Why You’ll Love this Rich Creamed Spinach
Why wouldn’t you fall in love with a side dish that combines velvety cream, earthy spinach, and melty cheese into one irresistible package?
I’m talking about a dish that transforms humble spinach into something downright crave-worthy.
The magic happens when those tender spinach leaves meet the rich combination of Parmesan and Monterey Jack cheeses.
Every bite delivers creamy decadence with just enough garlic punch to wake up your taste buds.
It’s fancy enough for holiday dinners but simple enough for Tuesday night.
Seriously, can plain steamed vegetables ever compete with this?
What Ingredients are in Rich Creamed Spinach?
Let’s talk about the star players in this luxurious side dish. Creamed spinach might sound fancy, but it actually relies on pretty simple ingredients that work together to create something truly special. The combination of leafy greens with dairy creates that velvety texture we all crave, while the aromatics and cheese bring depth and richness that elevates this from ordinary to extraordinary.
- 1 (10 ounce) package frozen spinach
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 onion, minced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/3 cup half-and-half (or cream)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/8 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
When shopping for these ingredients, quality matters—especially with the cheese. Freshly grated Parmesan will melt more smoothly than the pre-packaged stuff.
And while the recipe calls for frozen spinach (which is super convenient and works perfectly), you could substitute fresh spinach if you’re feeling ambitious. Just remember you’ll need about twice as much by weight since fresh spinach cooks down considerably.
The half-and-half creates a silky texture without being too heavy, but if you’re going for maximum richness, heavy cream makes this dish absolutely decadent.
How to Make this Rich Creamed Spinach
Making restaurant-quality creamed spinach at home is surprisingly simple, and your dinner guests will think you’ve been taking secret culinary classes.
Start by heating your 10-ounce package of frozen spinach with 2 cups of water in a saucepan over high heat. While that’s working, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat and add your finely minced quarter onion.
Let those onions cook until they’re beautifully translucent, which takes about 10 minutes—this patience pays off in developing that sweet, aromatic base that makes all the difference.
Once your spinach is heated through, it’s time for a little arm workout. Strain it in a mesh colander, pressing firmly to squeeze out all that excess water (and I mean all of it—soggy creamed spinach is nobody’s friend).
Add this well-drained spinach to your translucent onions, toss in 3 minced garlic cloves, and continue sautéing for just a minute to wake up those garlic flavors without burning them.
Now comes the creamy magic: pour in 1/3 cup of half-and-half, bringing it to a gentle bubble before stirring in 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese until completely incorporated.
When the mixture returns to a low boil, add 1/8 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese, stirring until everything melds into a velvety, cohesive mixture.
Season with salt and pepper to your liking, then let it continue to simmer for about 2 more minutes to allow the flavors to mingle and develop.
The perfect consistency is really up to personal preference—some like their creamed spinach thicker, while others prefer it a bit more fluid.
If you find yours has thickened too much during cooking, no problem at all. Simply add half-and-half a tablespoon at a time until you reach that ideal silky texture.
The beauty of this dish is in its adaptability. A premium food processor can make prep work effortless, especially when finely mincing onions and breaking down spinach fibers for a more luxurious result. And can we talk about that aroma? The buttery onions, the garlic, the cheese—it creates a symphony of scents that will have everyone wandering into the kitchen asking what smells so good.
For an even smoother texture, consider using a high-end blender to puree a portion of your spinach mixture before combining it with the rest.
Rich Creamed Spinach Substitutions and Variations
Three simple substitutions can transform this classic creamed spinach to suit any dietary need or flavor preference.
For dairy-free options, I recommend coconut cream instead of half-and-half, plus nutritional yeast to replace the cheese. Going low-carb? Try adding cream cheese for extra thickness without flour.
Want to spice things up? Mix in red pepper flakes, nutmeg, or even a splash of white wine while sautéing the onions.
Fresh spinach works beautifully too—just use about 1 pound, wilted down first.
Can’t find Monterey Jack? No problem. Gruyère or mozzarella melt just as nicely into the creamy sauce.
What to Serve with Rich Creamed Spinach
While creamed spinach shines as a side dish, pairing it with the right main course elevates your entire meal to restaurant quality.
I love serving it alongside a perfectly seared steak or roasted prime rib—the creamy texture complements beef beautifully.
Roasted chicken works wonderfully too, with the spinach acting as a luxurious bed for juicy poultry.
Fish? Absolutely. A delicate piece of salmon or sea bass gains richness from this velvety companion.
For vegetarians, mushroom risotto or a hearty vegetable tart makes perfect sense.
Need something simpler? Even a basic grilled cheese sandwich becomes special with creamed spinach on the side.
Final Thoughts
As I reflect on this creamed spinach recipe, I’m convinced it deserves a permanent spot in your cooking rotation.
The combination of melted butter, sautéed onions, and garlic creates a flavor foundation that transforms ordinary spinach into something truly special.
The real magic happens when those cheeses melt in—parmesan for sharpness, monterey jack for creaminess.
It’s comfort food with a touch of elegance, don’t you think?
What I love most is how adaptable it is.
Need it thinner? Just add a splash more half-and-half.
Want it richer? Use cream instead.
Simple ingredients, extraordinary results.
For a delicious pasta pairing, consider serving this alongside chicken Alfredo made with a rich, savory sauce that comes together in just 15 minutes.
For something equally impressive but completely different, try making Sloppy Joes with hollowed rye bread for your next casual gathering.
