If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort side dish that’s ready in no time and guaranteed to steal the spotlight, Easy Creamed Spinach is exactly what you need. This recipe wraps silky spinach in a luxuriously creamy sauce, punctuated with plenty of nutty Parmesan and just a whisper of spice. Whether you’re feeding a holiday crowd or jazzing up a weeknight dinner, you’ll return to this Easy Creamed Spinach recipe again and again—it’s pure, dreamy spinach bliss with barely any fuss.

Easy Creamed Spinach Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Easy Creamed Spinach is how every ingredient pulls its weight, delivering deep flavor, smooth texture, and vibrant color. These familiar building blocks come together for an irresistible side without any hard-to-find additions.

Unsalted butter: The foundation for a velvety roux that makes the sauce rich without overpowering the spinach.
Yellow onion (finely chopped): Adds a subtle sweetness and fragrant base to each bite.
Garlic (minced): A quick sauté brings out its aroma and infuses the sauce with savory warmth.
All-purpose flour: Essential for thickening the creamy sauce, giving it that luscious, spoon-coating consistency.
Whole milk: Helps achieve a balanced creaminess without feeling too heavy.
Heavy cream: Adds unmatched silkiness and a decadent finish to the dish.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the spinach tasting bright.
Black pepper: Brings gentle heat and depth, lifting the sauce.
Ground nutmeg: Just a pinch transforms the cream sauce, adding irresistible complexity.
Fresh spinach (chopped) or frozen spinach (thawed and drained): Use whichever you have on hand; both create that classic tender texture.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Delivers a nutty, salty finish and helps bind the sauce to every leaf.

How to Make Easy Creamed Spinach

Step 1: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Start by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and let it gently soften for 3 to 4 minutes. The goal is to coax out sweetness without letting the onion brown. Stir in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about 30 seconds. Your kitchen should already smell amazing at this point, setting the stage for a delicious batch of Easy Creamed Spinach.

Step 2: Create the Roux

Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the onion and garlic mixture. Stir constantly as the flour blends in, cooking for about a minute. This step removes any raw flour taste and thickens the sauce you’ll be finishing the Easy Creamed Spinach with. Take care not to let the flour darken; you only want it lightly cooked.

Step 3: Whisk in the Dairy

Gradually pour in the whole milk and heavy cream, whisking or stirring steadily to prevent lumps. Keep the heat at medium and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, just until the sauce begins to bubble and thicken. Now’s the time to season with salt, black pepper, and that pinch of ground nutmeg—the mixture should be creamy, silky, and wonderfully fragrant.

Step 4: Add and Wilt the Spinach

Next, add the chopped fresh spinach (or thawed, well-drained frozen spinach). Toss it gently in the sauce, stirring until it wilts completely and soaks up all those creamy flavors. If using frozen, you’ll just need to heat it through; the magic of Easy Creamed Spinach is its flexibility.

Step 5: Finish with Parmesan

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce for about 1 to 2 minutes. The cheese thickens everything up and gives the final dish that signature savory depth. At this point, your Easy Creamed Spinach should be smooth, glossy, and ready to eat—serve it while it’s still warm and luscious.

How to Serve Easy Creamed Spinach

Garnishes

This dish absolutely sings with a finishing touch—try a sprinkle of extra Parmesan, a crack of black pepper, or a scattering of toasted breadcrumbs on top for a little crunch. You can even add a pop of color with a few fresh chives or parsley leaves before serving your Easy Creamed Spinach.

Side Dishes

Easy Creamed Spinach is classic alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or your Thanksgiving turkey. It also pairs beautifully with baked fish, crispy tofu, or a bowl of fluffy mashed potatoes for a vegetarian feast. Honestly, this side is so good it could upstage the main event!

Creative Ways to Present

Try spooning Easy Creamed Spinach into individual ramekins and topping with a sprinkle of cheese for mini spinach gratins. For brunch, tuck it inside omelets or crepes, or fold into mac and cheese for a comforting twist. It even makes a decadent bed for poached eggs or seared salmon—don’t be afraid to get creative!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Easy Creamed Spinach, just let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It stays delicious in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prepping or quick weeknight sides.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze Easy Creamed Spinach! Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, squeezing out as much air as possible. It’ll keep for up to two months—perfect for grabbing a bit of homemade comfort whenever the craving strikes. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm Easy Creamed Spinach in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore its creamy texture. Avoid microwaving for too long, since cream sauces can sometimes separate; a gentle stovetop reheat keeps everything smooth and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?

Absolutely! Half-and-half will lighten up the sauce a bit, but your Easy Creamed Spinach will still be rich and tasty. Just keep an eye on the thickness, as you might need to simmer a little longer.

What’s the best way to drain frozen spinach for this recipe?

Once thawed, gather the spinach in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze firmly over the sink. Removing as much water as possible ensures your Easy Creamed Spinach isn’t watery, keeping the sauce beautifully thick.

How can I make this dish extra cheesy?

If you’re a cheese lover, you can double the Parmesan or stir in a handful of shredded mozzarella along with the Parmesan for even more melty goodness. Some like to add a spoonful of cream cheese for extra richness as well.

Can I make Easy Creamed Spinach vegan?

Definitely! Swap in vegan butter, plant-based milk and cream, and your favorite vegan cheese. Make sure the flour and seasonings are vegan-friendly. The result is still creamy and incredibly flavorful.

Will this recipe work with other leafy greens?

Yes, you can substitute kale, Swiss chard, or even collard greens for spinach. Just remember to chop them finely and cook a little longer, as sturdier greens need more time to become tender in the cream sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Creamed Spinach is pure comfort that’s ready in just 25 minutes—quick enough for a weeknight and special enough for the holidays. Once you taste how creamy and flavorful it is, you’ll want to make it for every occasion. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised when you find yourself sneaking spoonfuls straight from the pan!