This homemade creamed spinach is one of my favorite sides. Serve it over rice, noodles, baked potatoes, grits, or just by itself. This recipe calls for fresh spinach, onions, and garlic in an easy-to-make cream sauce that starts with a roux.
I am a huge spinach fan. I like it sauteed, in salads, in souffles, and even canned. As much as I eat, you would think I am related to Popeye. If you like spinach as much as I do, try asparagus-stuffed chicken with spinach and sundried tomatoes, hot spinach dip, and spinach-stuffed chicken.
Ingredients Needed and Substitutions
See the complete list of ingredients on the recipe card below.
- Butter: salted or unsalted, everything tastes better with a bit of butter
- Shallots: 1/2 large yellow onion can be substituted if needed
- Baby spinach: regular spinach can be used, but remove the large stems
- Milk: preferably whole or 2%
- Ground nutmeg: optional but highly recommended
- Salt and pepper: freshly ground is always best
- Heavy cream: or whipping cream
How to Make Creamed Spinach
This is the summary version; see the recipe card below for the complete list of ingredients and the instructions.
Melt a couple of tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shallot and saute until soft. Reduce the heat to low and add the garlic and spinach. Cook for a couple of minutes, stirring several times, until the spinach is wilted.
Meanwhile, melt the remaining butter in a separate large skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes, whisking constantly. Slowly add the milk while whisking and continue cooking until thickened. Stir in the sauteed spinach mixture, nutmeg, and heavy cream. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
Preparation Tips and Storage
- Use fresh baby spinach, which has fewer stems and is more tender.
- Season to taste with plenty of salt and pepper. Add a couple of pinches of cayenne or crushed red pepper if you like a little heat.
- This recipe is best served as soon as it is done, but sometimes coordinating everything to be served at the same time is difficult. You can keep it over low heat for a short period, stirring frequently. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a quarter cup of milk at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at reduced power.
Serving Suggestions
More Spinach Recipes
Creamed Spinach
Ingredients
- 5 tablespoons butter unsalted or salted
- 2 shallots finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 16 ounces baby spinach
- 3 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups milk whole or 2%
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shallot and saute until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the garlic and spinach. Cook for 1-2 minutes. or until the spinach is wilted, stirring several times.
- Meanwhile, melt the remaining butter in a separate large skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes while whisking.
- Slowly add the milk while whisking and continue cooking until thickened. Stir in the sauteed spinach mixture, nutmeg, and heavy cream. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at reduced power.
Nutrition
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Krystle Smith
The fresh spinach really shines through, and the cream sauce is so rich and velvety. I loved how the onions and garlic added depth to the flavor.
Beth Pierce
Thnk you, Krystle! I am so glad that you liked it.
Janie
Love your recipes.
You cook like we do/did when my family was here at home.
It was like cooking for an army.
3 meals a day. Breakfasts and suppers together.
Sure miss that.
I am almost 77 now and don’t cook much anymore
But all of my kids do so I guess I taught them something…ha
Just wanted to let you know your recent are great and enjoyable to read.
Thanks again,
Janie🥰
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much Janie! Meal sharing with family and friends is always enjoyable.
Allyssa
Fam really loved this! Will surely have this again, it’s really easy to make and tasted amazing! Thanks a lot for sharing this awesome recipe! Highly recommended!
Julia
Such a quick and delicious side dish, especially right now when spinach is in season!
Trang
Amazing! Such a delicious homey comfort food side. I actually never thought of adding this with my grits until suggested.
Linda Scarchuk
I have made this several time and it is wonderful. We all love it, like many of Small Town Woman’s recipes…
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much! Thanks Linda! That is so sweet!!
Jill
What a great way to enjoy spinach. Looks fabulous.
Caitlyn Erhardt
WOW! This was so creamy and flavorful. Thank you for a great recipe!
Anita
One of the most requested spinach dish at home. So yummy. 🙂
Becky Hardin
The best recipe ever!! So easy and so good.