Oh my goodness, let me tell you about creamed spinach! This dish is like a warm hug on a plate, with its rich, velvety texture and comforting flavor that just makes everything feel a little better. I remember the first time I tried it at my grandma’s house—she served it alongside her famous roast chicken, and it was a total game-changer for me. The way the creaminess complemented the fresh spinach was pure magic! Trust me, once you make this creamed spinach, it’s going to become a staple in your kitchen, not just as a side dish but as a delightful indulgence you’ll crave again and again!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound fresh spinach, washed and trimmed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
These ingredients come together beautifully to create a rich and creamy side dish that you’ll love. Make sure to use fresh spinach for the best flavor! And don’t skimp on the cream—it’s what makes this dish so wonderfully indulgent. Gather these items, and you’ll be ready to whip up some fabulous creamed spinach in no time!
How to Prepare Creamed Spinach
Alright, let’s dive into making this delicious creamed spinach! It’s super simple, but oh-so-satisfying. First, you’ll want to wash and trim your fresh spinach, getting rid of any tough stems. Once that’s done, you’re ready to get cooking! Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. When it’s nice and bubbly, sprinkle in the flour. Whisk that together for about 1-2 minutes until it turns a lovely pale golden color. This step is crucial for thickening your sauce!
Next, gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps—trust me, a smooth sauce is key! Once the milk’s in, add the heavy cream and keep stirring until the mixture thickens, which should take a few minutes. Now, it’s time to season! Stir in the nutmeg, salt, and pepper to really bring those flavors to life. Finally, toss in the spinach and cook until it’s wilted—this won’t take long, just a couple of minutes. Remove it from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until it’s melty and delicious. And there you have it—creamed spinach perfection!
Step-by-step Instructions
- Wash and trim the spinach, removing tough stems.
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add 2 tablespoons of flour, whisking for 1-2 minutes until golden.
- Gradually whisk in 1 cup of whole milk until smooth.
- Pour in 1/2 cup of heavy cream and cook until thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Add the spinach and cook for about 2-3 minutes until wilted.
- Remove from heat and mix in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until melted.
Be sure to whisk the flour well to avoid lumps, and don’t rush the thickening process—it’s worth the wait! You’ll see the magic happen as it transforms into a creamy delight.
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. For each serving of this scrumptious creamed spinach, you can expect approximately 250 calories, 18g of fat, 8g of protein, and 12g of carbohydrates. It’s a delightful indulgence that’s still packed with goodness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and creamy flavor that complements any main dish.
- Quick and easy to prepare, ready in just 25 minutes!
- Uses simple, fresh ingredients that you probably already have on hand.
- Versatile side dish that pairs beautifully with meats, pasta, or even on its own.
- A great way to sneak in some greens—your family won’t even notice!
- Perfect for special occasions or cozy dinners alike.
- Can be made ahead and reheated, making it a lifesaver for busy nights.
Trust me, once you try this creamed spinach, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen that you’ll love to whip up time and time again!
Tips for Success
To ensure your creamed spinach turns out perfectly every time, here are my top tips! First, always use fresh spinach for that vibrant flavor and beautiful color. If you can find baby spinach, even better—it’s so tender! Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning; a pinch more nutmeg or a squeeze of lemon juice can elevate the dish dramatically. If you want to amp up the flavor, consider sautéing some minced garlic in the butter before adding the flour. And remember, the key to a silky sauce is to whisk continuously when adding your liquids—no lumps allowed! Enjoy every creamy bite!
Variations of Creamed Spinach
Let’s get creative with your creamed spinach! One of my favorite twists is to add minced garlic—just sauté it in the butter before whisking in the flour for a fragrant kick. You can also experiment with different cheeses; try adding a bit of cream cheese or even some crumbled feta for a tangy twist. Feeling adventurous? Toss in some sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for an extra layer of flavor. And if you want a touch of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes! The beauty of this dish is how versatile it is—make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have any leftover creamed spinach (which is rare, trust me!), you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s cooled down before sealing it up. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to keep it creamy. You can also add a splash of milk or cream to help loosen it up if it thickens too much. Microwaving is an option too—just cover it and heat in short intervals, stirring in between. Enjoy your delicious leftovers!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve whipped up this luscious creamed spinach, let’s talk about how to serve it! It pairs beautifully with a juicy steak or roasted chicken, making it a fantastic side for any meat lover’s dinner. If you’re in the mood for something lighter, try serving it alongside grilled fish or even a hearty pasta dish—oh, the creaminess just elevates everything! You can also dish it up next to baked potatoes or a simple quinoa salad for a delightful vegetarian meal. The options are endless, and trust me, your taste buds will thank you for it!
Print
Creamed Spinach: 7 Heavenly Tips for Unforgettable Flavor
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamed spinach is a rich and creamy side dish made with fresh spinach and a flavorful sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh spinach
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Wash and trim the spinach.
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the flour and whisk for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously.
- Add the heavy cream and continue to cook until thickened.
- Stir in the nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
- Add the spinach and cook until wilted.
- Remove from heat and mix in the Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Use fresh spinach for the best flavor.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- You can add garlic for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Creamed Spinach, Spinach Recipes, Side Dish