Saucepan
Lodge Dutch Oven
Wooden Spoon
Saute Pan

Ingredients
  

  • 20 Oz Baby Spinach
  • 2 Tbsp Butter
  • ½ Yellow Onion Chopped
  • 2 Cloves Garlic Minced
  • ½ Cup Milk
  • ¼ Cup Heavy Cream
  • 4 Oz Cream Cheese
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • ¼ Cup Shredded Parmesan

Instructions
 

  • Add spinach to a large pot of boiling water for 30 seconds. Remove once wilted and put in ice water. Drain and squeeze out as much excess water as possible (using a cheesecloth is recommended)
  • In a dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened. Add garlic and stir to combine.
  • Add milk, heavy cream and cream cheese and bring to a simmer. Simmer until cream cheese is melted. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • Add spinach and stir to fully combine. Top with shredded parmesan and serve warm. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 188kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 6gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 49mgSodium: 249mgPotassium: 601mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 9444IUVitamin C: 28mgCalcium: 195mgIron: 3mg
Keyword Creamed Spinach

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Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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About Michelle

Hello! I'm Michelle Boulé. I'm a photography nerd, cat mom and all around foodie. Join me in making some of my favorite comfort foods!

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Comments

  1. Traci says

    March 24, 2021 at 11:03 am

    5 stars
    A beautiful classic! Love how easy and versatile this creamed spinach recipe is...thanks for sharing 🙂

    Reply
  2. Mahy says

    March 24, 2021 at 12:14 pm

    5 stars
    I can't believe how easy this creamed spinach recipe is. Following your instructions is a breeze, and so much fun!

    Reply
  3. Biana says

    March 24, 2021 at 12:31 pm

    5 stars
    Looks great! Will be perfect to serve with grilled chicken of beef.

    Reply
  4. Megan Lehr says

    March 24, 2021 at 12:38 pm

    5 stars
    Creamed spinach is one of my favorite dishes, but you really brought it to the next level with the combo of milk, cream, and heavy cream. Perfect ratios for the best flavor.

    Reply
  5. Dionne says

    March 24, 2021 at 1:04 pm

    5 stars
    I just need to buy enough spinach to make this recipe but I am already excited - it looks so good!

    Reply
  6. Kathryn says

    March 24, 2021 at 1:55 pm

    5 stars
    Yummmm I loved creamed spinach and your recipe looks fantastic! Love how you used cream cheese, genius idea! Can't wait to make this over the weekend.

    Reply

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About

About page profile picture

Hello! I'm Michelle Boulé. I'm a photography nerd, cat mom and all around foodie. Join me in making some of my favorite comfort foods!

Recent Posts

  • Baked Eggplant Parmesan
  • Bruschetta Baked Chicken
  • Baked Stuffed Tomatoes
  • Saucy Bacon Tomato Rigatoni
  • BBQ Beer Meatballs

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