Craving the perfect side dish to complement your steak? This Easy Creamed Spinach recipe is just like the one you’d find at your favorite steakhouse—rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. It’s the ultimate indulgence that’s quick to make and sure to impress!
This Ruth Chris Steakhouse copycat recipe is a decadent yet simple side dish that brings the rich, creamy flavors of steakhouse-style creamed spinach right to your home.
Ready in just a few minutes, it’s the ideal choice for when you want a quick, flavorful side to elevate any meal!
Serve alongside other steakhouse side dishes such as Air Fryer Steakhouse Potatoes, Air Fryer Texas Roadhouse Rolls, or Air Fryer Steakhouse Sweet Potatoes.
Serve alongside my Air Fryer Ribeye Recipe, or Air Fryer Porterhouse Steak Recipe.
Homemade Creamed Spinach Recipe
This Homemade Creamed Spinach recipe is a rich and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This is a great recipe, and the ingredients are easily to be stocked for a quick side dish, use frozen spinach, or fresh spinach.
This easy creamed spinach side dish, is easy to make and bursting with flavor, it’s a classic dish that brings a touch of elegance to your table without any fuss. Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a special holiday meal, this creamed spinach will be a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients Needed For Steakhouse Creamed Spinach
- Fresh Spinach – Fresh leafy greens for a vibrant, nutritious base.
- Butter – Adds richness and smoothness to the creamy texture.
- Garlic – Aromatic garlic for an extra layer of flavor.
- Heavy Cream – Creates a rich, velvety consistency in the sauce.
- Cream Cheese – Adds creaminess and tang to the dish.
- Parmesan Cheese – Aged cheese that brings a savory, nutty taste.
- Salt – Enhances flavor and balances the richness of the dish.
- Black Pepper – Adds a subtle kick and balances the flavors.
How To Make Creamed Spinach
Step One: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Step Two: Add fresh spinach to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until it wilts down, about 3-4 minutes. If you’re using frozen spinach, make sure it’s thawed and drained before adding. Stir in heavy cream and cream cheese, breaking it up with a spoon. Mix until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated.
Step Three: Add grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until the mixture is creamy and smooth. Let the spinach mixture simmer on low heat for 2-3 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency. If it’s too thick, add a little more cream to loosen it up.
Steakhouse Creamed Spinach Recipe Tips
- Use Fresh Spinach – Fresh spinach provides a vibrant texture and flavor compared to frozen. If using frozen spinach, make sure it’s thawed and well-drained to avoid excess moisture.
- Balance the Creaminess – Adjust the amount of heavy cream and cream cheese based on your desired creaminess. If you prefer a lighter version, reduce the cream cheese or use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Sauté Garlic Until Fragrant – Be careful not to burn the garlic while sautéing, as it can turn bitter. Just cook until it’s fragrant and golden.
- Season to Taste – Don’t forget to taste as you go! Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg for a warm, comforting flavor. Freshly ground black pepper adds a nice depth.
- Grate Parmesan Fresh – For the best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-grated. It will melt more easily and offer a richer taste.
- Thicken It Up – If your creamed spinach seems too runny, simmer it for a few extra minutes to thicken up the sauce. If it’s too thick, add a splash of cream or milk to loosen it.
- Add Extra Flavors – Enhance the flavor by adding a small squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.
Storing
- Storing: Store leftover creamed spinach in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s cooled down to room temperature before refrigerating to maintain freshness.
- Reheating: Reheat creamed spinach on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot. Add a splash of cream if it needs to be loosened.
Creamed Spinach FAQ
What is creamed spinach? Creamed spinach is a dish made by cooking spinach in a creamy sauce, typically with ingredients like heavy cream, butter, garlic, and sometimes Parmesan or other cheeses. The spinach is usually sautéed until wilted and then combined with the creamy sauce.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh? Yes! Frozen spinach is often used in creamed spinach because it’s convenient and already wilted. Just be sure to thaw and drain it well to remove excess water before adding it to the cream mixture.
How do I make creamed spinach less watery? To avoid a watery creamed spinach, make sure to drain your spinach thoroughly, especially if you’re using frozen spinach. You can also cook off some of the liquid in the spinach before adding the cream or use a thickening agent like flour or cornstarch in the cream sauce.
What can I use instead of heavy cream? You can use alternatives like half-and-half, milk with a bit of butter, or even cream cheese if you’re looking for a lighter option. If you’re dairy-free, coconut milk or cashew cream can work as substitutes.
How do I make creamed spinach richer? To make it richer, you can add more butter, use full-fat cream, or incorporate additional cheeses like Parmesan, Gruyère, or cheddar. Adding a bit of cream cheese or sour cream can also enhance the richness.
Can I make creamed spinach ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the creamed spinach a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a little extra cream or milk to loosen the texture if needed.
Can I add other vegetables to creamed spinach? Yes, many variations of creamed spinach include other vegetables like artichokes, mushrooms, or onions. You could even mix in some cooked garlic or roasted peppers for extra flavor.
How do I make creamed spinach spicier? To add spice, you can include ingredients like red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or fresh jalapeños. A bit of mustard or hot sauce can also give it a nice kick.
Is creamed spinach healthy? Creamed spinach can be a bit indulgent due to the cream and butter, but spinach itself is very nutritious, offering vitamins and minerals. You can lighten up the recipe by reducing the amount of cream or butter or using lower-fat substitutes.
What do I serve creamed spinach with? Creamed spinach pairs well with steak, roasted chicken, pork chops, or fish. It’s also great as a side dish for holiday meals or special occasions.
More Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Copycat Applebee’s Cheese Sticks
- Air Fryer Beef Chimichangas
- Air Fryer Bagel Dogs
- Air Fryer Soft Pretzels
- Air Fryer Corn Dogs
- Easy Air Fryer Pizza Bagel Bites
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Easy Creamed Spinach
Description
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh spinach, or 16 oz frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream, or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper, or to taste
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg, optional, for extra flavor
- 1 tbsp cream cheese, optional for extra richness
Instructions
- If using fresh spinach, rinse and drain well. Roughly chop the spinach. If using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to remove excess moisture.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant but not browned.
- Add the spinach to the skillet, stirring to coat it with the garlic butter. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, until the spinach is wilted (if using fresh) or heated through (if using frozen).
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and optional nutmeg. Continue cooking for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
- If you want a richer texture, stir in the optional cream cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if necessary. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Whisk or Tongs
Nutrition
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