Classic Creamed Spinach Better Than Youll Find in a Restaurant

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a bit of posh nosh? Ever wondered how to make creamed spinach like the pros? This recipe elevates humble spinach to a rich, restaurant worthy side.

The star? Fresh spinach and a luxuriously creamy sauce.

Brief Overview

Creamed Spinach originated in American steakhouses. It is a classic side dish. This easy recipe takes just 25 minutes, prep to plate. It makes 4 servings, perfect for a family dinner.

Main Benefits

Spinach is packed with iron and vitamins. This easy creamed spinach dish is both healthy and decadent. Serve it at your next dinner party or Sunday roast.

What makes it special? It's homemade creamed spinach goodness! The key is fresh ingredients.

Ready to rustle up some proper grub? First, let's grab the goods. Check out the ingredient list below. It is the perfect creamed spinach side dish .

Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Creamed Spinach

Fancy learning how to make creamed spinach ? Brilliant! Let’s chat about what you'll need. No fancy chef skills required. Honestly, it's easier than beans on toast.

Main Ingredients: The Good Stuff

Here’s the lineup. Get these ingredients ready before you start. Trust me, it makes life easier.

• Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . This is for flavour.
• Shallot: 1 medium , finely minced. Adds a subtle oniony kick.
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. The soul of many dishes.
• Fresh spinach: 2 pounds (900g) , washed and trimmed. Go for vibrant, perky leaves.
• Heavy cream: 1/2 cup (120ml) . Full fat is best for that lushness.
• Whole milk: 1/4 cup (60ml) . A little extra creaminess.
• Freshly grated nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon . Just a whisper, but it makes a massive difference.
• Salt and pepper: To taste. Seasoning is key, remember!
• Parmesan cheese (optional): 1 tablespoon (15ml) . For garnish.

Quality check: With spinach, look for leaves that are bright green and crisp. Avoid anything slimy or wilted. No one wants sad spinach.

Seasoning Notes: Flavor Time

Nutmeg and garlic are your best friends here. They play off the creamy spinach. A tiny pinch of nutmeg is all you need.

Adds this wonderful warmth. If you are feeling fancy, a dash of white pepper too will give a great balance of flavour.

Freshly ground black pepper is also a must.

Spice combinations? Try a little garlic powder if you are out of fresh garlic, and the same if you can't find nutmeg.

For an extra kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes will wake things up!

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

Don't go overboard on fancy gadgets. You really don’t need them.

• Large skillet or sauté pan: Big enough to hold all that spinach.
• Colander or salad spinner: For getting rid of excess water.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Obvious, right?
• Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring.

Household alternatives: No colander? Use a big bowl and drain the spinach carefully. You are all set to make some lovely Creamed Spinach With Fresh Spinach .

And if you are now hungry for more Creamy Spinach Recipes that’s awesome, but first let's tackle this Cream Spinach dish.

I reckon that now you are ready for the best Creamed spinach recipe ever.

Right then, let's get cracking on some proper creamed spinach , shall we? Think of it as a bit of classy comfort food, something you'd find alongside a lovely cut of beef in a posh restaurant.

Or even served up with a perfectly cooked Sunday roast. It's surprisingly easy to make at home. Even if your usual culinary repertoire stretches to beans on toast (no judgement, we've all been there!).

Honestly, this easy creamed spinach will impress even the fussiest eaters.

Ace Your Prep for the Best Creamed Spinach

Getting your ducks in a row, or mise en place as the fancy chefs say, is key. It makes life easier.

Essential bits

Grab your 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, 1 medium shallot, 2 cloves of garlic. Don't forget your 2 pounds of fresh spinach and 1/2 cup of heavy cream!

Organisation tips

Mince your shallot and garlic first. Wash your spinach like your life depends on it. No one wants gritty spinach.

Quick note

Don't go trying to dry the spinach with a tea towel that smells of yesterday's curry. Trust me, I've been there. The taste is NOT nice.

How to Make Creamed Spinach : step-by-step

Alright, time to get cooking. This cream spinach recipe easy is super simple.

1. Melt your 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Chuck in the minced shallot and garlic. Sauté for like 2- 3 minutes until softened. Watch out not to burn the garlic!
3. Add the spinach bit by bit. Stir it until it wilts down.
4. Drain it in a colander. Press out any extra water. You want creamed spinach NOT watery creamed spinach.
5. Return the spinach to the skillet. Add 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 1/4 cup of milk, and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg. Season it with salt and pepper.
6. Simmer until the sauce thickens a bit. Stir it every now and then. This will take 5- 7 minutes.
7. Serve this creamed spinach side dish immediately. Maybe sprinkle some Parmesan on top, if you’re feeling fancy.

Level Up Your Creamy Spinach Recipes

Want to make your homemade creamed spinach even better? You know I got you.

Expert Tips

Dry spinach is a MUST! Excess water ruins the creamy sauce.

Little oopsies

Overcooking the spinach turns it into mush. Aim for just wilted.

make-ahead magic

You can actually make this the day before. Reheat gently on the hob before serving.

Honestly, once you've nailed this cream spinach recipe , you'll be making it all the time. It's a perfect little number.

And who doesn't love a good bit of spinach creamed to perfection?

Right, let's talk about making this creamed spinach the absolute best. I mean, we’re aiming for perfection here! I reckon it's the sort of side dish that can elevate any meal, and if done right, it'll be the star of the show.

Plus, knowing how to make creamed spinach is a skill that'll impress your friends and family.

Recipe Notes: Your Creamed Spinach Masterclass

Alright, let's break down some extra bits. Little nuggets of wisdom, if you will. These are my personal tips and tricks to nailing this easy creamed spinach every time.

Honestly, these are the kind of things I wish I knew when I first started.

Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro

Presentation is key, innit? For the full steakhouse effect, spoon that creamed spinach side dish alongside a perfectly seared steak.

If you're doing a Sunday roast, nestle it next to your Yorkshire puddings. A glass of crisp white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc, complements the richness beautifully.

It's all about balance, my friends.

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

If you've got leftovers (unlikely, but hey), refrigerate them in an airtight container. Cream Spinach should last 3-4 days . Freezing isn't ideal, as the cream can separate, but if you must, use a freezer safe container.

For reheating, a gentle simmer on the stove is best. Honestly, a microwave works, too just stir it well.

Variations: Time to Get Creative

Feeling adventurous? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of a kick. For a creamy spinach recipes cheesy twist, stir in some grated cheddar or Gruyere at the end.

Want a dairy-free version? Use coconut cream. It's surprisingly good! You can even swap out the spinach for kale. Experiment a bit!

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite

Okay, let's talk about the healthy bits. Spinach is packed with vitamins and minerals. This dish provides a good source of vitamin A and iron.

It's not exactly a salad, but it's definitely better than having nothing!

So, there you have it. Homemade creamed spinach , easier than you thought, right? It will be the Best creamed spinach .

Go on, give it a go. You might surprise yourself. And trust me, Creamed spinach with fresh spinach is always a win.

Frequently Asked Questions

Help! My creamed spinach turned out watery. What did I do wrong?

Chances are, your spinach wasn't dry enough after washing. Spinach holds a lot of water! Make sure to thoroughly dry it with a salad spinner or by pressing it in a colander to remove excess moisture before adding it to the sauce. Think of it like trying to get a good sear on a steak dryness is key!

Can I make creamed spinach ahead of time? Will it still be good?

You can indeed! Creamed spinach is generally best served fresh, but you can make it a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream if it seems too thick. Just like leftovers of your mum's famous lasagne, it's often just as good the next day!

I'm not a huge fan of nutmeg. Is it really necessary for how to make creamed spinach?

While nutmeg is a classic ingredient that adds a subtle warmth to creamed spinach, it's not strictly essential. If you're not a fan, feel free to omit it or substitute it with a pinch of white pepper or a different spice that you enjoy. Experiment and find what works for your taste buds!

Is there a dairy-free version of creamed spinach? My friend is lactose intolerant.

Absolutely! You can easily make a dairy-free version by swapping out the heavy cream and milk for coconut cream or cashew cream. You might also need to use a dairy-free butter alternative. Just check the seasoning as plant based alternatives can sometimes taste a bit different.

Your friend will thank you for thinking of them!

Can I use frozen spinach for how to make creamed spinach?

You can use frozen spinach if fresh isn't available, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Be sure to thaw the spinach completely and squeeze out as much excess water as possible before adding it to the recipe even more so than with fresh spinach!

Frozen spinach tends to be more watery, so you might need to cook the sauce a bit longer to thicken it.

I want to jazz up my creamed spinach. Any ideas for variations?

Definitely! Get creative! Consider adding some crispy bacon or pancetta for a smoky flavour. A sprinkle of Gruyere or Parmesan cheese stirred in at the end adds a lovely richness. Some people like to throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick. Treat your creamed spinach like a blank canvas!