Description
This classic creamed spinach recipe delivers a rich and creamy side dish that perfectly complements any meal. Made with fresh or frozen spinach, sautéed onions, cream cheese, and heavy cream, it’s a flavorful and comforting dish ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Spinach
- 1 pound fresh spinach (or 10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry)
Sauté Base
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ¼ cup yellow onion (minced)
- 1 tablespoon butter
Cream Sauce
- 2 ounces cream cheese (softened, cubed)
- ⅓ cup heavy whipping cream
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon seasoned salt
- Black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Spinach: Wash and dry the spinach leaves if using fresh. Remove any tough stems and roughly chop the spinach to ensure even cooking.
- Cook the Spinach: Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the spinach and sauté until wilted, about 3 minutes. Remove from the pan and drain thoroughly in a strainer to remove excess moisture.
- Sauté Onion and Butter: Reduce heat to medium-low. In the same skillet, add the minced onion and butter. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the onion becomes tender and translucent.
- Melt Cream Cheese: Add the softened cream cheese to the skillet and stir continuously until fully melted and incorporated with the onions and butter.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Whisk in the heavy whipping cream, garlic powder, and seasoned salt. Allow the mixture to simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until it thickens into a smooth sauce.
- Combine Spinach and Sauce: Squeeze out any remaining liquid from the cooked spinach and fold it into the cream sauce gently. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional seasoned salt and black pepper as desired.
Notes
- Use fresh spinach for best texture, but frozen spinach works well if properly thawed and drained.
- Make sure to squeeze out excess moisture from spinach to avoid a watery creamed spinach.
- Seasoned salt adds depth of flavor; adjust salt and pepper to your taste preference.
- This dish pairs well with steak, chicken, or fish as a delicious side.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream or use less butter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
