Cheesy Creamed Spinach Recipe: Easy, Indulgent Side Dish
A luxurious blend of fresh spinach, cream, and melted cheeses for the perfect side dish
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Irresistible Cheesy Creamed Spinach Recipe
Creamed spinach has been a beloved side dish for generations, but this cheesy creamed spinach recipe takes the classic to entirely new heights. By combining fresh spinach with a luxurious blend of heavy cream, provolone, and Parmesan cheese, you’ll create a side dish so delicious that even spinach skeptics will be asking for seconds. Whether you’re serving it alongside a holiday roast, a perfectly grilled steak, or as part of a comforting weeknight dinner, this cheesy creamed spinach delivers incredible flavor with every bite.
Why This Cheesy Creamed Spinach Recipe Works
What separates this recipe from ordinary creamed spinach is the expert balance of flavors and textures. Starting with fresh spinach rather than frozen makes an enormous difference in the final dish’s taste and texture. The combination of sweet sautéed onions, garlic, and two different cheeses creates layers of flavor that transform simple spinach into something truly special.
The provolone cheese adds a mild, buttery richness while the Parmesan brings a sharp, salty element that perfectly complements the natural earthy flavor of the spinach. A touch of nutmeg adds warmth, and the heavy cream binds everything together in a silky, indulgent sauce that clings to every leaf of spinach.
Ingredients for Perfect Cheesy Creamed Spinach
This recipe strikes the perfect balance between simple preparation and complex flavor. Each ingredient plays an essential role in creating the ultimate creamed spinach experience:
- 2 pounds fresh spinach – Fresh spinach is the foundation of this dish. While it may seem like a lot, fresh spinach wilts down significantly during cooking. The fresh leaves provide better texture and flavor than frozen spinach.
- 2 tablespoons butter – Unsalted butter provides richness and helps sauté the aromatics to bring out their flavors.
- 1 small onion, finely diced – Onions add sweetness and depth to the dish as they caramelize slightly during cooking.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic adds aromatic complexity that enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 1 cup heavy cream – The luxurious base of the sauce that brings everything together with silky richness.
- 6 slices provolone cheese – Provolone melts beautifully and adds a mild, buttery flavor that doesn’t overpower the spinach.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a salty, nutty dimension and helps thicken the sauce.
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg – A classic spice pairing with spinach and cream that adds warmth and complexity.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste – Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Spinach
The first step in creating perfect cheesy creamed spinach is properly preparing the fresh spinach:
- Thoroughly wash the fresh spinach under cold water to remove any dirt or grit. Even pre-washed spinach benefits from a quick rinse.
- Remove any tough stems, especially if using mature spinach rather than baby spinach.
- Pat the spinach leaves dry with paper towels or use a salad spinner to remove excess water. This prevents the finished dish from becoming watery.
Cooking the Dish
Once your spinach is prepared, you’re ready to create this creamy, cheesy masterpiece:
- Melt the butter in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. The large cooking surface allows the spinach to cook evenly.
- Add the finely diced onion to the melted butter and sauté until translucent and slightly golden, about 3-4 minutes. This develops sweetness in the onions that will balance the dish.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it as this can create bitterness.
- Working in batches if necessary, add the fresh spinach to the skillet. It will initially seem like too much, but spinach wilts dramatically during cooking, reducing to about 1/10 of its original volume.
- Stir continuously until all spinach is wilted and has released its moisture, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low.
- Tear or chop the provolone slices into smaller pieces and add them to the spinach mixture, stirring until completely melted and incorporated.
- Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue stirring until the sauce is smooth and the cheese is fully melted.
- Season with ground nutmeg, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly while stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat once the desired consistency is reached. The sauce should coat the spinach leaves without being too runny or too thick.
Tips for Cheesy Spinach Success
These expert tips will help ensure your cheesy creamed spinach turns out perfectly every time:
- Don’t Overcook: Spinach only needs a brief cooking time. Overcooking can result in a mushy texture and diminished flavor.
- Drain If Needed: If your spinach releases too much water during cooking, you can drain some of the liquid before adding the cream to prevent a watery sauce.
- Cheese Selection: While provolone and Parmesan create a wonderful flavor profile, you can experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère, fontina, or white cheddar for different flavor variations.
- Fresh Nutmeg: If possible, use freshly grated nutmeg for a more vibrant flavor than pre-ground.
- Make Ahead: This dish can be prepared several hours in advance and gently reheated before serving, making it perfect for entertaining.
Serving Suggestions
Cheesy creamed spinach pairs beautifully with a variety of main dishes:
- Beef: Serve alongside a perfectly seared steak, prime rib, or beef tenderloin for a classic steakhouse experience.
- Poultry: The creamy texture complements roasted chicken, turkey, or duck.
- Seafood: Pairs wonderfully with grilled salmon, seared scallops, or lobster for an elegant meal.
- Holiday Meals: This dish is substantial enough to stand alongside traditional holiday roasts and other festive favorites.
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Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, consider these delicious variations:
- Bacon Addition: Cook 4-6 slices of bacon until crisp, then crumble and add to the finished spinach for a smoky flavor element.
- Mushroom Blend: Sauté 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms with the onions for an earthy complement to the spinach.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give the dish a subtle heat.
- Artichoke Hearts: Mix in chopped artichoke hearts for a spinach-artichoke dip inspired side dish.
- Crispy Topping: Transfer the finished spinach to a baking dish, top with additional cheese and breadcrumbs, and broil until golden for a gratin-style presentation.
Storage and Reheating
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat them:
- Refrigeration: Store leftover creamed spinach in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: While possible, freezing is not ideal as the cream sauce may separate upon thawing. If you do freeze it, use within 1 month.
- Reheating: Gently reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of cream if the sauce has thickened too much during storage.
- Microwave Method: Reheat in a microwave-safe container at 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through.
Nutritional Considerations
This cheesy creamed spinach is undeniably indulgent, but it also offers nutritional benefits worth noting:
- Spinach Benefits: Despite the rich additions, spinach remains an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron, folate, and calcium.
- Lighter Options: For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for some of the heavy cream, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich.
- Portion Control: Serving as a side dish naturally limits portion sizes, allowing you to enjoy this treat as part of a balanced meal.
Why Fresh Spinach Makes a Difference
While many creamed spinach recipes call for frozen spinach, using fresh spinach elevates this dish significantly. Fresh spinach maintains a better texture after cooking, with leaves that retain some structure rather than breaking down completely. The flavor is also brighter and cleaner, without the slightly metallic taste that can sometimes accompany frozen spinach.
The process of wilting fresh spinach also allows you to better control the moisture content of the final dish, resulting in a creamier texture that isn’t watered down. While it may seem like more work, the improved flavor and texture are well worth the small amount of additional preparation time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute frozen spinach in a pinch. Use 2 (10-ounce) packages, thaw completely, and squeeze out as much moisture as possible before adding to the recipe. The texture won’t be quite as nice, but the flavor will still be delicious.
How can I prevent my creamed spinach from becoming watery?
Make sure to thoroughly dry fresh spinach after washing, or squeeze all moisture from thawed frozen spinach. If the spinach releases a lot of water during cooking, you can drain some off before adding the cream. Lastly, ensure you’re simmering long enough to reduce and thicken the sauce.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dish completely, cool, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in a 325°F oven until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
What can I substitute for provolone cheese?
Mozzarella, fontina, Gouda, or Gruyère all work well as substitutes for provolone in this recipe. Each will bring a slightly different flavor profile to the dish.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, this cheesy creamed spinach recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Just verify that your cheese brands don’t contain any gluten additives.
This cheesy creamed spinach recipe transforms an everyday vegetable into a luxurious side dish worthy of special occasions yet simple enough for weeknight dinners. The combination of fresh spinach, sautéed aromatics, and a rich, cheesy cream sauce creates a dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Even those who typically shy away from spinach will find themselves won over by this irresistibly creamy, cheesy version that pairs perfectly with almost any main course.
References
- https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/67132/cheesy-creamed-spinach/
- https://www.allrecipes.com/gallery/creamed-spinach-recipes/
- https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/20861/cheesy-creamed-spinach-casserole/
- https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/234938/fast-and-easy-creamed-spinach/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sY_gRBn7M_c
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