Love a side dish that’s rich, creamy, and ready in minutes? Easy Creamed Spinach might just become your new go-to for everything from weeknight dinners to holiday spreads. It has the comforting creaminess of your favorite mac and cheese, but it’s packed with vibrant greens that make it feel like you’re sneaking in something healthy.

This velvety dish pairs beautifully with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or even a plate of pasta. Whether you serve it at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or alongside a casual steak night, creamed spinach adds elegance without effort. Once you try it, you’ll wonder why it isn’t on your table more often.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the magic of creamed spinach, make sure you’re stocked with the right tools. First, you’ll need a large skillet or sauté pan – it helps cook down the spinach quickly and evenly. A whisk is crucial for creating a smooth, lump-free cream sauce, especially when adding dairy.

A wooden spoon or silicone spatula makes stirring easy without damaging your cookware. If you’re using fresh spinach, a colander is handy for rinsing and draining. Lastly, a cutting board and knife are needed to mince garlic or chop onion if your recipe calls for it. With these basics, you’re fully equipped for creamy success.

Ingredients for the Easy Creamed Spinach

Fresh Spinach (or Frozen): The heart of the dish. Fresh gives a brighter flavor, while frozen is more convenient and great year-round.
Butter: Adds richness and is the base of your roux, helping to build the creamy texture.
Garlic: For savory depth. A little goes a long way in enhancing flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: Used to thicken the cream sauce.
Milk or Heavy Cream: The creamy base that turns spinach into something indulgent. Milk makes it lighter; cream gives it a luscious finish.
Cream Cheese: Optional, but highly recommended for extra smoothness and slight tang.
Parmesan Cheese: Brings nutty, salty depth and helps thicken the sauce.
Nutmeg (optional): A classic warm spice that subtly elevates the creamy flavors.
Salt & Pepper: Essential to season and balance everything.

How To Make the Easy Creamed Spinach

Step 1: Sauté the Garlic

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!

Step 2: Create the Roux

Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly to form a paste. Let it cook for about a minute to remove the raw flour taste.

Step 3: Add the Creamy Base

Slowly pour in milk (or cream), whisking constantly to ensure no lumps. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened.

Step 4: Stir in Cheeses

Add cream cheese and parmesan, stirring until melted and smooth. The sauce should now be velvety and thick.

Step 5: Add the Spinach

If using fresh spinach, stir in batches, allowing it to wilt before adding more. For frozen spinach, make sure it’s thawed and squeezed dry, then mix it in all at once.

Step 6: Season and Finish

Sprinkle in salt, pepper, and a touch of nutmeg if using. Stir well and let everything simmer together for another 2 minutes. Serve warm!

How to Serve and Store Easy Creamed Spinach

Serve your creamed spinach hot as a side dish. It pairs effortlessly with roast chicken, grilled steak, or even Thanksgiving turkey. For an extra cozy twist, spoon it over baked potatoes or use it as a filling for savory crepes.

To store leftovers, let the spinach cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen the texture.

This dish also freezes well. Place in a freezer-safe bag or container, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the sauce from becoming too runny?

Be sure to cook the flour well during the roux stage and let the sauce thicken before adding the spinach. If it still feels thin, a bit more parmesan can help tighten it up.

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just be sure it’s fully thawed and squeezed dry to avoid excess moisture that could thin out your sauce.

Is cream cheese necessary?

Not strictly, but it does add a wonderful creamy texture and a bit of tang that enhances the flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, use plant-based butter, non-dairy milk (like oat or almond), and a dairy-free cheese alternative. The texture may differ slightly but it will still be delicious.

What proteins go best with creamed spinach?

It’s excellent with grilled steak, roast chicken, baked salmon, or even alongside a vegetarian mushroom dish.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Definitely! Just store it in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve. It holds up well for a couple of days.

Want More Creamy Side Dish Ideas?

If rich, savory sides are your style, you might also love the Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole – it bakes into golden perfection with melty goodness in every bite.

Another crowd-pleaser is the Creamy Crockpot Mac and Cheese, which is effortless for weeknights or gatherings.

For soup season, Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup offers similar cozy vibes with extra veggies.

Also, don’t miss the Hearty Tuscan Bean Soup or Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni for main dishes that partner beautifully with a creamy side.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your side dish boards for next time. Just click the Pin button.

If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you use cream cheese or just stick with milk? Maybe you tossed in some mushrooms or onions? Leave a comment below.

Want more easy recipes like this one? Visit my Pinterest where I share new recipes daily: LadyPlate on Pinterest