Easy Creamed Spinach Recipe

Creamed spinach is a rich, creamy, and comforting side dish that’s surprisingly easy to make.

With tender spinach leaves coated in a velvety garlic cream sauce, it’s the perfect companion for steak, chicken, or holiday meals.

This easy version takes only a few ingredients and comes together in under 20 minutes.

🌿 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This creamed spinach is smooth, flavorful, and has just the right balance of creaminess and freshness.

It’s made with simple pantry ingredients and delivers a restaurant-quality taste right at home.

🍴 Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh spinach (or 10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and drained)

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

• 1 cup milk or half-and-half

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• Optional: A pinch of nutmeg for extra flavor

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the spinach:
   If using fresh spinach, wash and remove any tough stems. Steam or sauté until wilted, then drain and chop roughly.

2. Make the cream sauce:
   In a medium skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.

3. Add milk:
   Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens.

4. Combine:
   Add the chopped spinach and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the spinach is fully coated and the cheese has melted.

5. Season:
   Add salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg (optional). Stir well and remove from heat.

6. Serve:
   Transfer to a serving bowl and serve warm.

💡 Tips for Perfect Creamed Spinach

• Drain the spinach thoroughly to avoid a watery sauce.

• For extra creaminess, use half-and-half or heavy cream instead of milk.

• Add a touch of cream cheese for a richer texture.

• Sprinkle with a little extra Parmesan before serving for a cheesy finish.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Creamed spinach pairs wonderfully with steak, roast chicken, pork chops, or baked salmon. It’s also a classic side for holiday dinners or creamy casseroles.

🕒 Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring to restore creaminess.

Read More: 20 Thanksgiving vegetable sides make ahead

Easy Creamed Spinach Recipe

This easy version takes only a few ingredients and comes together in under 20 minutes!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb spinach fresh or frozen
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tbsp flour
• 1 cup milk or half-and-half
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method

 

1. Cook spinach until wilted, drain, and chop.
2. Melt butter in a skillet and sauté garlic.
3. Stir in flour, then slowly whisk in milk.
4. Add spinach and Parmesan; stir until creamy.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
6. Serve warm.