Easy & Elegant Creamed Spinach
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.
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
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.
- 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.