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; 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice, plus more to taste; 20 ounces fresh spinach

There’s something so comforting about a velvety, rich side dish that makes a meal feel truly special. This Creamed Spinach Recipe is exactly that — creamy, garlicky, and just the right balance of cheesy goodness. It’s one of those dishes I turn to when I want to elevate simple spinach into something everyone at the table will rave about.

A white bowl filled with creamy spinach, where bright green spinach leaves are mixed into a thick, white sauce giving a smooth texture. The bowl sits on a wooden cutting board with a spoon that has a brown wooden handle placed inside the bowl, partially covered in the cream and spinach. Next to the bowl, there is a small black dish with grated cheese on a white marbled surface, and a blue cloth is placed near the wooden board. 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

Honestly, creamed spinach sometimes gets a bad rap as a boring steakhouse side, but this recipe flips that on its head. It’s creamy without being heavy, fresh but still indulgent. Over the years, it’s become a favorite in my house for both weeknight dinners and holiday spreads.

Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything you need in your fridge and pantry, making it super easy to whip up.
Perfect Texture: Silky cream sauce pairing perfectly with tender spinach leaves for a luxurious mouthfeel.
Customizable Flavor: Easily adjusted with extra cheese, garlic, or lemon to match your taste preferences.
Great for Any Occasion: Works as a comforting everyday side or a fancy dish for guests without extra fuss.

A close-up top view of a metal frying pan filled with creamy white sauce mixed with bright green wilted spinach leaves, some stems visible, giving a fresh texture. A wooden spoon with smooth texture is partially dipped into the sauce on the right side of the pan, showing thick creamy sauce coating its curved surface. Above the pan on the white marbled surface, a halved lemon with bright yellow skin sits next to a metal lemon squeezer holding another lemon half. The whole scene is bright and clean with soft natural light highlighting the creamy and leafy green layers. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Creamed Spinach Recipe shines because every ingredient plays a starring role. From the sweet shallots to the tangy lemon juice, here’s why these elements work so well together.

Flat lay of unsalted butter in a small white ceramic bowl, two whole uncracked brown shallots, coarse sea salt crystals in a small white ceramic bowl, black peppercorns in a small white ceramic bowl, two whole garlic cloves, all-purpose flour in a small white ceramic bowl, heavy cream in a small white ceramic bowl, freshly grated Parmesan cheese mound on a white ceramic plate, a generous bunch of fresh bright green spinach leaves, and a small white ceramic bowl with fresh lemon juice placed 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: Acts as the rich, creamy base to soften the shallots and carry the sauce’s flavor.
Shallots: They’re milder than onions and impart a delicate sweetness that balances the cream and cheese.
Sea Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential to bring out the depth of flavors without overpowering the spinach.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic grated in adds just the right punch, making the sauce aromatic and lively.
All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the cream into a luscious sauce without clumping when whisked properly.
Heavy Cream: The heart of the recipe, delivering that smooth and creamy texture that everyone loves.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor and enriches the sauce’s body beautifully.
Fresh Spinach: The star of the dish — bright, tender leaves that wilt perfectly into the cream.
Fresh Lemon Juice: A splash cuts through the richness, brightening up the whole dish and balancing flavors.

📝

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

One of the joys of making this creamed spinach recipe is how easy it is to tweak to your liking. I often play around with the cheese or add extra garlic if I’m feeling bold — you can totally make this your own!

Variation: I like swapping Parmesan for Gruyère when I want a slightly nuttier, deeper cheese flavor — it’s amazing melted into the sauce.
Dairy-Free Option: Try coconut cream and nutritional yeast if you want to keep it creamy but avoid dairy.
Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can give a nice background heat without overpowering the dish.
Leafy Greens Swap: For a twist, substitute half spinach with kale or Swiss chard for an earthier flavor and heartier bite.

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

Step 1: Soften and Scent the Shallots

Start by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium heat — I like to use a wide pan so the spinach cooks evenly later. Toss in the diced shallots with the sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Let them cook gently for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally until they’re soft and fragrant but not browned. This step builds your flavor foundation, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Garlic and Flour to Thicken

Next, grate in the garlic cloves — fresh garlic really lifts the sauce. Stir it with the shallots for about a minute before sprinkling in the flour. Keep stirring; this helps cook out the raw flour taste and prevents lumps. Take your time and keep the heat moderate here.

Step 3: Creamy Sauce Magic

Pour in the heavy cream and reduce the heat to low. Now, this is where patience pays off — let the sauce simmer gently for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll notice it thickening enough to coat the back of a spoon, which tells you it’s ready for cheese. Add the Parmesan and stir until it melts silky smooth.

Step 4: Wilt the Spinach Perfectly

Now, add the fresh spinach — it might look like a mountain at first, but don’t panic! Stir continuously as it wilts down, releasing some water into the sauce. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes over low heat to let the sauce thicken and flavors meld. Finally, stir in fresh lemon juice right at the end for that bright finishing note. Taste and add seasoning if needed.

Top Tip

I’ve tried many creamed spinach recipes, but the key difference that makes mine standout is careful attention to texture and seasoning. Here are the tips that make the magic happen:

Low and Slow Simmer: Don’t rush that cream thickening step — it develops richer flavor and perfect sauce body.
Fresh Garlic Injects Brightness: Grating instead of mincing garlic evenly disperses flavor without biting chunks.
Don’t Skip the Lemon: A squeeze of lemon juice right at the end cuts through the richness beautifully — trust me, it lifts the whole dish.
Watch the Salt: Since Parmesan is salty, add salt gradually and taste as you go to avoid over-seasoning.

How to Serve Creamed Spinach Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing this dish with a little freshly grated Parmesan on top and a light drizzle of good olive oil. Sometimes, I throw on a few toasted pine nuts for a toasty crunch — it adds an unexpected texture that works wonderfully.

Side Dishes

This creamed spinach pairs beautifully with grilled steak, roasted chicken, or even a simple baked salmon. I often serve it alongside garlic mashed potatoes or a crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. It’s such a versatile side, you really can’t go wrong!

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like to present this dish in individual ramekins topped with a crispy Parmesan crust under the broiler. It makes it look gorgeous and adds a wonderful contrast in textures. Plus, it’s fun to serve something a bit unexpected!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover creamed spinach stores nicely in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend letting it cool fully before sealing to avoid condensation, which can make the sauce watery.

Freezing

Freezing creamed spinach can be a bit tricky because the cream sauce might separate. I’ve had better luck freezing it if I slightly undercook the cream part before adding spinach, then freeze it quickly. When thawed, reheating gently while stirring helps bring it back together.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers slowly on low heat in a skillet, adding a splash of cream or milk if needed to loosen the sauce. Microwaving works in a pinch, but low stovetop reheating keeps the texture best.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen spinach for this Creamed Spinach Recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach, but make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out all excess water before adding it to the cream sauce. This prevents the dish from becoming watery and ensures the sauce stays rich and creamy.

How do I prevent the cream sauce from curdling?

To avoid curdling, keep the heat low when simmering the cream and avoid boiling it. Gentle simmering and constant stirring help maintain a smooth sauce.

Can I make this Creamed Spinach Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make it a few hours ahead and keep it warm in a low oven or reheat gently on the stovetop. Just add a little extra cream or milk when reheating if the sauce thickens too much.

What can I serve with creamed spinach?

Creamed spinach pairs wonderfully with steak, roasted chicken, grilled fish, or even as a topping for baked potatoes. It also complements hearty grain bowls or can be folded into pasta for a creamy greens boost.

Final Thoughts

This Creamed Spinach Recipe is one of those dishes I always feel great about bringing to the table. It’s simple, cozy, and carries just enough elegance to impress without anxiety. I hope you find yourself making it again and again — it’s a comforting classic that’s easy enough to fit into your busy week but special enough for celebrations. Go ahead, give it a try — I promise it’ll become a staple in your kitchen like it has in mine.