Hey guys! Ever find yourself wanting a delicious and easy side dish that even picky eaters will love? Well, look no further! Today, we're diving into the wonderful world of creamed spinach. This recipe is so simple, you'll be whipping it up for every holiday dinner, weeknight meal, and potluck you can think of. Trust me, this isn't your grandma's bland, watery spinach – this is creamy, flavorful goodness that will have everyone asking for seconds. Let's get started!

Why This Creamed Spinach Recipe Rocks

So, what makes this creamed spinach recipe so special? First off, it's incredibly easy. We're talking minimal ingredients and a straightforward cooking process. Even if you're a beginner in the kitchen, you'll nail this dish on your first try. Secondly, it’s incredibly versatile. You can serve it as a side dish with grilled chicken, steak, or fish, or even use it as a filling for quiches and omelets. The possibilities are endless! Thirdly, it's flavorful. We're not just relying on cream to carry the flavor here. We're using a combination of garlic, nutmeg, and Parmesan cheese to create a rich, savory taste that will tantalize your taste buds. No more boring spinach, I promise.

But the real magic lies in the texture. We're aiming for a creamy, dreamy consistency that melts in your mouth. No one wants watery or stringy creamed spinach, so we'll walk you through the steps to achieve that perfect texture every single time. So, if you're looking for a foolproof, crowd-pleasing, and utterly delicious side dish, this creamed spinach recipe is for you. Plus, spinach is packed with vitamins and minerals, so you can feel good about sneaking some extra greens into your meal. Now, let's gather our ingredients and get cooking!

Ingredients You'll Need

Okay, let's talk ingredients. The beauty of this recipe is that you probably already have most of these things in your pantry and fridge. Here's what you'll need:

• Fresh Spinach: About 1 pound. Fresh spinach is key for that vibrant green color and fresh flavor. If you absolutely have to use frozen, make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out all the excess water. Otherwise, your creamed spinach will be too watery.
• Butter: 2 tablespoons. Butter adds richness and helps to create a smooth, creamy sauce.
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Garlic is essential for adding that savory, aromatic flavor. Don't be shy with the garlic – it really elevates the dish. If you're a garlic lover, feel free to add an extra clove!
• All-Purpose Flour: 2 tablespoons. Flour is used as a thickening agent to create a luscious cream sauce. Make sure to whisk it in thoroughly to avoid any lumps.
• Milk: 1 cup. Milk adds moisture and helps to create the creamy base of the sauce. You can use whole milk for extra richness, or opt for a lower-fat version if you prefer.
• Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup. This is where the magic happens. Heavy cream adds that decadent, velvety texture that makes creamed spinach so irresistible. Don't skimp on the heavy cream – it's what makes this dish truly special.
• Nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon. A pinch of nutmeg adds a warm, subtle spice that complements the spinach and cream beautifully. It's a secret ingredient that takes this dish to the next level.
• Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup, grated. Parmesan cheese adds a salty, savory flavor and helps to thicken the sauce. Freshly grated Parmesan is always best, but you can use pre-grated if that's what you have on hand.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste. Seasoning is key to bringing out the flavors of the spinach and cream. Start with a pinch of salt and pepper, and then adjust to your liking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let's get cooking! Here's a step-by-step guide to making the best creamed spinach you've ever tasted:

1. Prepare the Spinach: Wash the spinach thoroughly and remove any tough stems. If the leaves are very large, you can chop them roughly.
2. Sauté the Garlic: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
3. Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the garlic and butter mixture. Whisk constantly for about 1-2 minutes, until the flour is cooked and the mixture is smooth. This is called a roux, and it's the base of our creamy sauce.
4. Add the Milk: Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue to whisk until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
5. Stir in the Cream: Stir in the heavy cream and nutmeg. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
6. Add the Spinach: Add the spinach to the skillet and stir until it wilts and is evenly coated in the sauce. This should only take a few minutes.
7. Stir in the Parmesan: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
8. Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Creamed Spinach

Want to take your creamed spinach to the next level? Here are a few tips and tricks to ensure it turns out perfect every time:

• Don't Overcook the Spinach: Overcooked spinach can become mushy and lose its vibrant green color. Cook it just until it wilts and is evenly coated in the sauce.
• Squeeze Out Excess Moisture: If you're using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out all the excess water. This will prevent your creamed spinach from becoming watery.
• Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts more smoothly and has a richer flavor than pre-grated cheese.
• Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the creamed spinach and adjust the seasoning to your liking. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or nutmeg to bring out the flavors.
• Make it Ahead: Creamed spinach can be made ahead of time and reheated. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen it up.

Variations and Add-Ins

Want to get creative with your creamed spinach? Here are a few variations and add-ins to try:

• Add Bacon: Cooked and crumbled bacon adds a smoky, savory flavor to creamed spinach.
• Add Artichoke Hearts: Quartered artichoke hearts add a tangy, slightly sweet flavor and a nice texture.
• Add Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms add an earthy, umami flavor to creamed spinach.
• Add Onions: Diced and sautéed onions add a sweet, savory flavor and a nice texture.
• Add a Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a touch of heat to creamed spinach.

Serving Suggestions

Creamed spinach is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Grilled Chicken: Creamed spinach is a delicious accompaniment to grilled chicken.
• Steak: Creamed spinach is a classic side dish for steak.
• Fish: Creamed spinach pairs well with baked or pan-seared fish.
• Pork Chops: Creamed spinach is a tasty side dish for pork chops.
• Omelets and Quiches: Creamed spinach can be used as a filling for omelets and quiches.

Nutritional Benefits of Spinach

Besides being delicious, spinach is also incredibly nutritious! It's packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are essential for good health. Here are a few of the nutritional benefits of spinach:

• Rich in Vitamins: Spinach is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, which are important for vision, immune function, and blood clotting.
• Good Source of Minerals: Spinach is a good source of iron, calcium, and magnesium, which are important for energy production, bone health, and muscle function.
• High in Antioxidants: Spinach is high in antioxidants, which help to protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals.
• Low in Calories: Spinach is low in calories, making it a healthy and guilt-free addition to your diet.

Creamed Spinach: The Perfect Side Dish

So there you have it! A simple, delicious, and foolproof creamed spinach recipe that will impress your family and friends. Whether you're serving it as a side dish for a holiday dinner or using it as a filling for a quiche, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. So go ahead, give it a try, and let me know what you think in the comments below. Happy cooking, guys! And don't forget to share this recipe with your friends and family who are looking for a delicious and easy side dish. Enjoy! Seriously, you will thank me later!