Creamy Spinach
Creamy Spinach features tender spinach blended with cream cheese, butter, and savory herbs, making a rich side dish perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the spinach according to package directions.
- Drain and squeeze dry the cooked spinach.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, 1/8 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon pepper, and ground sage.
- Add the drained spinach and mix well.
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter and stir into the spinach mixture.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
- Sprinkle the soft breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
- Drizzle the remaining melted butter over the breadcrumbs.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Optional: Garnish with sliced hard-cooked egg before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of milk or sour cream to the spinach mixture. If you don't have cream cheese, ricotta or cottage cheese can work as substitutes. To enhance the flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or garlic powder. This dish is also versatile; you can incorporate other vegetables like sautéed mushrooms or artichokes.
Serving Suggestions
Creamy spinach is a delightful side dish that pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or grilled fish. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or with a slice of crusty bread. For a complete meal, consider incorporating this dish into a vegetarian spread that includes other favorites like Lemon Cookies Baked In A Waffle or a hearty Kentucky Fruit Cake for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the creamy spinach in a covered baking dish and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring frequently, to retain its creamy texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creamy Spinach contains roughly 203 calories, with 6g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (56% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (51% of the Daily Value), and calcium (47% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1864mg per serving (81% of the Daily Value).
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 use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach. You'll need about 10-12 ounces of fresh spinach. Sauté it in a pan until wilted, then drain and squeeze out the excess moisture before adding it to the mixture.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the creamy spinach mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just add the breadcrumbs and butter before baking when you're ready to serve.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative, such as cashew cream or a non-dairy cream cheese. Use olive oil or a plant-based butter substitute in place of regular butter for a fully dairy-free version.
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).