Creamed Spinach
Creamed spinach offers a rich, creamy side with tender wilted spinach infused with nutmeg and allspice. Its velvety texture and savory flavors make it perfect alongside meats or as a vegetarian main. A comforting, flavorful dish that elevates simple greens into a luxurious treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a large saucepan.
- Saute the chopped onion in butter until browned.
- Add washed and drained spinach to the onion and cook, covered, for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Drain the spinach and chop it.
- Return the chopped spinach to the saucepan.
- While the spinach is cooking, work the remaining butter and flour together with a fork.
- When the spinach is cooked, lower the heat and add the butter-flour mixture a little at a time, stirring until smoothly incorporated.
- Add milk and seasonings: nutmeg, allspice, salt, and pepper.
- Reheat gently until hot.
- Use as a garnish with other vegetables or main dishes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, use half-and-half instead of milk. If fresh spinach isn't available, frozen spinach can work in a pinch—just ensure it’s well-drained. To enhance flavors, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or fresh minced garlic while sautéing the onions. This dish can also be made ahead of time and reheated, making it a great addition to your meal prep.
Serving Suggestions
Creamed spinach makes an excellent side dish alongside meats like roast chicken or steak, including the Chicago-Style Steak With Blue Cheese Butter. It also pairs well with vegetarian recipes, serving as a rich accompaniment to dishes like stuffed peppers or pasta. For a festive touch, consider garnishing with toasted pine nuts or serving it alongside a fresh salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the creamed spinach in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it seems too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it up. Avoid microwaving as it can change the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creamed Spinach contains roughly 970 calories, with 14g protein, 108g carbohydrates, and 57g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (119% of the Daily Value), iron (39% of the Daily Value), and protein (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. It also contributes 33g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add cheese to this recipe?
Absolutely! Adding grated Parmesan or cream cheese can enhance the creaminess and flavor. Stir in about half a cup of your favorite cheese after adding the milk for a rich, cheesy variation.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).