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    Home » Appetizers & Sides

    Creamed Spinach (with Frozen or Fresh Spinach!)

    Published: Jan 2, 2020 / Updated: Aug 16, 2021 / 30 Comments

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my affiliate disclosure for more details.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This creamed spinach recipe is a decadent and comforting side dish that's perfect with steaks, roasts, or even fish! It comes together fast and tastes restaurant quality.

    easy creamed spinach close-up
    creamed spinach using fresh spinach

    This classic creamed spinach is made with cream cheese, heavy cream, butter, parmesan cheese, onion, garlic, and a pinch of nutmeg. So, all the good stuff, basically. 😉

    It also fits well into a low-carb/keto diet if you're into that or know someone who is. It's perfect for special occasions/entertaining... or any occasion. 

    You may also like my Sautéed Spinach with Bacon for an easy side dish.

    Do I use fresh or frozen spinach?

    If you prefer your spinach leaves more intact, go with fresh spinach. The frozen spinach makes more of a purée. Either fresh or frozen is delicious, though.

    How to thaw frozen spinach

    Add spinach to a colander/sieve and run lukewarm water over it. Once it's thawed, use your hands to squeeze out the excess water. If I'm in a rush, I just add the spinach to a bowl and microwave it for a few minutes (checking on it regularly) to thaw it, and then I'll add it to the colander, rinse it with cool water, and proceed to squeeze the water out with my hands.

    fresh blanched spinach in a colander

    How to prepare fresh spinach

    Boil a large pot of water and cook the spinach for 1-2 minutes. Drain it into a colander, rinse it with cool water, and squeeze it out. This step makes it much easier to work with the spinach since there's so much bulk/volume before it cooks down.

    How to make creamed spinach (overview):

    Prep your spinach (thaw frozen or blanch fresh spinach). In a medium saucepan, sauté the onion until lightly browned/ Add in the sauce ingredients (garlic, cream, cream cheese, parmesan, nutmeg) and stir until the cream cheese is incorporated and the sauce is somewhat thickened. Stir in the spinach and let it warm through. Season with salt & pepper as needed. (Full ingredients and instructions are in the recipe card below)

    Love spinach? Try my Parmesan, Mushroom, and Spinach Gnocchi Soup, this Spinach Artichoke Chicken, or my Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta.

    creamy spinach in a serving bowl with a gold serving spoon

    Recipe notes, tips, & troubleshooting:

    • This recipe works best if the cream cheese is softened, so take it out of your fridge 30+ minutes prior to starting the recipe (or you can microwave it if you forget). 
    • The sauce thickness will vary based on a couple of things: 1) how well you squeeze the water out of the spinach and 2) how quickly you're able to melt the cream cheese into the sauce. This isn't a problem, though, because it's easy to adjust the sauce to your liking in any scenario so you will think it's the best creamed spinach. If, once the spinach is added, the sauce seems too dry, add a splash more cream. If the sauce isn't reduced enough, cook it for a few more minutes. Creamed spinach can vary a lot... it's personal preference if you want a thicker or thinner cream sauce.
    • If you want this creamed spinach to be even more rich and cheesy, try adding in some shredded mozzarella as well. I don't find it necessary for this recipe, but I know some steakhouses add it. 
    • Feel free to leave the nutmeg out if you don't have any.

    More side dishes you'll love:

    • Maple Roasted Beets and Carrots
    • Easy Roasted Baby Bok Choy
    • Simple Sautéed Cabbage
    • Easy Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Recipe
    • Easy Roasted Green Beans

    bowl of the BEST creamed spinach

    Did you make this easy creamed spinach recipe? I'd love it if you left me a comment below! 

    Questions? Feel free to ask. As always, tag me on Instagram if you've made one of my recipes. 🙂

    easy creamed spinach close-up

    Creamed Spinach Recipe

    This creamed spinach recipe is a decadent and comforting side dish that's perfect with steaks, roasts, or even fish! It comes together fast and tastes restaurant quality.
    4.91 from 10 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 15 mins
    Total Time 25 mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Servings 6
    Calories 300 kcal
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients
     

    • 1 pound frozen chopped spinach or 2 pounds fresh see notes
    • 2 tablespoons butter
    • 1/2 medium onion chopped
    • 2 cloves garlic minced
    • 3/4 cup heavy/whipping cream
    • 4 ounces cream cheese (1/2 block Philly) softened
    • 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
    • Pinch nutmeg
    • Salt & pepper to taste

    Instructions
     

    • Frozen spinach: Thaw the spinach under running water (or try microwaving it for a few minutes to speed up the process), then squeeze out as much of the excess water as you can. Fresh spinach: Boil a pot of water. Add the spinach and cook for about 1 minute. Drain it and rinse it under cool water. Squeeze out excess water. Chop if desired.
    • In a medium saucepan, sauté the butter and onion over medium heat until it's lightly browned (about 5-7 minutes).
    • Reduce heat (I keep it on medium-low for this step, but you can increase heat as needed). Stir in the garlic, followed by the heavy cream, cream cheese, parmesan, and nutmeg. It will take a few minutes for the cream cheese to melt in, especially if the cream cheese is cold. I break it up with my spoon/stir it continuously. The sauce should thicken up as it cooks.
    • Stir in the spinach and let it heat through. If you want more liquid, add in a splash more cream. If there's too much liquid, you may need to cook the spinach for a few more minutes to reduce the sauce to your liking.
    • Season with salt & pepper as needed (I am pretty generous with both).

    Notes

    • It seems to vary as to what size frozen spinach packages come in, so anything from about 16 ounces (1 pound) to around 20 ounces (you'll sometimes see 10 ounce packages, so use two of these) will work for this recipe.
    • Yes, two pounds of fresh spinach looks like a LOT, but it shrinks down a ton when it's cooked. If you'd prefer to use only one pound of fresh spinach, use 1/2 cup heavy cream, and you may need to cook it for a little longer if you want the sauce to thicken up the same way. 
    • If you forget to take the cream cheese out of the fridge to soften, you can microwave it (try 20-30 sec., but microwaves vary so keep an eye on it). 
    • Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy only and should be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and Salt & Lavender makes no guarantees to the accuracy of this information.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 11gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 86mgSodium: 417mgPotassium: 344mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 9817IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 324mgIron: 2mg
    Keyword creamed spinach recipe, creamy spinach
    Author Natasha Bull
    « S&L 2019 Year in Review
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    1. Jill Hancock says

      January 1, 2022 at 4:44 PM

      My husband usually does spinach out of a can with eggs, oil,etc.. I made this tonite with fresh spinach and he loved it! We will be doing this again and again!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        January 1, 2022 at 5:04 PM

        Wonderful!! I'm thrilled he enjoyed it, Jill!

        Reply
    2. Elaine H. says

      December 26, 2021 at 10:30 AM

      5 stars
      I made this for Christmas dinner, it is really delicious! A new favorite. Thank you for the great recipe!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        December 26, 2021 at 12:39 PM

        Fantastic!! You're very welcome, Elaine! 🙂

        Reply
    3. Nicole says

      October 13, 2021 at 5:57 PM

      5 stars
      My 13 year old daughter made this from ingredients we had in the fridge and it was so simple and easy and tasted delicious. We added a little mozzarella, kept the temp lower once combined, and served on toasted sourdough <3

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        October 13, 2021 at 8:56 PM

        That's awesome!!! I'm so happy you two enjoyed it. 😀

        Reply
    4. Elizabeth says

      July 17, 2021 at 2:25 PM

      Could I use half & half instead of heavy cream?

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        July 17, 2021 at 3:39 PM

        Hi! You could try. It may take longer to reduce/thicken, though.

        Reply
    5. KARLA JOHNSON says

      May 27, 2021 at 2:36 PM

      5 stars
      Outstanding! I followed everything exactly and this was just knock your socks off good!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        May 27, 2021 at 2:38 PM

        I'm thrilled to hear that, Karla!! Thank you for taking the time to write me a review! 😀

        Reply
    6. Tracy F says

      February 14, 2021 at 8:19 PM

      5 stars
      This was such and easy recipe to follow and omg, it was delicious! I think I almost loved it more than my steak.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        February 14, 2021 at 8:51 PM

        Wow I'm thrilled to hear that!! Thank you! 🙂

        Reply
    7. Pam says

      February 2, 2021 at 8:23 PM

      Delicious

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        February 3, 2021 at 9:32 AM

        🙂

        Reply
    8. Lisa Creuzer says

      January 22, 2021 at 7:59 PM

      5 stars
      Yummy.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        January 23, 2021 at 9:40 AM

        Thank you!

        Reply
    9. Tim says

      November 15, 2020 at 1:05 PM

      Would you recommend freezing half for later?
      Maybe in a casserole dish?

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 15, 2020 at 4:21 PM

        I think freezing half would be ok. Just re-warm on a low heat. I'd just make sure whatever container you use it's sealed tightly.

        Reply
    10. Tamara says

      July 13, 2020 at 3:27 PM

      4 stars
      Delicious! Taste like Carnival Cruise Line Creamed spinach! Thx for sharing!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        July 13, 2020 at 5:05 PM

        Awesome! I'm never been on a cruise, but that sounds like a compliment to me haha. 🙂

        Reply
    11. Katy says

      May 19, 2020 at 5:15 PM

      5 stars
      Last minute find and a huge hit with the whole family! Great, easy recipe

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        May 20, 2020 at 8:12 AM

        Wonderful!! So happy you all enjoyed it, Katy! 🙂

        Reply
    12. Lori Gray says

      April 11, 2020 at 3:52 PM

      5 stars
      Just made this for my dinner side dish. Sooo easy and tastes great , it’s a keeper.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        April 11, 2020 at 6:42 PM

        Wonderful! Thanks for letting me know!

        Reply
    13. Linette says

      April 7, 2020 at 6:40 AM

      This looks great! I am going to add sausage and stuff a butternut squash with it for dinnet.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        April 7, 2020 at 1:33 PM

        Oooh good idea!

        Reply
    14. Sarah White says

      January 15, 2020 at 10:25 AM

      5 stars
      BEST and easiest creamed spinach recipe!! Absolutely delicious. Thank you!!!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        January 15, 2020 at 10:27 AM

        So glad you enjoyed it, Sarah!! Thanks so much for letting me know. 😀

        Reply
    15. Kim says

      January 8, 2020 at 9:25 AM

      5 stars
      Absolutely delicious. Been searching for a recipe that isn’t gummy, this is it! So flavorful and perfect texture.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        January 8, 2020 at 9:45 AM

        Oh I am so happy to hear that, Kim!! I tested this recipe probably about 5x (or maybe even more), so I am very happy you enjoyed it! Thanks for leaving me a comment.

        Reply

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    Natasha Bull, founder and author of Salt & Lavender, in the kitchen

    Hi! I'm Natasha. Salt & Lavender is a recipe blog with a focus on delicious comfort food using everyday ingredients. Beat the weekday grind with hundreds of easy-to-follow and hassle-free recipes!  Read more...

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