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Best Steakhouse Creamed Spinach Recipe– this creamy spinach dish is an absolute knockout alongside your favorite steak or any main course. I leave out the all-purpose flour as a thickener and stick to cream and cheeses for a decadent and great side dish. This creamy, cheesy spinach delight is ready in 20 minutes!
The perfect side dish for Beef Tenderloin, T-Bone Steak, and Mashed Potatoes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Creamed spinach is one of my steakhouse favorites. It’s a classic dish you can easily make at home with fresh ingredients. Ruth Chris Steakhouse or Morton’s Steakhouse are some popular restaurants offering this creamy spinach. I’ll tell you a secret: I like this homemade version of the classic steakhouse dish way better!
This easy creamed spinach is a classic dish and a decadent side to any meal. It’s fancy enough for Christmas dinner and Prime Rib and simple enough for a weeknight meal with simple pork chops!
You will also love my spinach artichoke dip, spinach quiche, and brown sugar glaze!
Table of Contents
Simple Ingredients
The cream sauce is made with quality ingredients and makes all the difference in this delicious steakhouse style creamed spinach recipe.
- Fresh spinach (baby spinach or regular)
- Unsalted butter
- Garlic cloves
- Diced onion
- Heavy cream
- Cream cheese (optional)
- Grated Parmigiano cheese or Parmesan cheese
- Ground nutmeg
- Italian seasoning (optional)
- Salt
- Black pepper
The secret ingredient is a pinch of nutmeg just like we use in my Nonna’s bechamel sauce to make lasagna bolognese!
See the recipe card at the bottom of this post for quantities.
How To Make Creamed Spinach
Blanch Spinach: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Prepare a large bowl with ice water. Add the fresh spinach to the boiling water and blanch for about 1-2 minutes, or until wilted.
Immediately transfer the spinach to the ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain the spinach and squeeze out as much water as possible.
Chop the spinach finely and set aside.
Sauté Onion and Garlic: Melt the butter over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the diced onion, and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
Add Cream Cheese and Cream: Stir in the softened cream cheese and heavy cream. Cook, stirring constantly, until the cream cheese is fully incorporated and the mixture becomes creamy.
Bring to a soft boil on low heat and let thicken for about 8-10 minutes.
Season and Add Spinach: Season the mixture with grated Parmigiano cheese, ground nutmeg, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper to taste.
Add the chopped spinach to the creamy mixture and stir well to combine.
Heat: Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the spinach to heat through and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
Serve: Transfer the creamy spinach to a serving dish and serve hot.
This creamy spinach is a delightful accompaniment to your steak or any other main course. Enjoy!
Substitutions
Substituting ingredients can be a great way to customize recipes based on dietary restrictions, personal preferences, or what you have on hand. Here are some common ingredient substitutions for creamed spinach:
- Heavy Cream: If you want to reduce the fat content, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free option, use coconut milk or a non-dairy milk like almond or soy milk.
- Cream Cheese: Cream cheese can be replaced with Greek yogurt, sour cream, or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for a lighter or vegan option.
- Parmesan Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano: Swap Parmesan cheese with Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a similar flavor. For a vegan version, use nutritional yeast or a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.
- Butter: Use olive oil, coconut oil, or vegan butter as a butter substitute for sautéing onions and garlic.
- Fresh Spinach: If fresh spinach isn’t available or you prefer a quicker option, you can use frozen spinach. Be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before you cook the spinach.
- Nutmeg: Nutmeg can be omitted if you don’t have it on hand or prefer a different flavor profile. You can experiment with other spices like smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or dried herbs.
- Onion and Garlic: If you want a milder flavor or have dietary restrictions, you can omit these ingredients or use onion and garlic powder for a more subtle taste.
- Italian Seasoning: Create your own custom seasoning blend using herbs like basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary for a unique flavor profile.
Variations
Creamed spinach is a versatile dish with several ways to add your own twist. Here are some recipe variations to consider:
- Bacon and Onion Creamed Spinach: Add crispy bacon bits and caramelized onions to your creamy spinach for a savory and smoky flavor boost.
- Mushroom Creamed Spinach: Sauté sliced mushrooms in butter until they’re golden brown, then stir them into your creamed spinach for an earthy and hearty variation.
- Three-Cheese Creamed Spinach: Besides Parmesan, mix in shredded Gruyère and mozzarella for a triple-cheese delight that’s extra gooey and delicious.
- Spicy Creamed Spinach: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give your creamed spinach a little kick.
- Spinach and Artichoke Dip Style: Incorporate chopped artichoke hearts and a bit of minced garlic for a creamy spinach reminiscent of the popular spinach and artichoke dip.
- Vegan Creamed Spinach: Substitute dairy products with non-dairy alternatives like coconut cream, almond milk, and vegan cream cheese for a plant-based version.
- Herbed Creamed Spinach: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives to infuse your creamed spinach with aromatic flavors.
- Spinach and Feta Creamed Spinach: Crumble in some feta cheese for a tangy and savory twist on the classic creamed spinach.
- Cajun Creamed Spinach: Season your creamy spinach with Cajun spices or Creole seasoning for a zesty and bold flavor profile.
- Lemon Zest Creamed Spinach: Freshen up your dish by adding a touch of lemon zest and a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright and citrusy variation.
- Healthy Creamed Spinach: Use Greek yogurt or low-fat cream cheese instead of heavy cream for a lighter, healthier option.
FAQ
Ultimately, the choice between fresh and frozen spinach depends on your preference and what’s available to you. Fresh baby spinach is often favored for its mild flavor and ease of use, while frozen spinach can be a practical choice for busy cooks. Both options can result in a creamy and delicious creamed spinach dish.
Fresh Spinach: Baby spinach: Baby spinach is tender and has a milder flavor, making it a popular choice for creamed spinach. It’s readily available in most grocery stores and requires minimal prep as you can use the whole leaves.
Regular spinach: Regular or mature spinach can also be used. If using mature spinach, make sure to remove the tough stems before cooking. This type of spinach may have a slightly stronger flavor and can require a bit more chopping.
Frozen Spinach: Frozen spinach is a convenient option, especially when fresh spinach is not readily available or when you want to save time. It’s typically pre-chopped and blanched, so it’s easy to work with.
To use frozen spinach, thaw it completely and drain it thoroughly to remove excess moisture. Squeeze out any excess water to prevent your creamed spinach from becoming too watery.
Yes, you can use frozen spinach as a convenient alternative to fresh spinach. Be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before using. Squeeze out excess moisture to prevent your creamed spinach from becoming too watery.
You can prepare creamed spinach a day in advance. After making it, let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to serve, reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Leftover creamed spinach can be used in various ways. You can mix it into scrambled eggs or an omelette, use it as a filling for stuffed chicken breasts or mushrooms, or serve it as a dip for bread or crackers.
If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out by adding a bit more cream or milk. Conversely, if it’s too thin, you can thicken it by simmering it for a few extra minutes or adding a small amount of grated Parmesan cheese.
Top Tips
- Use Fresh Spinach: Whenever possible, opt for fresh spinach over frozen. It has a better texture and flavor. However, frozen spinach can be a convenient substitute if you’re short on time.
- Thoroughly Wash Fresh Spinach: If using fresh spinach, wash it thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit. After washing, be sure to drain and dry it well.
- Chop Spinach Finely: To ensure a uniform texture in your creamed spinach, chop the spinach finely after blanching or washing.
- Don’t Overcook: Be careful not to overcook the spinach when blanching or sautéing. It should be wilted but still vibrant green.
- Season Well: Season the creamed spinach generously with salt and black pepper. The seasoning is crucial to enhance the flavors.
- Experiment with Cheese: While Parmesan is traditional, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère, Asiago, or Pecorino Romano for unique flavor profiles.
- Adjust Creaminess: You can adjust the creaminess of your dish by adding more or less cream or milk to achieve your desired consistency.
- Customize with Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme, chives, or rosemary can add a burst of freshness and aroma to your creamed spinach. Sprinkle them on top just before serving.
- Add a Pinch of Nutmeg: A small amount of ground nutmeg adds a subtle warmth and depth of flavor to your creamed spinach. Be cautious not to overdo it, as nutmeg can quickly overpower the dish.
- Avoid Grainy Texture: To avoid a grainy texture in your creamed spinach, ensure that your cheese is fully melted into the cream sauce.
Storage
- Refrigeration: Allow the creamed spinach to cool to room temperature before storing. Once it has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container or a sealable plastic bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Refrigerate: Place the container in the refrigerator. Creamed spinach can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Reheat Properly: When ready to enjoy the leftover creamed spinach, reheat it on the stovetop or microwave until heated. Be sure to stir it occasionally to ensure even heating.
- I don’t recommend freezing this recipe.
More Recipes
What To Serve with This Recipe
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Easy Creamed Spinach Recipe:
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Creamed Spinach Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
Best Steakhouse Creamed Spinach Recipe (Easy)– this creamy spinach dish is an absolute knockout alongside your favorite steak or any main course. I leave out the all-purpose flour as a thickener and stick to cream and cheeses for a decadent, low-carb, and great side dish. This creamy, cheesy spinach delight is ready in 20 minutes!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds fresh spinach, washed and stemmed (or frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmigiano cheese (parmesan cheese)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Blanch Spinach: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Prepare a large bowl with ice water. Add the fresh spinach to the boiling water and blanch for about 1-2 minutes, or until wilted. Immediately transfer the spinach to the ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain the spinach and squeeze out as much water as possible. Chop the spinach finely and set aside.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Melt the butter over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the diced onion, and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add Cream Cheese and Cream: Stir in the softened cream cheese and heavy cream. Cook, stirring constantly, until the cream cheese is fully incorporated and the mixture becomes creamy. Bring to a soft boil on low heat and let thicken for about 8-10 minutes.
- Season and Add Spinach: Season the mixture with grated Parmigiano cheese, ground nutmeg, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to taste. Add the chopped spinach to the creamy mixture and stir well to combine.
- Heat: Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the spinach to heat through and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
- Serve: Transfer the creamy spinach to a serving dish and serve hot.
This creamy spinach is a delightful accompaniment to your steak or any other main course. Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Savory
- Method: American
- Cuisine: American
This was hands down the best creamed spinach recipe I have ever made. Husband and kid approved.
Yes! My kids love this one too and it is so easy to make 🙂
The best! I love that it is made without flour or cornstarch!