Why You’ll Love this Rich Creamed Spinach
When you take that first bite of this creamed spinach, you’ll understand why it’s become a staple at my dinner table. The perfect balance of rich, cheesy goodness with nutritious greens makes it impossible to resist.
I love how the creamy texture contrasts with the slightly earthy spinach flavor.
What really sets this recipe apart? The combination of Parmesan and Monterey Jack cheeses. Trust me, that duo creates a depth of flavor you just can’t get with a single cheese.
And that hint of garlic? Game-changing.
It’s fancy enough for guests but simple enough for Tuesday night dinner.
What Ingredients are in Rich Creamed Spinach?
For this decadent side dish, we’re combining earthy spinach with creamy, cheesy goodness that transforms ordinary greens into something absolutely crave-worthy. The ingredients list is straightforward, using items you might already have in your kitchen. What makes this recipe special is the combination of two different cheeses that create the perfect balance of sharp and mild flavors.
- 10-ounce package of frozen spinach
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 onion, minced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/3 cup half-and-half (or cream)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/8 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
When shopping for this recipe, quality matters—especially with the cheeses. Try to find freshly grated Parmesan rather than the pre-packaged stuff if possible. And while the recipe calls for frozen spinach, you could substitute fresh spinach if you prefer, though you’ll need about twice as much by weight since fresh spinach cooks down considerably. Want to make it even richer? You can use heavy cream instead of half-and-half, though this will definitely up the decadence factor. Mmm, can you imagine how velvety that would be?
How to Make this Rich Creamed Spinach
Making this creamy, dreamy spinach dish is surprisingly simple, and the results are absolutely restaurant-worthy.
Start by heating your 10-ounce package of frozen spinach with 2 cups of water in a saucepan over high heat. While that’s working, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat and add your finely minced 1/4 onion. Let those onions cook until they’re beautifully translucent, which takes about 10 minutes—patience here really pays off, as properly softened onions add the perfect sweet foundation.
Once your spinach is heated through, it’s time for an important step that many people skip: draining it properly. Transfer the spinach to a mesh colander and press firmly to remove all that excess water. Trust me, nobody wants watery creamed spinach!
Return to your skillet with those translucent onions, add in the drained spinach and 3 minced garlic cloves, then sauté for just a minute to wake up those garlic flavors.
Now for the magic—pour in 1/3 cup of half-and-half and bring the mixture to a low boil before stirring in 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
Once it’s bubbling again, add 1/8 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese, stirring until everything is beautifully incorporated.
Season with salt and pepper to your liking, then let it cook for 2 more minutes on a gentle boil. Is it looking a bit too thick? No problem—just add half-and-half a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
The final result should be rich, velvety, and utterly irresistible.
Rich Creamed Spinach Substitutions and Variations
While our classic creamed spinach recipe is absolutely delightful, I’ve discovered numerous ways to customize this rich side dish over the years.
Try swapping half-and-half with coconut milk for dairy-free creaminess, or Greek yogurt for a tangy twist. Not a fan of Monterey Jack? Gruyère or fontina melt beautifully instead. Fresh spinach works perfectly—just wilt two pounds before adding cream.
Sometimes I toss in nutmeg, red pepper flakes, or even crumbled bacon for extra flavor. Mushrooms sautéed with the onions? Divine. The possibilities are endless, really.
What ingredients do you have in your fridge right now?
What to Serve with Rich Creamed Spinach
When it comes to serving rich creamed spinach, the possibilities are truly endless for this versatile side dish. I love pairing it with a perfectly seared steak or roasted chicken—the creamy texture complements proteins beautifully.
For a complete meal, try it alongside mashed potatoes or buttery rice. The contrast between the vibrant green spinach and starchy sides? Divine.
Fish dishes, particularly salmon or cod, also work wonderfully with creamed spinach. The delicate seafood flavors balance the richness of the cream and cheese.
Need a vegetarian option? Serve it with mushroom risotto or, my personal favorite, atop a baked potato.
Final Thoughts
This classic creamed spinach recipe has been my go-to comfort food for years, transforming an ordinary vegetable into something truly special. The combination of melted cheeses, garlic, and cream creates a luxurious texture that feels indulgent with every bite.
I’ve found that taking the time to properly drain the spinach makes all the difference—nobody wants watery creamed spinach, right?
The beauty of this dish is its versatility; you can adjust the consistency with extra cream or add more cheese for an even richer experience.
It’s simple enough for weeknights but elegant enough for holiday gatherings. Worth every calorie.
Rich Creamed Spinach
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat the frozen spinach with water in a saucepan over high heat until thoroughly heated.
- Meanwhile, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat and add the minced onion. Cook until translucent, about 10 minutes.
- Transfer the heated spinach to a mesh colander and press firmly to remove all excess water.
- Add the drained spinach and minced garlic to the skillet with the translucent onions. Sauté for about 1 minute to enhance the garlic flavor.
- Pour in the half-and-half and bring the mixture to a low boil.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until incorporated.
- Once bubbling again, add the shredded Monterey Jack cheese, stirring until completely melted and smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then cook for 2 more minutes on a gentle boil.
- If the mixture is too thick, add half-and-half one tablespoon at a time until reaching desired consistency.
