Creamed spinach is the kind of dish that brings a little luxury to your table, whether it’s a holiday feast or a weeknight dinner. Tender spinach is smothered in a rich, velvety sauce, infused with garlic, onion, and just the right amount of creaminess. This recipe is simple to make, but the results are nothing short of decadent.
At its core, this dish is about balance. The fresh, earthy flavor of spinach shines through, enhanced by a creamy base made from butter, cream cheese, and half-and-half. Aromatics like onion and garlic create a savory foundation, while a hint of black pepper adds just enough bite to keep things interesting. For a touch of elegance, you can garnish it with fresh sage, but honestly, it’s perfect just as it is.
The process of making creamed spinach is surprisingly easy. Blanching the spinach helps retain its vibrant green color and tender texture, while also removing any bitterness. The key is to squeeze out as much water as possible from the blanched spinach to avoid a watery final dish. Once the spinach is prepped, it’s folded into a creamy, garlicky sauce that comes together in minutes.
This dish isn’t just flavorful—it’s versatile, too. Pair it with roasted chicken, steak, or even baked salmon for an elegant meal. Want to get creative? Use it as a filling for stuffed mushrooms, a topping for baked potatoes, or even as the base of a spinach dip.
What sets this creamed spinach recipe apart is how it manages to feel indulgent without being overly heavy. It’s a side dish that’s guaranteed to convert even the most reluctant spinach eaters into fans. Easy to prepare, endlessly versatile, and completely delicious, creamed spinach is a must-try recipe that belongs in your rotation. Try it for your next dinner and watch it disappear!
PrintCreamed Spinach
Spinach can be more indulgent than it gets credit for. Combining the bright vibrant greens with a little butter and cheese makes this a great creamed spinach side dish. You can serve it with Turkey Burgers with Guacamole or Ranch Pork Chops, or even just eat it slathered on a hunk of warm French baguette. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and heated up to enjoy throughout the week.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Sides & Sauces
Ingredients
- 4 bunches flat-leaf spinach, trimmed and cleaned
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 onion, minced
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1/2 cup half-and-half
- Fresh sage, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spinach and cook just until wilted, about 1 minute. Drain in a colander. Squeeze the spinach to remove as much liquid as possible, then coarsely chop and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, pepper, and 1 teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens, 3 to 5 minutes.
- Add the cream cheese and half-and-half; cook, stirring, until the cream cheese is melted and smooth. Stir in the spinach and simmer over medium heat until the mixture thickens, 8 to 10 minutes. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh sage, if desired.
If you try this creamed spinach recipe, let me know what you think!