This Best Creamed Spinach recipe is the ultimate comfort food. With tender spinach and a rich, creamy sauce, it’s the perfect side dish to serve with any meal!
If you’re craving a comforting and flavorful side dish, look no further than Best Creamed Spinach! This easy recipe is packed with creamy goodness, making it the perfect complement to any dinner. Whether you’re serving it for the holidays or a weeknight meal, this creamed spinach will surely be a hit with everyone at the table.
Ingredients
To make the Best Creamed Spinach, you’ll need:
- 1 lb fresh spinach, washed and trimmed (or 2 cups frozen spinach)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
How to Make Best Creamed Spinach
Step 1: Prepare the Spinach
- If using fresh spinach, wash thoroughly and trim off the stems. You can also chop it roughly if preferred.
- If you’re using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw and drain it well to remove excess water.
Step 2: Cook the Spinach
- Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the spinach (either fresh or thawed frozen) and cook, stirring occasionally, until the spinach wilts down and softens, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce
- Reduce the heat to low and add heavy cream and milk to the skillet with the spinach.
- Stir in the nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
- Continue stirring and cook for about 2-3 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
- Add the cream cheese and Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring until fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.
- For extra creaminess, add the shredded mozzarella cheese and stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce becomes thick and creamy.
Step 5: Serve
- Taste the creamed spinach and adjust the seasoning with extra salt or pepper if needed.
- Serve immediately as a delicious side dish with your favorite main course.
Tips for the Best Creamed Spinach
- For extra flavor, sauté the garlic until golden before adding the spinach.
- Adjust the consistency by adding more milk for a thinner sauce or more cheese for extra creaminess.
- Fresh vs. Frozen Spinach: Fresh spinach will cook down significantly, so you may need more than you think. Frozen spinach is a great option when fresh isn’t available, but make sure to drain it well.
- Make it ahead: This recipe can be made ahead and reheated. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove.
This Best Creamed Spinach is the perfect combination of creamy, savory, and slightly tangy flavors. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a rich and comforting side dish that will make any meal extra special. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or just making a weeknight meal a bit more indulgent, this easy recipe will quickly become a favorite.