Frozen spinach makes this creamed spinach dish a snap to make. It has a smooth, velvety texture, thanks to the simple white sauce that is flavored with Parmesan cheese, a little garlic, and a hint of nutmeg. Taking about 20 minutes to prepare, this dish is the perfect accompaniment to dinner on a busy night, whether serving roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked fish. Creamed spinach is also a great way to ensure that you and your family get some healthy and delicious greens.
![Creamed spinach in a bowl with a spoon](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/rOD9ZSBcUJI5xpzl1DJouykIkfE=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/creamed-spinach-with-parmesan-cheese-3061231-hero-7c1fabba7ec345dcbf9e69d7fe176724.jpg)
The Spruce Eats / Chosen Posture
Ingredients
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16 to 20 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed
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2 tablespoons butter
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1 teaspoon minced garlic
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1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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1 cup milk
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
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Salt, to taste
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Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Steps to Make It
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Gather the ingredients.
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Place the thawed spinach in a colander and squeeze it with your hands to remove as much moisture as possible. Set aside.
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In a sauté pan or saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
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Add the minced garlic and sauté, stirring, until it is softened and aromatic, about 1 minute.
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Add the flour to the butter and garlic and whisk until blended. Cook, whisking, for 1 to 2 minutes. Add the milk and cook, whisking constantly, until thickened.
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Add the spinach and Parmesan cheese and mix gently. Season with the nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
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Stirring constantly, continue cooking over low heat for 5 minutes or until the spinach is tender and hot.
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Serve and enjoy.
How to Defrost Frozen Spinach
If you can plan ahead, the best way to thaw frozen spinach is to place it in the refrigerator about two days before cooking. Otherwise, place it on the counter for several hours or microwave it using the defrost setting. You can also put the frozen spinach in a colander and pour over boiling water until the greens begin to soften. Before proceeding with the recipe, make sure to squeeze the spinach thoroughly to remove all of the liquid.
Recipe Variations
- Fresh spinach: Although frozen spinach makes preparation easier and faster, you can also use fresh spinach. Add about 2 pounds of trimmed fresh spinach.
- With shallots: Melt the butter in the sauté pan over medium heat and add 1 medium chopped shallot. Cook for about 3 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and continue with the recipe.
- Gluten free: Use 2 tablespoons of sweet rice flour or masa harina in place of the flour in the roux.
Is Creamed Spinach Healthy?
When eating creamed spinach, you are getting the benefits of this leafy green. However, depending on the ingredients, you are also getting a decent amount of fat and calories, especially when the recipe includes cream. This version calls for milk, making it a bit lighter, but does contain a little butter and cheese. If creamed spinach is one of the few ways to get your family to eat their vegetables, this side dish may be worth it.
Nutrition Facts (per serving) | |
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170 | Calories |
10g | Fat |
14g | Carbs |
10g | Protein |
Nutrition Facts | |
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Servings: 4 | |
Amount per serving | |
Calories | 170 |
% Daily Value* | |
Total Fat 10g | 13% |
Saturated Fat 6g | 28% |
Cholesterol 26mg | 9% |
Sodium 470mg | 20% |
Total Carbohydrate 14g | 5% |
Dietary Fiber 6g | 20% |
Total Sugars 4g | |
Protein 10g | |
Vitamin C 3mg | 17% |
Calcium 350mg | 27% |
Iron 3mg | 17% |
Potassium 542mg | 12% |
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. |
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