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This Cheesy Creamed Spinach recipe is a vegetable side dish that’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner and special enough to be a holiday side. Made with fresh baby spinach, creamy half and half, sweet onion, savory garlic, and two kinds of cheese, this comforting dish is packed with flavor and sure to be a new favorite way to enjoy spinach, which is often the villain of vegetables!
Easy Creamed Spinach Recipe
This is not your Nana’s spinach! My rich, creamy, cheesy spinach recipe is so different from the stuff I refused to eat as a kid. It’s really delicious.
Whether you’re serving it alongside a juicy steak, roast chicken, or a holiday ham, this cheesy creamed spinach recipe is the perfect complement to any main course.
What’s Great About Cheesy Creamed Spinach
• Fast & Easy – Ready in ~30 minutes.
• Super Creamy & Cheesy – Creamy half and half, melty provolone and nutty parmesan make this dish rich and flavorful.
• Perfect for Holidays or Everyday – Great for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, or a nice dinner at home.
• Use Fresh or Frozen Spinach – Use what you have on hand. Both options work beautifully in this recipe.
• GF As-Is – This recipe is naturally gluten-free. So if you need that option, you are all set!
What Does Creamed Spinach Taste Like?
Well, it’s really good, but here’s how I’d describe it:
- Creamed spinach is rich and savory. The creamy sauce pairs perfectly with the earthy flavor of spinach, while the cheese adds depth and a bit of salty sharpness.
- The flavor profile of this spinach side dish is a little more garlic-forward (not to sound too fancy). I usually use 3 or 4 cloves of garlic because we love it.
- However, if you would prefer a milder version, cut it back to just 1 clove. You’ll still get delicious flavor without it being too strong.
Ingredients in Creamed Spinach
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Fresh Baby Spinach – You’ll need 16-ounces. It wilts down a lot, so don’t be surprised by the volume.
- Unsalted Butter – Adds flavor and richness, and helps sauté the onion and garlic.
- Sweet Onion – A 2-ounce portion (about ¼ cup minced) adds a subtle sweetness.
- Minced Garlic – For bold, savory flavor.
- Half and Half – Or use heavy cream for an extra-decadent version.
- Provolone Cheese – Melts beautifully and adds that creamy, cheesy texture.
- Parmesan Cheese – Brings a salty, nutty finish.
- Kosher Salt & Black Pepper – Simple seasonings that bring it all together.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
Here are some easy swaps and creative twists you can try:
- Spinach: Frozen spinach works too—just thaw and press out all the moisture. Use about 10 ounces.
- Half and Half: You can substitute with heavy cream for extra richness, or whole milk for a lighter version.
- Provolone Cheese: Try cream cheese, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, white cheddar, fontina, or Gruyère for a different cheesy flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese: Swap in Romano or Asiago if that’s what you have on hand.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a little kick.
- Ultra Creamy Option: Stir in a spoonful of cream cheese along with the provolone.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based butter, a rich non-dairy milk like oat or cashew, and dairy-free cheese shreds.
How to Make Creamed Spinach Healthier
This dish is naturally low in carbs and packed with leafy greens, but you can lighten it up even more if you’d like. Here are a few simple tweaks:
- Use whole milk – instead of half and half, or do a 50/50 mix.
- Cut back on the butter – 2 tablespoons still adds great flavor.
- Swap in part-skim cheese like mozzarella, or Neufchâtel cheese, or a light provolone.
- Add extra spinach to boost nutrition and stretch the serving size.
- Try plant-based alternatives for a dairy-free version (like oat milk and dairy-free cheese).
How to Make Cheesy Creamed Spinach
Step 1: Wilt the Spinach
• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the fresh spinach and cook, stirring often, until it’s completely wilted. This takes just a few minutes.
• Add more as it cooks down as it may not all fit in the skillet at once.
Step 2: Drain the Spinach
• All of that spinach will cook down significantly.
• Transfer the wilted spinach to a sieve, place it in a bowl to catch the liquid, and press out as much liquid as possible. This step is crucial to avoid a watery sauce.
• I use a wood spurtle to help press it down. You can use your hand as well, but be careful as it might be hot.
• Discard the liquid from the spinach.
Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic
• In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced sweet onion and cook for about 5 minutes until tender.
• Stir in the garlic, salt, and pepper, and cook for 1 more minute.
• Return the drained spinach to the skillet.
• Stir well to combine with the onion mixture.
Step 4: Make It Creamy
• Stir in the half and half and let it heat through.
• Add the provolone in small pieces and stir until melted.
Step 5: Make it Cheesy
• After stirring in the Provolone, let it heat up again.
• Finally, stir in the shredded parmesan and cook until everything is hot and creamy.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
• Serve your cheesy creamed spinach hot and watch it disappear fast!
Tips for the Best Creamed Spinach
It’s an easy recipe, but I do have some tips:
- Don’t skip draining the spinach. Squeezing out that excess moisture is key to a thick and creamy sauce.
- Use fresh spinach for the best flavor and texture. Frozen can work in a pinch but will be more watery and less vibrant.
- Switch up the cheese. Fontina, cream cheese, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère can be swapped in for provolone.
- Make it ahead. You can prepare this a day in advance and reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave.
More Easy Side Dishes
Oven Roasted Corn on the Cob
Watermelon Feta Salad
Easy Sautéed Green Beans
Slow Cooker Maple Brown Sugar Carrots
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers?
• Store leftover creamy spinach in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the microwave or on the stove slowly, stirring as it warms.
If you make this delicious creamy spinach side dish recipe, let me know! Leave a comment below with a star rating. I’d love to hear from you.
Cheesy Creamed Spinach
Equipment
- Sieve or Colander
- Bowl
Ingredients
- 16-ounces Fresh Baby Spinach (see Notes)
- 3 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter
- ¼ cup Minced Sweet Onion (2-oz)
- 1 cup Half and Half (or heavy cream)
- 1 Tablespoon Minced Garlic
- ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Pepper
- 4 slices Provolone Cheese (3-oz) or use shredded
- ⅓ cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese
Instructions
Prep
- Gather all ingredients and equipment together. Do the necessary chopping and measuring so all is ready to go.
Wilt & Drain the Spinach
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add spinach; cook and stir until wilted.
- Drain the spinach in a sieve set in a bowl to catch the liquid. Press out as much of the liquid as possible. Set aside.
Sauté the Onion & Garlic
- Add the butter and onion to the skillet over medium heat. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender.
- Add the garlic, salt, and pepper, and cook for a minute.
- Add the drained spinach back into the skillet and stir well to combine.
Make it Creamy
- Stir in the half and half. Let it heat through.
Make it Cheesy
- Add the provolone cheese in small pieces to the spinach mixture. Stir until cheese is melted.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese. Continue to cook and stir until desired thickness.
- Serve hot.
Notes
Frozen Spinach
- One 10-ounce package of frozen chopped spinach can be used in place of 16-ounces of fresh.
- Thaw it and squeeze the liquid out before adding it to the recipe.
Cheeses
No Provolone? Try cream cheese, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, white cheddar, fontina, or Gruyère.Doubling the Recipe
This recipe doubles easily to feed a larger group. It will just take a bit longer to wilt all of the spinach and drain it. Approximate per serving: Calories: 295 | Carbohydrates: 6.2g | Protein: 8.7g | Fat: 16.2g | Saturated Fat: 10.0g | Cholesterol: 44.5mg | Sodium: 418mg | Fiber: 1.5g | Sugar: 2.2gNutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
What to Serve with Creamed Spinach
This creamed spinach dish pairs well with:
Steak or Prime Rib
Roast Chicken or Turkey
Grilled Pork Chops
Baked Salmon
Holiday Meals (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter)
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