Name: Creamed Spinach Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 shallots, diced (⅔ cup); ½ teaspoon sea salt; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 2 garlic cloves, grated; 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 20 ounces fresh spinach; 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice, plus more to taste

There’s something undeniably cozy about a rich, velvety side dish, and this Creamed Spinach Recipe fits that bill perfectly. It’s creamy, comforting, and a delicious way to get your greens with a little indulgence—one of those classics that’s worth making from scratch.

The image shows a white bowl filled with creamy spinach. The dish has two main layers: the green spinach leaves mixed evenly with a thick, light cream sauce. The spinach looks fresh and slightly wilted, with the creamy sauce coating each leaf smoothly. A silver spoon with a wooden handle rests inside the bowl, partially submerged in the spinach and cream. The bowl is placed on a light wooden cutting board, set on a white marbled surface. To the right of the bowl, a folded blue cloth is visible, and in the background, a small black bowl holds finely grated white cheese. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamed Spinach Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamed Spinach Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamed Spinach Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This creamed spinach isn’t just creamy; it strikes that perfect balance between richness and freshness. I’ve always loved it as a way to dress up dinner without overcomplicating things.

Simplicity: Just a handful of ingredients come together effortlessly for a restaurant-quality side at home.
Texture Play: The silky sauce alongside tender, bright spinach keeps every bite interesting.
Flavor Depth: Shallots and Parmesan add subtle savory notes that lift the whole dish.
Versatility: It’s the perfect side for steak night, holiday dinners, or just making an ordinary meal feel special.

A close-up view of a stainless steel pan filled with creamy cooked spinach. The dish shows fresh dark green spinach leaves enveloped in a smooth, thick white cream sauce with small black pepper specks. On the right side, a wooden spoon is partially dipped into the sauce, held by a woman's hand. In the background, there is a half lemon and a lemon juicer on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this creamed spinach recipe has a purpose, from building depth of flavor to creating that luscious texture. Using fresh spinach is key here, and you'll want to pick out the freshest bunch you can find for the best vibrancy.

Flat lay of unsalted butter block, two whole uncracked brown shallots, coarse sea salt crystals, black peppercorns scattered, two whole uncracked garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl with all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl with heavy cream, freshly grated Parmesan cheese mound on a white plate, a large pile of fresh green spinach leaves, and a lemon wedge, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Unsalted butter: Provides a rich base while allowing you to control the saltiness of the final dish.
Shallots: These delicate onions bring a subtle sweetness and depth without overpowering the creaminess.
Sea salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning — the sea salt enhances all the flavors, and freshly ground pepper adds a mild heat.
Garlic: Adds a fresh, aromatic kick; grating helps it blend seamlessly into the sauce.
All-purpose flour: This is your thickening agent, giving that silky cream a perfect coating consistency.
Heavy cream: The star of the sauce, offering that luxurious velvety texture you expect from creamed spinach.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated makes all the difference here — it melts beautifully and adds savory umami.
Fresh spinach: The main vegetable, which wilts into the cream, providing both nutrients and that vibrant green color.
Fresh lemon juice: Just a splash brightens up the richness and keeps the dish from feeling too heavy.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this creamed spinach recipe depending on the season or what I have on hand. Feel free to add your own spin to make it truly yours.

Variation: Sometimes I stir in a pinch of nutmeg — it adds a warm, slightly sweet depth that’s amazing. You might want to try it if you like subtle spice notes.
Dairy-free option: For a dairy-free twist, swap the cream for full-fat coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan — it won’t be quite the same, but still delicious.
Extra cheesy: If you’re a cheese lover like me, sprinkle some mozzarella or Gruyère into the sauce just before serving for an ooey-gooey finish.
Herbs: Fresh thyme or chives added at the end give a lovely herbal aroma that brightens the dish.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamed Spinach Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Shallots and Build Flavor

Start by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. When it’s hot and bubbly, toss in the diced shallots along with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook them gently for about 4 minutes until they’ve softened and smell sweet and tender. This is where the base flavor forms — don’t rush it or let the butter brown too much.

Step 2: Add Garlic & Thicken the Sauce

Next, stir in the freshly grated garlic — that subtle garlicky aroma instantly wakes up the pan. Sprinkle the flour over the shallots and garlic and stir it to coat everything evenly. This helps thicken the sauce beautifully without lumps.

Step 3: Cream it Up and Melt the Cheese

Pour in the heavy cream and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently, stirring occasionally for about 5 to 10 minutes. You’re aiming for a consistency thick enough to coat the back of a spoon — that luxurious creaminess in action! Then add your Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth, adding a savory richness you’ll love.

Step 4: Wilt the Spinach and Finish

Finally, add the fresh spinach to the skillet. It might look like a lot at first, but it wilts down quickly. Stir frequently until just wilted — the sauce may thin out a little from the spinach’s water. Cook for an extra 2 to 3 minutes to get it back to thick perfection, then stir in that fresh lemon juice to brighten everything up. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Top Tip

I’ve found these little tricks make all the difference when I want that perfect creamy spinach every time. Turns out, simplicity plus a few careful steps can transform a humble green vegetable into a standout side.

Use fresh spinach, not frozen: It keeps the texture bright and avoids watery, soggy results.
Don’t skip the shallots: They build a sweet, mild onion flavor that balances the rich sauce.
Simmer gently: Keep the heat low when thickening the cream to avoid curdling or scorching.
Season at the end: Lemon juice and salt adjustment happen last so you get the perfect balance of brightness and savoriness.

How to Serve Creamed Spinach Recipe

Garnishes

I like to finish with a little extra Parmesan sprinkle and a twist of black pepper on top for presentation and added flavor. Sometimes I’ll add a scattering of toasted pine nuts or crushed red pepper flakes if I want a little crunch or heat.

Side Dishes

This creamed spinach pairs beautifully with grilled or pan-seared steaks, roasted chicken, or even alongside seared salmon. It’s also fantastic next to mashed potatoes or crispy roasted veggies for a comforting yet elegant dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes serve creamed spinach in individual ramekins topped with a crispy Parmesan crust baked under the broiler for a couple minutes. It looks stunning and adds a delightful texture contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover creamed spinach in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I like to gently warm it on the stove to keep the sauce smooth and creamy instead of microwaving it straight away.

Freezing

Freezing works, but the texture changes slightly because spinach releases water as it thaws. I recommend freezing if you want to save time on prep, but expect the sauce might separate a bit. You can always whisk it back together when reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, place the creamed spinach in a saucepan over low heat. Stir frequently and add a splash of cream or milk if needed to loosen the sauce. This keeps it silky and delicious, just like fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen spinach for this creamed spinach recipe?

You can use frozen spinach in a pinch, but the texture will be less fresh and you’ll need to thoroughly drain and squeeze out excess water to prevent a watery sauce. Fresh spinach is best for that bright, tender result.

How do I prevent my creamed spinach from being too watery?

Make sure not to add the spinach until the sauce is nearly ready, then cook it just until wilted. Also, simmer the spinach in the sauce a bit longer to allow excess water to evaporate. Using fresh, dry spinach helps too!

Can I make creamed spinach vegan or dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap the butter for olive oil or a plant-based alternative, use full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream, and replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese. The texture and taste will differ but it’s still delicious.

What dishes pair best with creamed spinach?

Creamed spinach pairs wonderfully with rich mains like steak, roasted chicken, grilled fish, or even vegetarian dishes like mushroom risotto, making it a versatile side to complement many meals.

Final Thoughts

This creamed spinach recipe is one of those comforting dishes that never fails to impress — whether for an everyday dinner or something a little more special. It’s a reliable classic that I keep coming back to because it’s genuinely easy and tastes fantastic. I hope you’ll enjoy making it as much as I do, and maybe even share it with friends and family around your table.