Keto Creamed Spinach with Parmesan Crisp
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Ever wondered how to jazz up your keto side dishes game? Honestly, I've been there! Let's dive into a super easy and delicious Keto Creamed Spinach with Parmesan Crisp.
This low carb side dishes recipe will knock your socks off!
The Ultimate Keto Creamed Spinach: Your New Go-To
This isn't your grandma's creamed spinach. This keto friendly version amps up the flavor and texture. The creamy spinach pairs perfectly with the salty, crunchy Parmesan crisp.
You'll get a comfort food experience with all the keto goodness!
Origin and Overview: Keto Veggie Side Dishes At Its Finest
Creamed spinach is an American classic. Now, we are remixing it for the keto crowd. This recipe is super easy.
Prep takes 15 minutes. Cook time is only 20. It yields 4 servings of pure deliciousness.
Why You'll Love This: Benefits Galore
Spinach is packed with vitamins and minerals. This dish is a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients. Plus, it's perfect as a Keto Thanksgiving side dishes dish or a fancy Keto Christmas side dishes meal! Honestly, what makes it special is the contrasting textures.
You get creamy and crunchy in every bite.
Ready to make this magic? Let's gather our ingredients and dive in. Trust me, you won't regret this culinary adventure.
Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to whip up this amazing keto side dish . Trust me, even I can't mess this one up.
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Real
Time to gather your weapons... I mean, ingredients. It's easier than you think!
Main Ingredients - No Faff, Just Facts
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml). Go for extra virgin, it adds a nicer flavor.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Honestly, I sometimes use the jarred stuff. Don't judge.
- Fresh Spinach: 10 ounces (285g). Make sure it's DRY, like the Sahara.
- Cream Cheese: 4 ounces (115g), softened. Full fat, naturally. We're doing keto , after all!
- Heavy Cream: ½ cup (120 ml). Again, full fat. No skimping here.
- Parmesan Cheese: ¼ cup (25g), grated. The good stuff, not the powdery stuff.
- Nutmeg: ¼ teaspoon . Just a pinch!
- Salt and Pepper: To taste. Season like you mean it!
- Parmesan Cheese (for crisps): ½ cup (50g), finely grated.
For the spinach, fresh is best. Check for vibrant green leaves. Avoid anything slimy.
Seasoning Notes - Pimp Your Plate
Forget boring!
- Essential spice combo: Nutmeg is key. It's what makes creamed spinach keto taste like... well, creamed spinach!
- Flavor Enhancers: Garlic. Don't be shy. Also, a tiny pinch of cayenne can wake things up.
- Quick Subs: No nutmeg? A dash of mace works. Seriously, who even HAS mace?
I remember one time I accidentally used cumin instead of nutmeg. Let's just say it was... interesting. Not recommended.
Equipment Needed - Simple and Sweet
No fancy gear required!
- Large Skillet: This is your battle station.
- Baking Sheet: For those crispy Parmesan delights, or parmesan crisp recipe keto .
- Parchment Paper: Saves on washing up. Winning!
- Measuring cups and spoons. Duh.
- Garlic press: Optional. If you're lazy like me.
You can totally use a frying pan if you don't have a skillet. No stress. Also, a silicone baking mat is great instead of parchment paper.
Ready to get cooking? This is going to be great. It's just so delicious, a perfect Keto Meal Sides or one of the easy keto sides for when you need low carb side dishes .
Maybe you are even considering it for Keto Thanksgiving side dishes or Keto Christmas side dishes ? It even makes a great keto veggie side dishes option for Broccoli Dishes Healthy .
Or switch out the spinach for Broccoli With Cream Cheese for a change. And if you are looking for more, search for Creamed spinach keto .
Alright, let's dive into making some seriously delicious keto side dishes ! We're talking about Keto Meal Sides that'll make your taste buds sing, and today, it's all about creamy, cheesy goodness.
Forget boring keto veggie side dishes we're whipping up something special.
Creamy Dreamy Keto Spinach with a Parmesan Zing
Honestly, who doesn't love creamed spinach? But let's ditch the heavy carbs and ramp up the flavor. This isn't your grandma's creamed spinach (unless your grandma is super keto, in which case, she's awesome!).
This recipe takes classic comfort food and gives it a low-carb makeover. I have been testing many variations on Broccoli dishes healthy and thought about creamed spinach.
It is easy to make Broccoli with cream cheese .
Prep Steps for Keto Creamed Spinach Perfection
Okay, first things first: mise en place, my friends! That's fancy French for "get your stuff ready." Soften 4 ounces of cream cheese.
Wash and thoroughly dry 10 ounces of spinach. Mince 2 cloves of garlic. Grate your cheeses. It sounds basic, but it saves you so much stress later.
Plus, preheating your oven to 400° F ( 200° C) for those Parmesan crisps is a must. This easy dish is also perfect as keto Thanksgiving side dishes , or even a fancy addition to your Keto Christmas side dishes spread.
Let's Get Cooking: step-by-step
Ready to roll? Here’s how to make this magic happen:
- Parmesan Crisps: On a baking sheet lined with parchment, spread ½ cup of finely grated Parmesan in thin circles. Bake until golden brown and crisp. Roughly 5- 7 minutes should do it. Let them cool completely before breaking 'em up patience, young Padawan! This makes a delicious Parmesan crisp recipe keto .
- Garlic Love: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add your minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. This only takes a minute, and don't let it burn! Burnt garlic is not a vibe.
- Wilted Wonders: Chuck in that spinach. Cook it, stirring, until it's all wilted down. This is where a good pair of tongs comes in handy. Drain any excess liquid. Trust me, you don't want watery creamed spinach.
- Creamy Dreamy: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the softened cream cheese, ½ cup heavy cream, ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, and ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer Time: Let it all simmer for a few minutes, stirring now and then, until the sauce is nice and thick, and heated through.
- Serve with Flair: Spoon your creamy spinach into bowls. Top with those glorious Parmesan crisp pieces.
Pro Tips for Keto Creamed Spinach Brilliance
- Dry Spinach is Key: Honestly, this is the biggest mistake people make. Wet spinach = watery creamed spinach. Use a salad spinner or pat it dry with paper towels.
- Don't Scald the Cream: Low and slow, remember? Rushing the simmering can make the cream curdle. Patience is a virtue!
- make-ahead Magic: You can totally make the creamed spinach ahead of time. Just reheat it gently and add the Parmesan crisps right before serving. This is one of those easy keto sides that actually tastes better the next day. If you are looking for low carb side dishes , you have found the recipe.
This decadent creamed spinach keto dish is the perfect accompaniment to any keto meal.
Recipe Notes: Nailing Your Keto Creamed Spinach
Alright, so you're ready to make this Keto Creamed Spinach with Parmesan Crisp . Before you dive in, let's chat about a few things.
These notes will help you become a proper keto side dishes hero! Honestly, these tips will make sure your dish is spot-on.
Serving It Up: Plating and Presentation
Okay, so you've made this amazing creamy spinach. Now, how do you make it look fab ? First, don't just dump it on a plate! Spoon it into a nice serving dish.
Then, sprinkle those glorious Parmesan crisp recipe keto pieces on top right before serving.
A nice piece of grilled salmon would be a perfect match. Alternatively, you could serve alongside some Keto Thanksgiving side dishes like roasted turkey.
Don’t forget a crisp, dry white wine a Sauvignon Blanc would be lush .
Storage Secrets: Keep It Fresh
Leftovers? No worries! Your Creamed Spinach will keep in the fridge for about 3 days. Use an airtight container, you know? When you want to reheat, just pop it in the microwave, or gently warm it on the hob.
For keto Christmas side dishes , consider making this a day ahead to ease the festive stress.
Freezing? Not the best idea. The cream can separate and get a bit grainy. But you could always freeze for 3 weeks.
If you really have to, go for it! Thaw it fully before reheating. Remember to follow reheating instructions to get the most out of it.
Remixing the Recipe: Variations Galore
Want to switch things up? Of course, you do!
For a low carb side dishes win, think about adding some crispy bacon bits. Smoked paprika can turn up the smoky flavour.
Or, how about a spicy kick? A pinch of chilli flakes will do the trick. If you need Keto Veggie Side Dishes that are also dairy-free, swap the cream cheese and cream for coconut cream.
Bear in mind, though, that this will change the flavor profile of your Keto Meal Sides .
Fancy something different to spinash? Try Broccoli With Cream Cheese for a Broccoli Dishes Healthy choice.
Nutrition Nuggets: Goodness Inside
Each serving of this creamed spinach keto dream is packed with good stuff. We're talking about roughly 250 calories, 14g of protein, and only 4g of net carbs.
This makes it a fab addition to your keto lifestyle. It also provides you with some essential greens.
The fat content (around 20g) will keep you feeling full and satisfied. Honestly, this dish is not only delicious. It's also good for you! It's full of vitamins and minerals from the spinach.
Perfect for anyone searching for easy keto sides .
So, there you have it! A few extra tips to make your keto creamed spinach absolutely amazing. Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Now, get cooking and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this creamed spinach recipe really keto friendly? I'm watching my carbs like a hawk!
Absolutely! This creamed spinach recipe is designed to be low in carbohydrates. The net carbs are estimated at 4g per serving, which fits well within most keto guidelines. Just be sure to use full fat dairy and keep an eye on your portion sizes to stay on track think of it as treating yourself, not a binge!
Can I make these keto side dishes ahead of time? I'm juggling work and dinner prep!
You can definitely prep some components in advance! The Parmesan crisps can be made a day or two ahead and stored in an airtight container. However, the creamed spinach is best served fresh, as the sauce can separate slightly upon reheating.
If you must make it ahead, gently reheat on low heat, stirring frequently, and consider adding a splash of extra cream to restore its creamy texture.
I'm not a huge fan of spinach. Can I substitute it with something else in this keto side dish recipe?
No worries, mate! You can totally swap out the spinach. Kale or Swiss chard work beautifully as alternatives. Just remember that they might require slightly longer cooking times to wilt down properly.
You could also experiment with other low-carb greens like mustard greens or collard greens, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
My cream sauce sometimes separates when I make creamed spinach. How can I prevent this from happening?
Ah, the dreaded separated sauce! The key is to cook the cream cheese and heavy cream over low heat. High heat can cause the dairy to curdle. Stir frequently and avoid boiling the mixture. Adding a small amount of xanthan gum (about 1/8 teaspoon) can also help stabilize the sauce, acting as a binding agent.
Any tips for making the Parmesan crisps perfectly crispy every time? Mine sometimes end up a bit chewy.
Getting those Parmesan crisps just right is all about technique. First, ensure the Parmesan is finely grated the finer, the better. Spread the cheese in very thin, even circles on the baking sheet. And most importantly, watch them like a hawk! They go from golden brown to burnt very quickly.
Let them cool completely on the baking sheet before breaking them apart; this allows them to crisp up fully.
Keto Creamed Spinach With Parmesan Crisp
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 250 kcal |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 2g |