The Pioneer Woman’s Creamed Spinach Recipe – Rich, Creamy, Irresistible
A velvety, buttery sauce transforms fresh leaves into an irresistible accompaniment.
Decadent Creamed Spinach: The Ultimate Comfort Side Dish
When it comes to classic comfort food, The Pioneer Woman’s creamed spinach recipe is hard to beat. This dish transforms humble spinach into something rich, creamy, and utterly irresistible—a perfect complement to steaks, grilled seafood, or simply a fork, straight from the bowl. Let’s dive into this beloved recipe and uncover the secrets to its addictive flavor and texture.
Why This Creamed Spinach Stands Out
This isn’t your typical mushy, bland spinach. The Pioneer Woman’s approach creates a balanced dish: fresh, leafy spinach is married with a classic béchamel-style cream sauce, punctuated with aromatics, and seasoned just right. The result is a side dish substantial enough to satisfy, decadent enough to wow, and flexible enough to pair with almost any meal.
Key Ingredients for Creamed Spinach Perfection
- Baby spinach: The recipe calls for 24 ounces (about four 6-ounce bags)—washed, prepped, and ready for wilting.
- Butter: A generous ½ cup for the sauce, plus an extra 3 tablespoons to sauté the spinach.
- Flour: Used to thicken the cream sauce, creating the signature silky texture.
- Onion & garlic: Fresh aromatics to build flavor; finely diced onion and minced garlic are essential.
- Milk: Adds creamy richness to the sauce.
- Salt, pepper, and nutmeg: Classic seasoning trio for depth and a gentle aromatic note.
Step-by-Step: The Perfect Creamed Spinach
Prepping the Ingredients
For best results, start with prewashed baby spinach—no stems, no hassle. Dice a small yellow onion and finely mince three garlic cloves for a flavorful base.
Making the Cream Sauce
- Melt ½ cup butter in a pot over medium heat.
- Sprinkle in the flour and whisk to combine. Cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture turns a light golden brown—about 5 minutes.
- Add the onion and garlic. Sauté them in the roux until fragrant, just about a minute.
- Pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
- Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Taste and adjust as needed. A pinch of cayenne can add a subtle kick.
Wilting the Spinach
- Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a separate large pot over medium heat.
- Add the spinach in batches, stirring as it wilts. Aim to cook all the spinach until just wilted, not mushy—about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Drain excess liquid (if any), but keep some for added flavor.
Bringing It All Together
Gently fold the sautéed spinach into the creamy sauce, mixing until well incorporated. Taste again and adjust seasonings to your liking. Serve immediately while hot for the best texture.
Tips & Tricks for the Best Creamed Spinach
- Avoid overcooking the spinach. Wilting is enough; too much heat will result in a soggy, bitter mess.
- Texture matters. If you prefer a less creamy dish, add more spinach. For extra creaminess, reduce the spinach slightly—experiment to find your perfect ratio.
- Make-ahead friendly. You can prepare the cream sauce and wilted spinach separately, then combine and reheat when ready to serve.
What to Serve with Creamed Spinach
| Main Dish | Pairing Notes |
|---|---|
| Steak | Classic pairing—creamy spinach balances hearty beef |
| Grilled Shrimp | Fresh seafood meets rich, earthy sides |
| Roasted Chicken | A comforting, all-American meal |
| Alone (as a vegetarian main) | Serve with crusty bread for a cozy, Popeye-inspired dinner |
Creamed Spinach Variations & Customizations
While the basic recipe is unbeatable, you can tweak it to suit your tastes:
- Cheesy creamed spinach: Stir in grated parmesan, gruyère, or cheddar for extra richness.
- Spicy creamed spinach: Add red pepper flakes, chili oil, or extra cayenne pepper.
- Creamed spinach gratin: Top with breadcrumbs and bake for a crispy finish.
- Heavy cream or half-and-half can replace some or all of the milk for a luxuriously silky sauce.
What others are reading
FAQs: Creamed Spinach Questions Answered
Q: Can I use frozen spinach for this recipe?
A: Fresh baby spinach is preferred for texture and flavor, but thawed and thoroughly drained frozen spinach can substitute if needed.
Q: How do I store leftover creamed spinach?
A: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Q: Can creamed spinach be made dairy-free?
A: To make the dish dairy-free, use plant-based butter, milk, and cheese alternatives, but expect a slightly different flavor and texture.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: No, as it uses flour for the sauce. Substitute with gluten-free all-purpose flour or cornstarch for a gluten-free version.
The Pioneer Woman’s Approach: Fun, Flavorful, and Unpretentious
The recipe’s charm lies in its approachability and the author’s encouraging, conversational tone. The Pioneer Woman invites you to “taste as you go,” tweaking seasonings to your preference, and even sharing a personal anecdote—her daughter snapping a surprisingly in-focus, accidental photo of the cooking process.
This creamed spinach is more than just a side dish; it’s a celebration of simple, satisfying comfort food—easy to make, tough to resist.
Final Thoughts: A Dish Worth Making Again and Again
Whether you serve it as a luxurious accompaniment to a juicy steak or as a meat-free main, The Pioneer Woman’s creamed spinach recipe delivers on richness, flavor, and comfort. Its secret? Generous amounts of butter, a smooth cream sauce, and just the right amount of seasoning—resulting in a dish you’ll crave long after the last bite.
So, gather your spinach, fire up the stove, and let this recipe transform your meal into something truly memorable.
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a9738/creamed-spinach-to-die-for/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E15HtnQpt9g
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a42168065/spinach-casserole-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a35925378/peppercorn-crusted-steak-with-creamed-spinach-recipe/
- https://peppertree.wordpress.com/2009/11/04/pioneer-woman%E2%80%99s-creamed-spinach/
- https://marrykitchen.com/pioneer-woman-creamed-spinach-recipe/
Similar Articles
Read full bio of medha deb
