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Classic Creamed Spinach

Streamlined Recipe

What's a Streamlined Recipe?

This recipe gives you everything you need to cook this dish successfully! It is focused on the essentials so you can get started fast. The full version with detailed tips and techniques is coming soon.

Classic Creamed Spinach

A rich and velvety side dish featuring tender spinach in a luxurious cream sauce, perfect alongside steaks, roasted chicken, or holiday meals.

Total Time 35 min
Servings 6
Difficulty Easy

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min

This recipe was automatically generated and is waiting for our culinary review. The instructions and ingredients are complete and ready to use, but we have not reviewed or tested it yet. Try it out and tell us what you think. Your feedback will help us make it even better!

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds fresh spinach leaves
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Before you start

Equipment You'll Need

  • Large pot for blanching
  • Large bowl for ice bath
  • Large skillet or saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Fine-mesh strainer
  • Clean kitchen towels

Safety Tips & Important Notes

Follow these for best results and safety.

  1. Squeeze spinach very dry after blanching to prevent watery creamed spinach
  2. Use a clean kitchen towel to help remove excess moisture from spinach
  3. Whisk milk gradually into flour mixture to prevent lumps from forming
  4. Fresh nutmeg makes a significant difference in flavor compared to pre-ground
  5. If sauce becomes too thick, thin with additional milk or cream

Instructions

  1. Wash spinach thoroughly and remove any tough stems. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil.

  2. Blanch spinach in boiling water for 1-2 minutes until wilted and bright green.

  3. Immediately transfer spinach to an ice bath to stop cooking. Drain thoroughly and squeeze out excess water with your hands.

  4. Roughly chop the blanched spinach and set aside.

  5. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.

  6. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

  7. Sprinkle flour over the onion mixture and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.

  8. Gradually whisk in milk, ensuring no lumps form. Continue whisking until mixture begins to thicken, about 3-4 minutes.

  9. Stir in heavy cream and bring mixture to a gentle simmer.

  10. Add chopped spinach to the cream sauce and stir to combine thoroughly.

  11. Season with Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.

  12. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until heated through and desired consistency is reached.

  13. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.

Chef's notes

Can be made up to 2 days ahead and reheated gently on stovetop

Frozen spinach can be substituted - use 2 packages (10 oz each), thawed and drained

Leftovers keep refrigerated for up to 3 days

Reheat gently over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching

noadscooking.com — Classic Creamed Spinach

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