Easy & Elegant Creamed Spinach: The Perfect Thanksgiving Side Dish
Looking for a delicious and easy side dish that will impress your guests this Thanksgiving? Look no further than this classic creamed spinach recipe! Creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor, it’s a family-friendly favorite that’s sure to be a hit at your holiday table. And while it’s fancy enough for a Thanksgiving feast, it’s simple enough to whip up any night of the week. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. You’ll love how seamlessly it fits into your Thanksgiving food table.
Why You’ll Love This Creamed Spinach
- Quick & Easy: Ready in less than 30 minutes!
- Deliciously Creamy: The perfect balance of rich and savory flavors.
- Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love this veggie side dish.
- Perfect Thanksgiving Side Dish: A classic choice that complements any Thanksgiving dinner, fitting right in with your other thanksgiving dinner ideas.
- Impressive Presentation: Elevates your Thanksgiving spread.
- Versatile: Easily adapted to your dietary needs and preferences!
Ingredients for Creamed Spinach
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (10-ounce) packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
Substitutions:
- For a Vegan Version: Use vegan cream cheese and plant-based heavy cream.
- For a Gluten-Free Version: This recipe is naturally gluten-free!
- For a Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
How to Make Creamed Spinach
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Spinach: Stir in the squeezed dry spinach. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Make sure you squeeze out all the excess water or you’ll end up with watery creamed spinach!
- Incorporate Cream Cheese: Reduce heat to low and add the softened cream cheese. Stir until melted and smooth. It’s important the cream cheese is soft, this will help it melt faster!
- Add Cream & Parmesan: Pour in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir until well combined and heated through. Don’t let it boil!
- Season to Perfection: Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg (if using). Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Serve & Enjoy: Serve hot and enjoy your delicious creamed spinach! This will be a great addition to your Thanksgiving menu!
Pro Tips & Variations
- Squeeze the Spinach Dry: This is crucial for preventing watery creamed spinach. Use your hands or a clean kitchen towel to squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
- Don’t Overcook: Overcooking can make the spinach mushy and the sauce separate. Cook just until heated through and well combined.
- Fresh is Best (Maybe!): While frozen spinach is convenient, you can use fresh spinach (about 1 pound). Just wilt it in the skillet before adding the other ingredients.
Variations:
- Spicy Creamed Spinach: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a kick.
- Cheesy Creamed Spinach: Add shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or Gruyere cheese for an extra cheesy flavor.
- Creamed Spinach with Bacon: Cook crumbled bacon and add it to the spinach mixture for a smoky flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy and delicious side dish pairs perfectly with a variety of Thanksgiving essentials, or any other meal! Here are a few ideas:
- Roasted Turkey: A classic Thanksgiving pairing! Creamed spinach adds a touch of richness and elegance to your Thanksgiving turkey.
- Ham: The creamy spinach complements the salty ham beautifully.
- Mashed Potatoes: A comforting and satisfying combination.
- Stuffing: A must-have Thanksgiving side dish that pairs well with the richness of the spinach.
- Roasted Vegetables: such as brussel sprouts, carrots, and asparagus.
This creamy and nutrient-packed dish can fit seamlessly into any Thanksgiving meal, with its ability to transform seasonal favorites.
Storage & Reheating
Storage: Store leftover creamed spinach in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It is also great to store in the freezer, but the texture might change sightly.
Reheating:
- Microwave: Reheat in the microwave on medium power, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Add a splash of cream or milk if needed to restore the creamy consistency.
FAQ about Creamed Spinach
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the creamed spinach a day or two in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat before serving. It is a great way to get a head start with all your Thanksgiving entertaining ideas.
Q: Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
A: Absolutely! Use about 1 pound of fresh spinach, washed and chopped. Wilt it in the skillet before adding the other ingredients.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. It’s a great option for those looking for gluten free thanksgiving recipes.
Q: Can I make this vegan?
A: Yes! Use vegan cream cheese and plant-based heavy cream to make this a vegan thanksgiving option. This will be a big hit for vegan thanksgiving guests.
Q: Can I freeze creamed spinnach?
A: while not recommened, creamed spinach can be frozen for up to two months. Be sure to place the spincah in freezer safe containers.
Final Thoughts on Creamed Spinach
This easy and elegant creamed spinach is the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving menu or any special occasion meal. It’s creamy, flavorful, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser! If you love this recipe, don’t forget to save it on Pinterest for later! We know you’ll love how seamlessly it fits into your Thanksgiving spread. Be sure to leave a comment below and let us know what you think. And while you’re here, subscribe to our newsletter for more delicious recipes and Thanksgiving food ideas! Happy cooking!
Easy & Elegant Creamed Spinach
Equipment
- Large skillet,
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 20 ounces frozen chopped spinach thawed and squeezed dry
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pinch nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Spinach: Stir in the squeezed dry spinach. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Make sure you squeeze out all the excess water or you’ll end up with watery creamed spinach!
- Incorporate Cream Cheese: Reduce heat to low and add the softened cream cheese. Stir until melted and smooth. It’s important the cream cheese is soft, this will help it melt faster!
- Add Cream & Parmesan: Pour in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir until well combined and heated through. Don’t let it boil!
- Season to Perfection: Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg (if using). Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Serve & Enjoy: Serve hot and enjoy your delicious creamed spinach! This will be a great addition to your Thanksgiving menu!
Notes
- Squeeze the Spinach Dry: This is crucial for preventing watery creamed spinach. Use your hands or a clean kitchen towel to squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
- Don’t Overcook: Overcooking can make the spinach mushy and the sauce separate. Cook just until heated through and well combined.
- Fresh is Best (Maybe!): While frozen spinach is convenient, you can use fresh spinach (about 1 pound). Just wilt it in the skillet before adding the other ingredients.
- Spicy Creamed Spinach: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a kick.
- Cheesy Creamed Spinach: Add shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or Gruyere cheese for an extra cheesy flavor.
- Creamed Spinach with Bacon: Cook crumbled bacon and add it to the spinach mixture for a smoky flavor.
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