Go Back
- Spinach and Dairy Components - 2 cups fresh spinach, washed and chopped - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 tablespoon butter - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg - 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste) - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - Optional Add-Ins - 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (for a twist) The star of our dish is the fresh spinach. This leafy green is full of nutrients and flavor. I like to use fresh spinach, as it gives a bright taste. You can use frozen spinach, but fresh works best here. Next, we have the creamy part. Heavy cream and cream cheese blend into a rich, smooth sauce. The Parmesan adds a sharp touch. These dairy components make the dish satisfying. Seasoning is key! Garlic brings warmth and depth. Nutmeg adds a hint of sweetness. Salt and pepper balance the flavors perfectly. Adjust these to fit your taste. Lastly, consider adding sun-dried tomatoes. They give a tangy kick and a lovely color. For the full recipe, check out my cooking guide. You'll see how easy it is to whip this dish up! - Prepping the Ingredients Start by washing and chopping 2 cups of fresh spinach. Make sure to remove any tough stems. Next, mince 2 cloves of garlic. This will add great flavor to your dish. Gather your other ingredients: 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 tablespoon of butter, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1/2 cup of cream cheese, 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 1/4 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes if you want a twist. - Heat and Sauté Techniques In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Wait until the butter melts and bubbles. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic. It should smell fragrant and delicious. - Combining Ingredients Effectively Gradually add your chopped spinach to the skillet. Stir frequently as the spinach wilts. This should take about 3 to 4 minutes. Once wilted, lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in the cream cheese until it melts and combines well with the spinach. - Cooking Time for Spinach The spinach cooks quickly. You will see it wilt in just a few minutes. Make sure to stir often to avoid sticking. - Incorporating Dairy Products Slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking gently. This helps mix everything smoothly. Let the mixture simmer for 3 to 5 minutes. This gives it time to thicken just right. - Achieving the Right Consistency After simmering, add the nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Mix them in well. Then, fold in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Stir until the cheese melts, and the mix is creamy and smooth. - Serving Directly from Skillet For a rustic look, serve the creamed spinach straight from the skillet. It adds warmth and charm to your table. - Garnishing Ideas Sprinkle some extra Parmesan on top. Add a few fresh spinach leaves for color. This makes it look more inviting. - Suggested Pairings Creamed spinach is great with grilled chicken or baked fish. It makes a complete meal that everyone will enjoy. If you want to explore the whole process, check out the Full Recipe for details. Avoiding Common Mistakes Always wash your spinach well. Dirt can hide in the leaves. Use fresh garlic; it adds great flavor. Don’t let the garlic burn, or it will taste bitter. Stir often to avoid sticking. Adjusting Consistency If your creamed spinach is too thick, add a splash of milk or broth. For a thicker dish, let it simmer longer. Keep stirring to help it thicken evenly. Flavor Enhancements A pinch of nutmeg brings warmth and depth. Try adding a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can enhance the dish. Tips for Creaminess Use heavy cream for the best richness. Cream cheese adds a smooth texture that’s hard to beat. Whisk it in slowly for a velvety finish. Balancing Flavor Profiles Add salt gradually to avoid over-seasoning. Taste as you go to get the right balance. The Parmesan cheese adds a nice salty kick, so adjust other seasonings as needed. Using Fresh vs. Frozen Spinach Fresh spinach has a vibrant flavor and nice texture. Frozen spinach is easier and cooks faster. If using frozen, thaw and drain it well before adding. This prevents excess water in your dish. For the full recipe and more tips, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can switch up the cheese in your creamed spinach. Try using feta for a tangy kick. Goat cheese also adds a creamy texture and bold flavor. If you want a stronger cheese, go for Gruyère. Each choice changes the dish in fun ways. Adding proteins can enhance your skillet creamed spinach. For a hearty meal, mix in cooked chicken or shrimp. Bacon bits can bring a salty crunch, while chickpeas make a great vegetarian choice. These swaps help you make the dish fit your taste. You can also explore flavor fusion ideas. Consider adding a splash of soy sauce for umami. A dash of hot sauce can spice things up. For a fresh twist, mix in chopped herbs like basil or cilantro. These small changes can create exciting new flavors. Try a Mediterranean style by adding sun-dried tomatoes and olives. These ingredients give a bright touch. You could also sprinkle some pine nuts for crunch. This version is fresh and full of flavor. Southern comfort variations include mixing in cheddar cheese and hot sauce. This makes the dish creamy and a bit spicy. Serve it with cornbread for a real Southern meal. This twist is sure to please anyone who loves comfort food. If you prefer vegan adaptations, swap the cream for coconut milk. Nutritional yeast can replace cheese for a cheesy flavor. Use tofu for protein and texture. This way, everyone can enjoy a tasty creamed spinach dish. - Best Practices for Storage: Store your skillet creamed spinach in an airtight container. Let it cool down before sealing. This helps keep it fresh. - Shelf Life Expectations: When stored properly, creamed spinach lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. - Reheating Tips: To reheat, place it in a skillet over low heat. Stir often and add a splash of cream if it looks too thick. - How to Properly Freeze: Freeze the creamed spinach in individual portions. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. - Thawing Methods: Thaw in the fridge overnight or use the microwave’s defrost function. This helps maintain the texture. - Texture Considerations: Freezing can change the texture of spinach. After thawing, it may not be as firm. Stir well when reheating. How do I make Skillet Creamed Spinach less rich? To make this dish less rich, you can cut back on cream. Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. This will still give you a nice texture. You can also add more spinach to balance the flavors. Can I use less cream or substitute with lighter alternatives? Yes, you can use less cream. Try using Greek yogurt or a mixture of milk and cream cheese. These options lower the fat but keep the creaminess. What are good side dishes to serve with creamed spinach? Creamed spinach pairs great with grilled meats. Try it with chicken, steak, or fish. You can also serve it next to mashed potatoes or rice for a complete meal. How to make creamed spinach ahead of time? You can prepare the dish a day before. Just cook it fully, then cool it down. Store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat it slowly on low heat. Can this dish be made vegetarian? Yes, this dish is vegetarian. Just ensure you use vegetable broth if you add liquid. The flavors will still shine through with the rich spinach and cream. What are the health benefits of spinach? Spinach is very healthy. It is full of vitamins like A, C, and K. It also has iron and calcium. Eating spinach can help with eye health and boost your immune system. In this post, we explored how to make creamed spinach, from choosing ingredients to cooking tips. We discussed the right cheeses, dairy balance, and how to heat spinach without losing its flavor. You learned about variations and how to store leftovers properly. Remember, this dish is versatile. You can adjust it to fit your taste and lifestyle. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and textures. Your creamed spinach will impress at any meal.

- Skillet Creamed Spinach

Discover the flavor-packed Skillet Creamed Spinach recipe that turns fresh spinach into a creamy delight! Easy to make and perfect for any meal, this side dish combines fresh ingredients with rich dairy and spices. Whether you're serving grilled chicken or fish, this dish will impress your guests. Don’t miss out on creating this delicious recipe at home. Click to explore the step-by-step guide and tips to elevate your cooking!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 cups fresh spinach, washed and chopped

1 cup heavy cream

1 tablespoon butter

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup cream cheese, softened

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (for a twist)

Instructions
 

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until the butter is melted and bubbly.

    Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

      Gradually add the chopped spinach to the skillet, stirring frequently until the spinach is wilted, about 3-4 minutes.

        Once the spinach is wilted, lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the cream cheese until fully melted and combined with the spinach.

          Slowly pour in the heavy cream, whisking gently as you combine everything together. Let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken slightly.

            Add the nutmeg, salt, and black pepper, mixing them in thoroughly.

              Incorporate the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped sun-dried tomatoes into the skillet, stirring until the cheese is melted and the mixture is creamy and smooth.

                Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, then remove from heat.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the creamed spinach directly from the skillet for a rustic look, garnished with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a few fresh spinach leaves for color. Pair it with grilled chicken or baked fish for a complete meal!