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Easy Creamed Spinach Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 54 reviews

A velvety and flavorful Easy Creamed Spinach recipe that combines tender baby spinach with a rich, buttery cream sauce infused with garlic and onions, finished with a hint of nutmeg and parmesan cheese. Perfect as a comforting side dish for any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Spinach

  • 16 ounces baby spinach leaves (washed and dried)

Cream Sauce

  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter (divided)
  • 1 onion (chopped)
  • 3 cloves garlic (finely chopped or minced)
  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup milk (or half and half)
  • 1 pinch ground nutmeg (optional)
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper (to taste)

To Serve

  • 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese (grated)

Instructions

  1. Make the Roux and Cook Onions: Melt 1/4 cup of butter in a medium-sized pot over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for a couple of minutes until it turns light golden to create a roux. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 2 to 3 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Prepare the White Sauce: Slowly pour in the milk (or half and half) while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to whisk and cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper if using. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add another 1/4 cup of milk, whisking to achieve desired consistency.
  3. Wilt the Spinach: In a separate pan, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Add the spinach in batches, allowing each batch to wilt before adding the next. If the pan becomes too dry, add a small spoonful of water. Alternatively, blanch the spinach by cooking it in boiling water for one minute, then immediately transfer to an ice water bath to stop cooking. Squeeze out any excess water and set aside.
  4. Combine Spinach and Sauce: Season the cream sauce again with salt, pepper, nutmeg, and cayenne if needed. Gently stir the wilted spinach into the creamy sauce until well combined.
  5. Serve: Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the creamed spinach. Serve immediately while warm for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • To reduce calories, use low-fat milk instead of half and half.
  • For a stronger flavor, try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes instead of cayenne.
  • Make sure to squeeze the spinach well after blanching to avoid a watery cream sauce.
  • This recipe can be made ahead and reheated gently over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Keywords: creamed spinach, easy side dish, spinach recipe, creamy spinach, buttery spinach, parmesan spinach

Find it online: https://lucabites.com/easy-creamed-spinach-recipe/