Creamed Spinach

This rich and savory creamed spinach is the dark horse of side dishes for this year’s Thanksgiving recipes. It is so flavorful, made with fresh spinach that’s enveloped in a rich cream sauce. It’s hands-down one of my favorite side dish recipes.

When you think creamed spinach, you’re probably not thinking Thanksgiving dinner, but if you’re looking to elevate your Thanksgiving menu, this is a recipe you want to add. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but elegant enough for any holiday menu!

What is creamed spinach made of?

To make this easy side dish recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 pounds fresh spinach
• 2 tsp. salt – divided
• 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter
• 2 tsp. minced garlic
• 1/4 cup chopped white onion
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 tsp. black pepper
• 1/4 tsp. nutmeg
• 1 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup shredded Swiss cheese
• 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 4 oz. cream cheese

How to make creamed spinach

1. Bring 3.5 quarts of water to a boil, add 1 tsp. of salt. Add the fresh spinach and boil for two minutes. Drain, let cool, then press out the water and finely chop.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Then add in the minced garlic and onion and cook until fragrant and softened.
3. Add in the flour and whisk to form a roux.
4. Next, add in the milk and whisk until thickened.
5. Add 1 tsp. salt, pepper, nutmeg, and heavy cream, continually whisking, and cook for about 1 minute.
6. Add in the shredded Swiss and Parmesan cheese. Break the cream cheese into small chunks and add to the pan. Continually stir, allowing the cheese to melt.
7. Once the cheese has melted, add in the chopped spinach and serve immediately.

Recipe FAQs and Tips

What goes well with creamed spinach?

The most popular dish to serve with creamed spinach is beef, specifically steak. However, it pairs well with fish and poultry as well. The richness of the creamed spinach balances well with a light white meat like chicken or turkey.

Can I use frozen spinach in creamed spinach?

Yes! Frozen spinach has already been cooked. So you’ll just need to thaw, press out any moisture and chop, then pick up at step #2 in the recipe.

Can I make creamed spinach ahead of time?

If you’re making this recipe for a holiday dinner and need to prepare it ahead of time, you can transfer the finished product to a slow cooker and keep on warm until ready to serve. If the creamed spinach gets too thick as it sits, add just a bit of cream right before serving and stir to combine.

Recommended kitchen resources for this recipe

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Find this recipe and more inside Gather – A Thanksgiving Cookbook

Finish off your holiday menu with these additional side dish recipes!

• Honey Caramelized Brussel Sprouts – another sweet + savory vegetable side dish
• Meringue-Topped Sweet Potato Casserole – a sweet and savory favorite
• Sage, Fig, and Pancetta Stuffing – delicious flavors packed into this stuffing dish
• Maple Pecan Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes – elevate your sweet potato recipe this year with these twice-baked sweet potatoes

Creamed Spinach Recipe