Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Absolutely! You'll need about 3 pounds of fresh spinach since it cooks down significantly. Blanch it briefly in boiling water, then plunge into ice water, drain thoroughly, and chop before proceeding with the recipe.

Why is my creamed spinach watery?

The culprit is almost certainly not removing enough moisture from the cooked spinach. After cooking, let it cool slightly, then squeeze, squeeze, and squeeze some more through cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel. This extra effort makes all the difference in the final texture.

Can I make this recipe lighter?

Yes! While it won't have quite the same rich mouthfeel, you can substitute Neufchâtel cheese for cream cheese, use half and half instead of heavy cream, and reduce the mozzarella by half for a lighter version that's still delicious.

What's the purpose of the nutmeg?

Nutmeg has a traditional partnership with creamed greens and adds a subtle warm complexity that enhances the other flavors without being distinctly noticeable. It's optional but highly recommended for that "what makes this so good?" quality.

Best Creamed Spinach Recipe

Name: Best Creamed Spinach Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 (10 oz) bags frozen chopped spinach; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 6 large garlic cloves, minced; 4 oz cream cheese; 1 cup heavy cream, or half and half; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup grated parmesan cheese; ½ teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg, optional; Salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste

This incredibly rich and velvety creamed spinach transforms a humble green vegetable into something absolutely magical. Ready in just 20 minutes, this restaurant-quality side dish combines tender spinach with a luxurious cheese sauce that’s both comforting and elegant. It’s the perfect accompaniment to almost any main course and might just convert even the most stubborn spinach skeptics!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: From start to finish in just 20 minutes – perfect for those nights when you need something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen.
Restaurant Quality at Home: This creamed spinach rivals what you’d find at high-end steakhouses but costs a fraction of the price to make yourself.
Versatile Side Dish: Pairs beautifully with everything from steak to roasted chicken, making it your new go-to side for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Sneaky Way to Eat Greens: Even vegetable hesitant family members will be asking for seconds of this creamy, cheesy creation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Frozen chopped spinach: The foundation of our dish – using frozen saves prep time while still delivering great flavor and nutrition.
Butter: Creates a rich base for sautéing the aromatics and building our sauce.
Yellow onion: Provides a sweet, aromatic foundation that mellows as it cooks.
Garlic: Adds an essential savory depth that complements the earthy spinach perfectly.
Cream cheese: The secret ingredient that creates an unbelievably smooth and thick sauce without any flour or complicated roux.
Heavy cream or half and half: Brings luxurious richness to the sauce – use heavy cream for maximum indulgence or half and half for a slightly lighter version.
Mozzarella cheese: Adds wonderful meltability and a subtle stretchy texture to the finished dish.
Parmesan cheese: Provides a sharp, salty kick that elevates all the other flavors.
Nutmeg: Optional but traditional – it adds a warm, subtle complexity that pairs beautifully with creamed greens.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that bring everything together – don’t be shy with the pepper!

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to customize this classic? Here are some delicious options:

Add protein: Fold in some crispy bacon bits, diced ham, or flaked smoked salmon for a heartier dish.
Spice it up: Mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a pleasant heat.
Go for greens: Substitute half the spinach with blanched kale or Swiss chard for a more complex flavor profile.
Fresh herbs: Stir in chopped fresh herbs like thyme, basil, or dill just before serving.
Mushroom lover’s version: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions for an earthy, umami-rich variation.

How to Make the Best Creamed Spinach

Step 1: Prepare the Spinach

Cook the frozen spinach according to package directions. This is crucial – thoroughly squeeze out excess moisture using cheesecloth, a clean tea towel, or by pressing it against a fine mesh sieve. Set aside the drained spinach.

Step 2: Create the Flavor Base

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter until it sizzles slightly. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant – be careful not to burn it!

Step 3: Build the Cream Sauce

Add the cream cheese to the skillet and stir constantly until it’s completely melted and smooth. Pour in the heavy cream and continue cooking for 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Add the mozzarella, parmesan, optional nutmeg, salt, and pepper, stirring until the cheeses melt completely and the sauce becomes silky.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

Gently fold the drained spinach into the cream sauce, making sure it’s completely coated. Cook for an additional minute to reheat the spinach thoroughly. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve immediately while hot and creamy!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Squeeze that spinach: The most important step is removing excess water from the spinach – this prevents a watery final dish. Squeeze it harder than you think you need to!
Room temperature cream cheese: Take your cream cheese out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking for easier melting and a smoother sauce.
Low and slow cheese melting: Reduce heat when adding the cheeses to prevent separation and ensure a velvety texture.
Grate your own cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy. Fresh-grated melts much better!
Taste as you go: Spinach can vary in flavor, so adjust seasonings to taste before serving.

How to Serve

Creamed spinach is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with many main dishes:

Perfect Pairings:

Serve alongside a juicy grilled steak or prime rib for a classic steakhouse experience
Offer with roasted chicken, turkey, or pork chops for a comforting family dinner
Spoon next to baked salmon or other fish for an elegant seafood meal

Serving Suggestions:

Garnish with a light sprinkle of additional parmesan cheese or a few red pepper flakes
Serve in a warm bowl to help maintain the creamy texture longer
For a special touch, top with toasted panko breadcrumbs or pine nuts for contrasting crunch

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled creamed spinach in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors actually continue to develop, making it even more delicious the next day!

Freezing

This creamed spinach freezes beautifully! Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. If you’re in a hurry, reheat from frozen with a tablespoon of water, heating in one-minute intervals until warm.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently in the microwave for 30 seconds, stir, then another 30 seconds until heated through. Alternatively, warm in a saucepan over medium-low heat for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the sauce seems too thick after refrigeration, add a splash of cream or milk while reheating.

FAQs

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Absolutely! You’ll need about 3 pounds of fresh spinach since it cooks down significantly. Blanch it briefly in boiling water, then plunge into ice water, drain thoroughly, and chop before proceeding with the recipe.
Why is my creamed spinach watery?

The culprit is almost certainly not removing enough moisture from the cooked spinach. After cooking, let it cool slightly, then squeeze, squeeze, and squeeze some more through cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel. This extra effort makes all the difference in the final texture.
Can I make this recipe lighter?

Yes! While it won’t have quite the same rich mouthfeel, you can substitute Neufchâtel cheese for cream cheese, use half and half instead of heavy cream, and reduce the mozzarella by half for a lighter version that’s still delicious.
What’s the purpose of the nutmeg?

Nutmeg has a traditional partnership with creamed greens and adds a subtle warm complexity that enhances the other flavors without being distinctly noticeable. It’s optional but highly recommended for that “what makes this so good?” quality.

Final Thoughts

This creamed spinach recipe might just change your relationship with vegetables forever. Luxuriously rich yet incredibly simple to prepare, it transforms everyday spinach into something truly special. Whether served at a holiday feast or alongside a weeknight dinner, this versatile side dish is bound to become a regular in your cooking rotation. Give it a try – I promise even the spinach skeptics at your table will be reaching for seconds!