Description
This classic creamed spinach recipe combines tender spinach with a rich, creamy sauce made from butter, onion, garlic, heavy cream, cream cheese, and parmesan. It’s a simple yet indulgent side dish perfect for any meal, offering a luscious texture and savory flavor enhanced by a touch of nutmeg and freshly ground salt and pepper.
Ingredients
Spinach
- 1 pound frozen chopped spinach or 2 pounds fresh spinach (see notes)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese (1/2 block Philadelphia), softened
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Spinach: If using frozen spinach, thaw thoroughly and squeeze out excess water. For fresh spinach, bring a pot of water to a boil, add spinach, and cook for about 1 minute. Drain, rinse under cold water, and squeeze out excess moisture. Chop if desired.
- Sauté Onion and Butter: In a pot over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the chopped onion until it is lightly browned, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Cream Mixture: Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in minced garlic. Then add heavy cream, softened cream cheese, parmesan cheese, and a pinch of nutmeg. Continuously stir the mixture to help the cream cheese melt and to thicken the sauce, which should take a few minutes.
- Combine Spinach and Sauce: Stir the prepared spinach into the sauce and cook until heated through. Adjust the consistency by adding a splash more cream if it’s too thick or cooking a few more minutes to reduce if too watery.
- Season and Serve: Taste and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve warm as a rich and creamy side dish.
Notes
- For best texture, ensure all excess water is squeezed from the spinach to prevent watery creamed spinach.
- You can use either frozen or fresh spinach depending on availability; fresh spinach requires blanching to soften.
- The pinch of nutmeg enhances the flavor but is optional.
