As I whisked fresh ingredients together, the aroma of buttery, garlicky goodness filled my kitchen, instantly transporting me to cozy holiday meals spent with loved ones. This festive season, let’s elevate our Christmas dinner with a comforting side that’s rich and creamy: Creamed Spinach. Not only is it a crowd-pleaser that brings a splash of color to your holiday table, but it’s also a breeze to prepare. With just a few simple steps, this dish promises to impress your guests while allowing you to enjoy more time with family. Whether you’re serving a traditional ham or a succulent turkey, this delightful recipe pairs perfectly and makes for a memorable meal. Curious about how this creamy concoction can transform your holiday feast? Let’s dive into the recipe!

Why Choose Creamed Spinach?

Vibrant, Festive Color: The bright green spinach not only adds beautiful color to your holiday spread but also brings a nutritious element that complements rich main dishes.
Irresistibly Creamy Texture: With a luscious blend of cream, garlic, and parmesan, every bite is a warm embrace for your taste buds!
Quick and Easy Preparation: This dish is a breeze to whip up alongside your other recipes, saving you precious time during the busy holiday season.
Network of Flavors: The savory notes from garlic and butter harmonize beautifully with turkey or ham, creating an unforgettable combination.
Crowd-Pleaser: Even those who think they don’t like spinach are sure to be converted with this decadent take. Check out related recipes like our Cottage Cheese Spinach for more greens or pair it with our White Cheddar Spinach for a delightful twist!

Creamed Spinach Ingredients

A rich base for your holiday feast!

For the Spinach
• Fresh Spinach – Use three pounds for a vibrant, nutrient-packed dish.
• Garlic – This aromatic ingredient adds depth; freshly minced gives the best flavor.
• Butter – Opt for unsalted to better control the seasoning and enhance richness.

For the Cream Sauce
• Heavy Cream – Ensures a luxurious texture; half-and-half can be a lighter alternative.
• Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated provides the richest flavor; avoid pre-shredded for best results.
• Nutmeg – Just a pinch elevates the dish with a warm, nutty note that complements the spinach.

For Serving
• Salt and Pepper – Essential for taste; adjust to your liking, and remember, seasoning is key!
• Extra Parmesan – Garnish on top for added flavor and visual appeal.

Creamed Spinach transforms your festive meal into a truly special occasion, adding joy and warmth to the table!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Creamed Spinach

Step 1: Prepare the Spinach
Begin by washing three pounds of fresh spinach thoroughly. Remove any tough stems and set the spinach aside to drain. In a large pot, bring about two inches of water to a boil, add the spinach, and submerge for approximately 2-3 minutes until wilted. Drain the spinach in a colander, pressing gently to remove excess moisture, and set aside while you prepare the cream sauce.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add 3-4 cloves of freshly minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Stir continuously to prevent the garlic from burning. The warmth will release an inviting aroma, creating a perfect foundation for your creamed spinach.

Step 3: Create the Cream Sauce
Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream into the skillet with the sautéed garlic, stirring to combine. Increase the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken for about 3-4 minutes. Watch for bubbles forming at the edges, and stir occasionally to ensure an evenly creamy texture free of lumps.

Step 4: Incorporate Spinach and Cheese
Once the cream sauce has thickened, reduce the heat to low and fold in the wilted spinach. Add 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, along with a pinch of nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir everything together gently for another 3-5 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and the spinach is heated through, creating a rich and luscious creamed spinach.

Step 5: Adjust Seasoning and Serve
Taste your creamed spinach and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed, keeping in mind the parmesan’s saltiness. Once satisfied with the flavor, transfer the creamy mixture to a serving dish. For an extra touch, sprinkle additional parmesan on top for visual appeal and extra flavor, making your creamed spinach a highlight of the holiday table!

Make Ahead Options

These Creamed Spinach are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save precious time during the busy holiday season! You can prepare the spinach and cream sauce up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the first three steps of the recipe: sauté the garlic, create the cream sauce, and wilt the spinach. Afterward, let the mixture cool before transferring it to an airtight container and refrigerating. To maintain quality, make sure to press out excess moisture from the spinach. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the mixture over low heat, add the Parmesan cheese, and stir until the cheese is melted and the spinach is heated through—resulting in a deliciously comforting side dish that’s just as delightful as when freshly made!

Expert Tips for Creamed Spinach

Use Fresh Spinach: Avoid frozen; fresh spinach has a superior texture and vibrant color, enhancing your dish’s appeal and flavor.
Watch the Garlic: Sauté it just until fragrant—browning can lead to bitterness. Balance is key to a delicious creamed spinach.
Thickening Sauce: Ensure your cream simmers gently; too high heat can cause it to separate. Take your time for a silky sauce.
Taste Test: Don’t skip this essential step! Adjust salt and pepper as needed, remembering that the parmesan adds saltiness.
Make Ahead: Prepare the spinach and cream sauce a day ahead, then combine and heat just before serving—perfect for holiday meal prep!

How to Store and Freeze Creamed Spinach

Fridge: Store any leftover creamed spinach in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream if it’s too thick.

Freezer: You can freeze creamed spinach for up to 3 months. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, allowing some space for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating: When ready to enjoy again, reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring frequently, to ensure it remains creamy and luscious. Add a touch of cream or milk to restore the texture if needed.

Taste Refresh: After thawing, taste and adjust seasoning as some flavor may mellow in the freezing process. Creamed spinach is always best enjoyed fresh!

What to Serve With Creamed Spinach?

As the rich aroma of garlic and cream wafts through your kitchen, you’ll want to round out your holiday feast with dishes that enhance this creamy delight.

Honey-Glazed Ham: The sweet glaze pairs beautifully with the savory notes of creamed spinach, balancing flavors for a festive experience.
Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Their creamy texture and buttery flavor complement the richness of the spinach, creating a comforting duo.
Cranberry Sauce: A tart contrast that brightens the plate, refreshing your palate with every bite of the creamy dish.
Stuffed Mushrooms: These bite-sized delights add a flavor-packed crunch that beautifully contrasts with the velvety spinach. They’re an adventurous side that’s sure to impress!
Dinner Rolls: Soft, buttery rolls are perfect for mopping up any leftover cream sauce from your plate, enhancing the meal’s heartiness.
Green Bean Almondine: This vibrant side dish brings a crisp texture and nutty flavor that complements the silky creamed spinach, creating a delightful contrast.
Mulled Wine: A warm, spiced drink that adds a festive touch, its sweetness balances the savory elements of your dinner beautifully.

Imagine the festive table: each bite inviting you to savor the warmth of togetherness, making moments memorable this holiday season!

Variations & Substitutions for Creamed Spinach

Customize your creamed spinach to make it even more delightful and explore new flavor profiles that will tantalize your taste buds!

Nut-Free: Swap traditional butter for olive oil to make it nut-free while maintaining a deliciously rich flavor that complements the spinach beautifully.
Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan for a creamy, dairy-free version that still packs a savory punch!
Spicy Kick: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of cayenne for a delightful heat that contrasts perfectly with the creaminess of the spinach. Spice it up to suit your guests’ palates and create a memorable flavor experience!
Herbal Twist: Incorporate fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or chives to give a vibrant freshness to the dish, perfectly balancing the richness of the cream sauce. Each herb adds its unique aromatic touch!
Cheese Variation: Experiment with different cheeses such as gouda or feta for a unique spin. Each cheese brings its own richness, adding depth to the dish and making it even more inviting!
Additions Galore: Make it heartier by mixing in sautéed mushrooms or artichoke hearts. This delightful addition brings extra textures and flavors that create a comforting side dish everyone will love.
Layered Spinach Casserole: Transform your creamed spinach into a casserole by layering with breadcrumbs and cheese, then baking until bubbly and golden brown. This twist adds a crunchy texture to your creamy delight!
Serving Suggestions: Pair your creamed spinach with hearty main dishes like our Cottage Cheese Spinach or complement it with the savory flavor of White Cheddar Spinach for an unforgettable holiday spread!

Creamed Spinach Recipe FAQs

What kind of spinach should I use for Creamed Spinach?
Absolutely use fresh spinach for the best flavor and texture! Look for vibrant, dark green leaves without any dark spots. Avoid wilted or yellowed leaves, as they won’t provide the rich taste we want in our dish.

How should I store leftover Creamed Spinach?
You can store any leftover creamed spinach in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to reheat, do it gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream if the sauce thickens too much.

Can I freeze Creamed Spinach?
Yes, you can freeze creamed spinach for up to 3 months! To do this, portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop.

What can I do if my Creamed Spinach is too thick?
No worries! Add a little bit of cream or milk while reheating to restore the luxurious texture. Just stir it in gradually while warming over low heat, and you’ll have it back to creamy perfection in no time!

Is Creamed Spinach suitable for those with dairy allergies?
Since this dish relies heavily on dairy, such as cream and parmesan cheese, it won’t be suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals or those with dairy allergies. However, you can experiment with alternatives like coconut cream and nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version!

How can I elevate the flavor of my Creamed Spinach?
You can add a dash of cayenne pepper or a sprinkle of smoked paprika to give your dish a bit of heat and depth. Incorporating sautéed onion or shallots along with the garlic can also deepen the flavor profile and add a sweet-savory element!