Creamy Spinach Recipe: How to Make the Perfect Side Dish

Do you like spinach but find it too bland or boring? Well, there’s a simple solution to make it much more exciting: make it creamy! Creamy spinach is the perfect side dish or even a main meal that is easy to make and delicious. In this article, we will learn how to make creamy spinach like a pro so that you can impress your family and friends.

First of all, let’s gather the ingredients. You will need fresh spinach leaves, butter, garlic, heavy cream, and grated parmesan cheese. Don’t worry if you don’t have all of these ingredients on hand; you can always substitute or omit some of them. Once you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to get cooking! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a creamy and flavorful spinach dish in no time.

Ingredients Needed for Creamy Spinach

To make creamy spinach, you will need some essential ingredients. These ingredients include spinach, butter, cream cheese, heavy cream, and spices. You can also add some garlic or onion if you want, but they are optional. Here is a closer look at each of these ingredients:

Spinach

The first and most important ingredient for creamy spinach is fresh spinach. You can use either baby spinach or mature spinach, but make sure to wash them thoroughly before cooking.

Butter

Butter is the main ingredient used for sautéing the spinach. It adds a rich flavor to the dish and helps in cooking the spinach evenly.

Cream Cheese

Cream cheese is used to thicken the sauce and add a creamy texture to the spinach. It is also a great source of protein and adds a rich and delicious flavor to the dish.

Heavy Cream

Heavy cream is used to thin out the sauce and add a rich and creamy texture to the dish. It is important to add the heavy cream at the right time to prevent the spinach from becoming too watery.

Spices

To add flavor to our creamy spinach, we will be using spices such as salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. These spices not only add flavor but also help to complement the taste of the spinach.

Garlic

Garlic is optional but highly recommended if you want to add a bit of flavor to your creamy spinach. It is important to use fresh garlic as it adds more flavor and aroma to the dish.

Onion

Onion is another optional ingredient that can be added to creamy spinach. If you decide to use onion, make sure to finely chop it so that it cooks evenly with the spinach.

Steps to Make Creamy Spinach

Now that we have a list of ingredients, it’s time to move on to the steps required to make creamy spinach. Here are the ten steps you will need to follow:

1. Wash the Spinach Thoroughly

Before cooking the spinach, wash it thoroughly to remove any dirt or impurities. Once washed, drain the water and set it aside.

2. Saute the Spinach

Take a large pan and melt the butter over medium heat. Add the spinach and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until it starts to wilt and become tender.

3. Add Garlic and Onion (Optional)

If you want to add some extra flavor to your creamy spinach, add finely chopped garlic and onion to the pan and sauté for another minute or two.

4. Add Cream Cheese

Add cream cheese to the pan and stir until it melts and coats the spinach evenly.

5. Add Heavy Cream

Add the heavy cream to the pan and stir until the sauce starts to thicken. Cook for another minute or two until the sauce has a creamy consistency.

6. Season with Salt, Black Pepper, and Nutmeg

Add salt, black pepper, and nutmeg to the pan and stir them in well. The spices will add flavor and balance out the dish.

7. Check the Seasonings

Taste the creamy spinach and make any adjustments you need. You can add more salt, pepper, or nutmeg depending on your preference.

8. Simmer

Lower the heat to a simmer and let the spinach cook for another 5-10 minutes until it has a rich, creamy sauce.

9. Serve Hot

Transfer the creamy spinach to a serving dish and garnish with fresh herbs or shredded cheese. Serve hot and enjoy!

10. Store and Reheat

If you have leftovers, cool the creamy spinach to room temperature and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat, place the spinach in the microwave for a few minutes until it is hot and bubbly.

10 Steps to Making Creamy Spinach

Spinach is a nutritious leafy green vegetable that is packed with vitamins and minerals. When cooked properly, it has a delicious creamy texture that pairs perfectly with a variety of proteins, sauces, and spices. Here are ten easy steps to making the perfect creamy spinach dish!

1. Choose Fresh Spinach – The key to making great creamy spinach is starting with fresh spinach leaves. Look for crisp, bright green spinach that is free from any signs of yellowing or wilting. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels.

2. Sauté the Spinach – In a large skillet or saucepan, heat a tablespoon of butter or olive oil over medium heat. Add the spinach leaves and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are wilted and tender.

3. Remove Excess Water – After cooking the spinach, transfer it to a colander and gently press down to remove any excess water. This will prevent your dish from becoming too watery.

4. Prepare the Cream – In a small saucepan, heat ½ cup of heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer. You can also use coconut cream or almond milk as a dairy-free alternative.

5. Add Garlic – While the cream is heating, mince 2 cloves of garlic and add them to the skillet you used to cook the spinach. Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

6. Combine Cream and Garlic – When the cream has come to a simmer, pour it over the garlic in the skillet. Whisk together until smooth and heated through.

7. Season with Salt and Pepper – Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste, and any other herbs or spices you prefer.

8. Add Spinach – Add the wilted spinach to the skillet with the cream and garlic. Use tongs or a spoon to stir until the spinach is fully coated in the cream sauce.

9. Simmer and Stir – Allow the dish to simmer over low heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will give the flavors time to meld together and the sauce to thicken.

10. Serve Hot – Creamy spinach is best served immediately, while it is still hot and velvety. It makes a great side dish for chicken, fish, or steak, or can be enjoyed as a stand-alone veggie dish.

By following these ten simple steps, you’ll be well on your way to making a delicious and creamy spinach dish that is sure to impress. With a little bit of practice, you can customize the recipe to suit your preferences and experiment with different herbs, spices, and proteins to create your own original spin on this classic dish. Happy cooking!

Ingredients Needed for Creamy Spinach

If you are planning on making creamy spinach, you will be happy to know that you don’t need a lot of ingredients. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make this delicious dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fancy meal.

1. Spinach: To make creamy spinach, you will need fresh spinach. You can use baby spinach or regular spinach, but it’s important to wash it thoroughly before using it.
2. Garlic: Garlic is the key to adding flavor to creamy spinach. You can use fresh garlic or garlic powder depending on your preference.
3. Heavy Cream: Heavy cream is the base of creamy spinach and gives it its rich flavor. You can substitute it with half-and-half, but the consistency won’t be as thick and creamy.
4. Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan cheese adds saltiness and creaminess to the spinach. Freshly grated parmesan cheese is recommended, but you can also use pre-grated cheese.
5. Butter: Butter adds richness to the creamy spinach. Unsalted butter is recommended so that you can control the saltiness of the dish.

Preparing the Spinach

Before you can make creamy spinach, you need to prepare the spinach. The first step is to wash the spinach thoroughly. Once you have washed the spinach, you need to remove the stems. You can either do this by hand or with a knife.

Next, you need to blanch the spinach. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, and add the spinach. Let the spinach cook for 1-2 minutes, or until it’s wilted. Drain the spinach and let it cool before squeezing the excess water from it.

Once the spinach is prepped and dried, you can chop it finely or leave it in larger pieces depending on your preference.

Making the Cream Sauce

The cream sauce is what makes the spinach creamy and delicious. To make the sauce, start by melting the butter in a pan. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, or until fragrant.

Next, add the heavy cream to the pan, and bring it to a simmer. Cook the cream for a few minutes, or until it starts to thicken.

Once the cream has thickened, add the parmesan cheese, and stir until the cheese has melted. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little bit of milk to thin it out.

Combining the Spinach and Cream Sauce

Now that you have prepared the spinach and cream sauce, it’s time to combine them. Add the prepared spinach to the pan with the cream sauce, and stir until the spinach is coated with the sauce.

Cook the spinach for another minute or two, or until it’s heated through and the flavors are well combined. Serve the creamy spinach hot, and enjoy!

Variations of Creamy Spinach

Creamy spinach is a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking. Here are some variations of creamy spinach that you can try:

• Add Protein: To make the dish more filling, you can add protein such as cooked chicken, shrimp or tofu.
• Use Other Greens: While spinach is the traditional choice, you can also use other greens such as kale, chard or collard greens.
• Spice it Up: Add some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to give the dish a spicy kick.
• Make it Vegan: To make the dish vegan, substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and use vegan parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese.

Now you know how to make creamy spinach! With just a few simple ingredients and some easy steps, you can make this delicious dish at home. Customize it to your liking and enjoy your delicious, creamy spinach.

Thanks for Reading!

Now that you know how to make creamy spinach, hope you’ll give it a try. Trust me, it’s delicious and oh-so-easy to prepare. Don’t forget to visit us again for more easy and tasty recipes. Happy Cooking!