Irresistibly Rich & Cheesy Creamed Spinach Recipe

Why You’ll Love this Rich & Cheesy Creamed Spinach

Comfort food enthusiasts, prepare yourselves for a side dish that’ll make everything else on your plate jealous! This creamed spinach transforms humble leafy greens into a decadent, velvety masterpiece that’ll have you scraping the bowl clean.

I’m obsessed with how the tender spinach bathes in a silky sauce where Parmesan and Monterey Jack cheeses melt together in perfect harmony.

The subtle sweetness from sautéed onions and punch of minced garlic create complex flavors that elevate this dish beyond ordinary vegetable sides.

It’s ridiculously versatile, pairing beautifully with everything from steak to roasted chicken, or simply enjoyed with crusty bread.

What Ingredients are in Rich & Cheesy Creamed Spinach?

This creamed spinach recipe is built around a handful of simple ingredients that work together to create something absolutely magical. The combination of tender spinach, aromatic onions and garlic, and rich dairy creates that perfect balance of nutrition and indulgence. I always think of creamed spinach as the gateway vegetable dish for people who claim they don’t like greens—one bite of this cheesy goodness and they’re instant converts.

• 10 ounces frozen spinach
• 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
• 2 cups water (for cooking the spinach)

When shopping for this recipe, quality really matters with the cheese—pre-grated varieties often contain anti-caking agents that can affect how smoothly they melt. I prefer to grate my own Parmesan and Monterey Jack for the creamiest possible texture. And while the recipe calls for frozen spinach (which is super convenient), you could substitute fresh spinach if you have it on hand—just remember that you’ll need a much larger volume of fresh since it shrinks dramatically when cooked. About those leafy greens, they’re the star of the show, so make sure to squeeze out as much water as possible after cooking to avoid a watery final dish.

How to Make this Rich & Cheesy Creamed Spinach

Making this decadent creamed spinach couldn’t be simpler, and the results are absolutely restaurant-worthy.

Read moreCreamy Italian Stuffed Shells Recipe: Heartwarming Comfort

Start by heating a 10-ounce package of frozen spinach with 2 cups of water in a saucepan over high heat. While that’s warming up, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a separate 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—this slow cooking really develops their sweetness.

Once your spinach is heated through, it’s time for an essential step: draining. Place the spinach in 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 the drained spinach and 3 minced garlic cloves, then sauté everything together for just a minute to marry those flavors.

Now for the creamy goodness—pour in 1/3 cup of half-and-half and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Add 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts into the sauce, then toss in 1/8 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese. The combination of these two cheeses creates the perfect balance of sharp flavor and melty texture.

For an authentic touch, consider cooking this dish in high-end Mexican cookware which distributes heat evenly for perfect results every time.

Season with salt and pepper to taste, and let it bubble away for another 2 minutes. If your mixture looks too thick, no worries—just add extra half-and-half, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

Rich & Cheesy Creamed Spinach Substitutions and Variations

While our classic recipe creates a mouthwatering creamed spinach, let’s explore the wonderful world of substitutions and variations that’ll let you customize this dish to your preferences or pantry limitations.

Read moreCreamy Southern Comfort Corn Casserole Recipe

Don’t have half-and-half? Whole milk works in a pinch, though you’ll sacrifice some richness. For dairy-free options, try coconut cream or cashew cream.

The cheese is flexible too—swap in gruyère for a nutty flavor or goat cheese for tangy creaminess. Fresh spinach can replace frozen (you’ll need about 1½ pounds), just blanch it first.

For extra decadence, fold in 2 tablespoons of cream cheese or a sprinkle of nutmeg for that je ne sais quoi.

What to Serve with Rich & Cheesy Creamed Spinach

Pairing our rich and cheesy creamed spinach with the right companions elevates it from a simple side dish to the star of a memorable meal.

I’m convinced that grilled steaks or roasted prime rib create the perfect partnership, the iron-rich spinach complementing the savory meat beautifully.

For lighter options, try serving alongside baked salmon or a roasted chicken breast.

The creamy texture works wonderfully against crispy garlic bread or buttery mashed potatoes too.

If you’re feeling adventurous, spoon it over rice or use as a stunning base for poached eggs at brunch.

The possibilities are endless!

Final Thoughts

After mastering this creamed spinach recipe, I’m confident you’ll never look at this humble leafy green the same way again. There’s something almost magical about transforming those frozen spinach leaves into a velvety, cheese-infused side dish that steals the spotlight from any main course sharing the plate.

The beauty lies in its versatility—add a pinch more garlic if you’re feeling bold, or swap the monterey jack for gruyère when you’re feeling fancy. I’ve found that the perfect creamed spinach balances richness with the earthiness of the greens, creating that irresistible comfort food we crave.