Parmesan Creamed Spinach
Creamy Parmesan creamed spinach combines tender spinach with rich cheese and a smooth sauce, perfect as a side dish for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute chopped onion in oil until tender.
- Add thawed and drained spinach and cook until thoroughly heated.
- Melt 2 tablespoons margarine or butter in a saucepan.
- Add flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
- Gradually stir in milk, cooking until the mixture thickens.
- Add Parmesan cheese, spinach mixture, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Serve immediately or place in a greased casserole to reheat later.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or fresh garlic when sautéing the onion. If you're out of Parmesan, Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast can work as substitutes. For a richer taste, you could also mix in cream cheese. Ensure the spinach is well-drained to prevent a watery dish. This recipe can easily be adapted to suit vegetarian recipes by using plant-based margarine.
Serving Suggestions
This Parmesan Creamed Spinach pairs beautifully with roasted meat dishes like Roasted Rock Cornish Hens or grilled chicken. It makes a perfect side for holiday meals or a comforting addition to weeknight dinners. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a simple salad or crusty bread to soak up the creamy goodness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover creamed spinach in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently until heated through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring between each, to avoid overcooking. If it thickens too much, add a splash of milk to loosen it up.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Parmesan Creamed Spinach contains roughly 1841 calories, with 5g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 195g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 678mg per serving (29% 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 1 pound of fresh spinach, which should be cooked down until wilted and then drained. Fresh spinach will provide a bright color and fresh flavor, though it may take a bit longer to prepare than frozen.
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
To prepare this dish ahead, follow the recipe up to step 6, then cool and transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish. Cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
What can I add to enhance the flavor?
You can enhance the flavor by adding sautéed garlic, a pinch of nutmeg, or even a splash of hot sauce for heat. Additionally, mixing in a bit of cream cheese or sour cream can give it a creamier texture and richer flavor, making it even more indulgent.
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).