5 Delicious Ways to Make Creamed Spinach at Home

Discover the magic of transforming simple spinach into a creamy, delectable side dish that can elevate any meal. In this guide, we'll delve into 5 delicious ways to make creamed spinach at home, complete with tips, variations, and a nod to health-conscious adjustments. Whether you're looking to add a splash of indulgence to your dinner or seeking a comfort food that's also nutritious, creamed spinach can be the star of your dining table.

1. Classic Creamed Spinach

Start with the traditional approach that’s been loved for generations:

• Ingredients:
  • 2 pounds of fresh spinach or frozen spinach
  • 1 cup of heavy cream
  • ¹⁄₂ cup of milk
  • 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¹⁄₄ cup of grated Parmesan cheese
  • Nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Steam or blanch the spinach until wilted, then drain and squeeze out the excess moisture.
  2. Melt butter in a pan, sauté the onions until translucent, then add garlic.
  3. Add the cream and milk, heating gently to combine.
  4. Incorporate the spinach, cheese, and seasonings, stirring until the mixture thickens.

🌟 Note: For a richer taste, opt for fresh spinach instead of frozen, although frozen works if time is limited.

2. Lightened-Up Creamed Spinach

For those watching their diet, here’s a lighter version:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 pound of spinach
  • 1 cup of 2% milk
  • 2 tablespoons of low-fat cream cheese
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  • ¹⁄₄ cup of finely chopped shallots
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, salt, and pepper
• Instructions:
  1. Wilt the spinach in a pot with a splash of water, then squeeze out the moisture.
  2. In a pan, heat olive oil, sauté shallots, and add garlic.
  3. Stir in cream cheese to melt, then slowly whisk in the milk to create a sauce.
  4. Add the spinach, cheese, and seasonings, cook until heated through.

🥗 Note: This method significantly reduces the calorie count while retaining a creamy texture.

3. Spinach au Gratin

Give your creamed spinach a crispy, cheesy top:

• Ingredients:
  • 2 pounds of spinach
  • 1 cup of heavy cream
  • 1 cup of shredded Gruyère cheese
  • 2 tablespoons of butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • ¹⁄₂ cup of breadcrumbs
  • ¹⁄₄ cup of grated Parmesan
  • Seasonings like salt, pepper, and nutmeg
• Instructions:
  1. Prepare the spinach as for the classic recipe.
  2. Mix the cream with cheese, spread over the spinach in a baking dish.
  3. Top with breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan, then dot with butter.
  4. Bake at 350°F until bubbly and the top is golden.

4. Vegan Creamed Spinach

Cater to vegan diets without sacrificing flavor:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 pound of spinach
  • 1 can of full-fat coconut milk
  • 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  • ¹⁄₄ cup of finely diced onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Juice of ¹⁄₂ lemon
  • Salt, pepper, and optional spices like smoked paprika
• Instructions:
  1. Blanch or steam the spinach, then wring out the moisture.
  2. In a pan, heat olive oil, sauté onions and garlic.
  3. Add coconut milk and nutritional yeast to create a creamy base.
  4. Stir in spinach, lemon juice, and seasonings, heat through.

5. Spicy Creamed Spinach

Add a kick to your dish:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 pound of spinach
  • ¹⁄₂ cup of heavy cream or cashew cream for a dairy-free option
  • 2 tablespoons of butter or vegan alternative
  • 1 red chili, finely chopped (or chili flakes)
  • 1 tablespoon of finely chopped ginger
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ¹⁄₄ teaspoon of garam masala
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Prepare the spinach as usual.
  2. In a pan, melt butter, add chili, ginger, and garlic, sauté.
  3. Add cream, spices, and spinach, simmer gently to combine flavors.

By now, you’ve explored five unique ways to make creamed spinach, each with its own flair to suit various tastes and dietary needs. Whether it’s the comforting classic or the bold spicy version, creamed spinach is versatile enough to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Its rich, creamy texture with the subtle bite of spinach is a testament to how simple ingredients can be transformed into extraordinary dishes. Here’s to enjoying this versatile side dish, adapted to your kitchen’s magic and your palate’s delight.

Can I make creamed spinach ahead of time?

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Yes, creamed spinach can be prepared in advance. However, for the best results, reheat it gently on the stove and stir in a splash of cream or milk to refresh its creamy texture.

What are some good variations for creamed spinach?

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Consider adding ingredients like:

• Bacon or pancetta for a meaty texture
• Sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a twist of flavor
• Herbs like dill or basil for freshness

Can creamed spinach be frozen?

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Yes, but the texture might change upon thawing. To freeze, cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers. When reheating, thaw overnight in the fridge and gently warm on the stove, adjusting the creaminess with a bit more cream or milk.