Growing up, I remember the smell of creamy spinach in my grandmother’s kitchen. It was a dish that felt like home. Now, I’m excited to share my creamed spinach recipe with you. It’s a dish that honors my family’s cooking and brings a taste of classic steakhouse to your table.
Key Takeaways
- This creamed spinach recipe is a classic comfort food dish that’s easy to make at home.
- The recipe calls for frozen spinach and heavy cream, making it a simple yet satisfying side dish.
- The dish can be prepared ahead of time and reheated, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.
- Authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and the right type of spinach are key to achieving the perfect texture and flavor.
- This recipe is a versatile side dish that can be paired with a variety of main courses, from steak to roasted chicken.
Classic Steakhouse-Style Creamed Spinach
The classic steakhouse-style creamed spinach is a favorite side dish in top American restaurants. It’s been on menus at places like Peter Luger and Ruth’s Chris for years. As a server in the 90s, I loved its rich, creamy taste.
Recreate the Iconic Steakhouse Side Dish
Making this classic creamed spinach at home is simple. It’s perfect with steak, roast beef, or chicken. It’s also great with pan-seared salmon.
Using frozen chopped spinach makes the dish easy and convenient. It has a creamy sauce with nutmeg. This recipe is ready in 30 minutes, perfect for a quick dinner or a fancy dinner party.
| Nutritional Information (per serving) | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 |
| Carbohydrates | 12g |
| Protein | 8g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 11g |
| Cholesterol | 55mg |
| Sodium | 650mg |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Calcium | 300mg |
| Iron | 3mg |
The creamed spinach recipe is a must-try for home cooks. Its rich, creamy taste will make it a family favorite.
Ingredients for Creamed Spinach Recipe
Making the perfect creamed spinach dish begins with choosing the right ingredients. This classic recipe combines fresh and flavorful elements. Together, they create a rich, velvety texture and a taste that’s hard to resist.
The recipe centers around 16 ounces of fresh baby spinach leaves. It’s important to use more spinach than you think, as it cooks down a lot. You can also use 16 ounces of frozen cut-leaf spinach, thawed and drained first.
To enhance the spinach, the recipe includes ⅓ cup of unsalted butter, 1 chopped onion, and 3 cloves of finely chopped or minced garlic. These ingredients make a flavorful base for the creamy sauce.
The creamy sauce is made with 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of milk or half-and-half, and 4 ounces of cream cheese. Together, they create a rich, velvety sauce that coats the spinach perfectly.
For seasoning, the recipe suggests ¼ teaspoon of salt and pepper, to taste. You can also add optional spices like ground nutmeg and cayenne pepper. The dish is finished with 2 tablespoons of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, adding a salty and savory touch.
With these ingredients, you can make a delicious creamed spinach dish. It captures the essence of a classic steakhouse side. The mix of fresh or frozen spinach, creamy sauce, and aromatic flavors will satisfy your cravings for a comforting and tasty side dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Creating the perfect creamed spinach starts with a great cream sauce base. Begin by melting 4 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
Then, whisk in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour to make a roux. Cook the roux for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, to get rid of any raw flour taste. Slowly add 1.5 cups of whole milk, whisking all the time to avoid lumps. Let the sauce simmer, stirring now and then, until it thickens to a creamy texture, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/8 teaspoon of nutmeg, 1/8 teaspoon of salt, and 1/8 teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce continue to thicken for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
With the creamy base ready, you’re set to add the spinach and finish the dish. The next section will guide you through that.
By following these steps, you’ll make a rich and flavorful cream sauce. This sauce is the base for your tasty creamed spinach. The key is to take your time to develop the sauce. This ensures a smooth and velvety texture that goes well with the fresh spinach.
Incorporating the Spinach
The secret to a tasty creamed spinach recipe with spinach is adding spinach right. In this classic dish, adding spinach to creamed spinach makes it better. It boosts the flavors and textures.
First, thaw and squeeze out the frozen spinach’s extra water. This is key to avoid a watery dish. Then, mix the spinach gently into the creamy sauce. Make sure it’s spread out evenly.
If the spinach is too wet, cook the mix over low heat. Stir constantly until the water disappears. This makes the spinach blend well with the sauce, giving it a smooth feel.
“The secret to the best creamed spinach recipe with spinach is in the way you handle the spinach. Properly draining and incorporating it into the sauce is key to achieving that iconic steakhouse flavor.”
Now, the creamed spinach recipe with spinach is ready. Serve it hot. Add some Parmesan cheese or nutmeg on top, if you like.
creamed spinach recipe
Creamed spinach is a classic side dish that can elevate any meal. It pairs well with a juicy steak or a simple roasted chicken. This creamed spinach recipe offers a rich, velvety texture and a fresh, vibrant flavor.
The secret to this creamed spinach recipe is the perfect mix of ingredients. We start by sautéing shallots and garlic for flavor. Then, we make a creamy sauce with heavy cream and cornstarch. Fresh spinach is gently added to keep its delicate texture and vibrant color.
This creamed spinach recipe is both healthy and easy to make. You can use full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free version. Or, add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- Melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large Dutch oven or saucepan over medium heat.
- Add 2 medium shallots and 2 cloves of garlic, and sauté until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly.
- Gradually whisk in 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of whole milk. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Add 2 pounds of fresh spinach and cook, stirring occasionally, until the spinach is completely wilted and the sauce has thickened, about 15 minutes.
- Stir in 1/4 cup of crème fraîche, 1/4 teaspoon of freshly grated nutmeg, and salt and pepper to taste.
- For an extra cheesy finish, top the creamed spinach with 2 ounces of grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
This creamed spinach recipe is a crowd-pleaser. It’s a delicious way to add more leafy greens to your diet. Serve it with your favorite main dish for a meal that feels like it came from a restaurant.
Serving Suggestions
When thinking about what to serve with creamed spinach, you have many options. This creamy side dish goes well with many main courses. It’s great with a pan-seared steak, roast beef tenderloin, or roast chicken.
For a top choice, try it with pan-seared salmon or Mediterranean-style stuffed chicken breasts. The creamy spinach complements the flavors of these dishes, making for a great meal.
Creamed spinach is also perfect for holidays. It’s a great side for Thanksgiving turkey or Christmas ham. Its rich taste adds to the festive feel of the meal.
Creamed spinach is versatile and tasty, fitting many main dishes. It’s perfect for a classic steakhouse meal or a holiday feast. It’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Make-Ahead and Reheating Tips
This creamed spinach recipe is perfect for busy days or big events. You can make it a day early, cover it, and chill it in the fridge. To serve, just heat it in the microwave, stirring now and then, until it’s hot and smooth.
Even if it’s not as smooth as fresh, the taste stays the same. If it seems too dry, add a bit more cream to make it creamy again.
You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, gently heat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. These tips let you enjoy this tasty creamed spinach whenever you want, without the rush of making it from scratch.
| Preparation Method | Timeframe | Storage Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerate | Up to 3-5 days | Cover and store in the fridge |
| Freeze | Up to 3 months | Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating |
With these easy make ahead and reheating tips, you can enjoy this rich creamed spinach whenever you like. It’s a delicious and flexible recipe that will quickly become a favorite in your home.
Conclusion
This creamed spinach recipe is a classic, just like those found in steakhouses. It’s easy to make at home. The dish is rich and flavorful, perfect for many main courses.
What makes this creamed spinach special is its steakhouse taste. It uses butter, garlic, onion, and creamy bechamel sauce. Gruyere and Parmesan cheeses add creaminess and savory flavor.
This recipe is also very versatile. You can make it ahead of time and reheat it. It’s great with a steak, roasted chicken, or pasta. It’s sure to impress and delight your guests.
FAQ
What are the main ingredients in the creamed spinach recipe?
The creamed spinach recipe includes frozen cut leaf spinach, heavy cream, and butter. It also has shallots, garlic, and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. Salt, pepper, and nutmeg are added too.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach. You’ll need about 2 pounds of baby spinach leaves. Steam, drain, and chop them roughly.
How do I make the cream sauce base for the creamed spinach?
To make the cream sauce, melt butter in a skillet. Sauté shallots and garlic. Then, add heavy cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
Simmer the sauce until it thickens. Finally, add Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
How do I incorporate the spinach into the creamy sauce?
Add thawed and squeezed dry frozen spinach to the sauce. Stir until it’s well combined. If it’s watery, cook it over medium-low heat until the liquid evaporates.
What are some good main dishes to serve with the creamed spinach?
Creamed spinach goes well with many main dishes. Try it with pan-seared steaks, roast beef tenderloin, or roast chicken. It’s also great with pan-seared salmon.
It’s a fantastic side dish for holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. It pairs well with turkey and ham.
Can I make the creamed spinach in advance and reheat it?
Yes, you can make it a day ahead and refrigerate it. Reheat it in the microwave, stirring often, until hot. It might not look as creamy as before.
But the taste will be the same. Adding a bit of extra cream can help restore the creamy texture.