If you’re looking for the ultimate comforting side dish that feels restaurant-worthy but takes minimal effort, this Easy Creamed Spinach is exactly what you need. Velvety smooth, rich with cream and Parmesan, and perfectly seasoned with garlic, this classic dish transforms simple spinach into something indulgent and irresistible.

Whether you’re serving steak, roasted chicken, salmon, or a holiday roast, creamed spinach adds a luxurious, savory element to your plate. Best of all? It’s ready in about 20 minutes with just a handful of ingredients.

Let’s break down everything you need to know to make the best homemade creamed spinach.

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Why You’ll Love This Easy Creamed Spinach

• Ready in 20 minutes
• Uses simple pantry ingredients
• Perfect steakhouse-style side dish
• Creamy without being overly heavy
• Easy to make ahead
• Naturally low-carb and keto-friendly

This recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

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What Is Creamed Spinach?

Creamed spinach is a classic side dish made by cooking spinach and folding it into a creamy béchamel-style sauce made from butter, cream, and cheese. It’s popular in steakhouses and holiday dinners because it pairs beautifully with rich meats.

The key to exceptional creamed spinach is balance:

• Creamy but not soupy
• Rich but not greasy
• Well-seasoned but not overpowering

This recipe nails that balance.

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Ingredients for Easy Creamed Spinach

Main Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons cream cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch of nutmeg (optional but traditional)
• 16 oz fresh spinach (or 10 oz frozen, thawed and drained)

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Fresh vs. Frozen Spinach

Both options work well.

Fresh Spinach

• Brighter flavor
• Slightly better texture
• Requires wilting down

Frozen Spinach

• Convenient
• Budget-friendly
• Must be fully drained

If using frozen spinach, squeeze out as much moisture as possible to prevent watery sauce.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté Garlic

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter.

Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

Do not brown the garlic.

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Step 2: Add Spinach

If using fresh spinach:
Add in batches and stir until wilted (about 3–5 minutes).

If using frozen spinach:
Add drained spinach directly and heat through.

Cook until excess moisture evaporates.

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Step 3: Make the Creamy Base

Lower heat to medium-low.

Add:

• Cream cheese
• Heavy cream

Stir until cream cheese melts and sauce becomes smooth.

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Step 4: Add Cheese & Seasoning

Stir in:

• Parmesan
• Salt
• Pepper
• Nutmeg (optional)

Simmer gently for 3–5 minutes until thick and creamy.

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Step 5: Adjust Consistency

If too thick:
Add splash of cream or milk.

If too thin:
Simmer a few more minutes uncovered.

Serve warm.

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What Makes This the Best Creamed Spinach?

✔ Cream cheese adds body
✔ Parmesan deepens flavor
✔ Nutmeg enhances richness
✔ Garlic adds savory warmth
✔ Proper moisture control prevents watery texture

The result is silky, creamy, and perfectly balanced.

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Pro Tips for Perfect Creamed Spinach

1. Remove Excess Water

Spinach holds a lot of moisture. Squeeze frozen spinach thoroughly.

2. Simmer Gently

Boiling can cause separation.

3. Use Freshly Grated Parmesan

It melts better and tastes superior.

4. Season Gradually

Spinach reduces significantly — taste before adding extra salt.

5. Don’t Skip Nutmeg

A tiny pinch enhances the cream sauce dramatically.

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Variations & Customizations

1. Steakhouse-Style Creamed Spinach

Add:

• 1 tablespoon flour after butter (to make roux)
• Extra Parmesan
• Splash of white wine

2. Lightened Version

• Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream
• Reduce cream cheese slightly

3. Extra Cheesy

Add:

• Mozzarella
• Gruyère
• Fontina

4. Spicy Kick

Add:

• Red pepper flakes
• Dash of cayenne

5. Garlic Lovers

Double the garlic for stronger flavor.

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What to Serve with Creamed Spinach

Creamed spinach pairs beautifully with:

• Ribeye steak
• Grilled chicken
• Roast turkey
• Baked salmon
• Lamb chops
• Prime rib

It’s also perfect for holiday meals like Thanksgiving or Christmas.

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Can You Make Creamed Spinach Ahead?

Yes!

Make Ahead:

Prepare fully and refrigerate up to 3 days.

Reheat:

Warm gently on stovetop.
Add splash of cream to loosen sauce.

Freezing:

Not ideal — cream sauces may separate.

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Nutritional Overview

Creamed spinach is:

• Low in carbs
• High in iron
• Rich in vitamin K
• Contains calcium from cheese
• Keto-friendly

For a lighter option, reduce cream and cheese quantities slightly.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not draining spinach well
• Overcooking garlic
• Boiling the cream
• Overseasoning before reduction
• Adding too much nutmeg

Keep flavors balanced and gentle.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes, but sauce will be thinner. Add 1 teaspoon cornstarch if needed.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Use:

• Coconut cream
• Dairy-free cream cheese
• Nutritional yeast

Can I add onions?

Yes — sauté finely diced onions before garlic.

Why is my creamed spinach watery?

Spinach wasn’t drained properly or sauce wasn’t reduced enough.

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How to Elevate This Dish

For restaurant presentation:

• Garnish with cracked black pepper
• Sprinkle extra Parmesan
• Add fresh thyme leaves
• Serve in a small cast iron skillet

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Make It a Casserole

Turn this into a baked version:

1. Transfer to baking dish
2. Top with mozzarella
3. Bake at 375°F for 15 minutes
4. Broil until golden

Perfect for holidays.

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Why Creamed Spinach Is So Popular

It works because:

• Cream balances spinach bitterness
• Garlic enhances depth
• Cheese adds umami
• Texture is smooth and comforting

It’s simple but luxurious.

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Storage & Meal Prep Tips

• Store in airtight container
• Refrigerate up to 3–4 days
• Stir before reheating
• Add splash of cream if thick

Great for weekly meal prep sides.

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Final Thoughts

This Easy Creamed Spinach is rich, creamy, and incredibly satisfying while remaining simple to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a steakhouse-quality side dish right at home.

It’s versatile, comforting, and perfect for both weeknight dinners and holiday feasts.

Once you try homemade creamed spinach, you’ll never go back to canned versions again.

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