Steakhouse Creamed Spinach

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Steakhouse Creamed Spinach is a rich and savory side dish that brings the classic steakhouse experience to your home. With its creamy texture, buttery flavor, and a hint of garlic and nutmeg, this dish perfectly complements any hearty main, especially grilled meats. It’s comforting, elegant, and incredibly easy to prepare.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

fresh spinachbuttergarliccloveonionall-purpose flourmilkheavy creamcream cheeseParmesan cheeseground nutmegsaltblack pepper

directions

Blanch the spinach in boiling water for 30-60 seconds, then immediately transfer to an ice bath. Drain and squeeze out excess water. Chop roughly and set aside.

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to make a roux.

Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring until smooth and thickened.

Add cream cheese and Parmesan, stirring until melted and well combined.

Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of ground nutmeg.

Fold in the chopped spinach and simmer for 2-3 minutes until fully coated and heated through.

Adjust seasoning if needed and serve warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 15 minutesTotal time: 25 minutes

Variations

Use frozen chopped spinach for convenience—just thaw and squeeze out excess water before using.

Add a touch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.

Stir in cooked, crumbled bacon for added flavor and texture.

Substitute Gruyère or mozzarella for a different cheese profile.

Make it low-carb by skipping the flour and thickening with more cream cheese.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring frequently to restore creaminess.Add a splash of milk or cream if needed to loosen the texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, just be sure to thaw and squeeze out all the excess water to avoid a watery dish.

Why add nutmeg?

A small amount of nutmeg enhances the flavor of creamy dishes like this one, adding warmth and depth.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and reheat before serving.

Is there a dairy-free version?

Use plant-based butter, almond or oat milk, and dairy-free cheeses as substitutes.

Can I use kale instead of spinach?

Yes, but blanch it longer as kale is tougher and requires more cooking time.

Do I need to use both milk and cream?

Using both gives a balanced richness, but you can use all milk for a lighter dish or all cream for extra indulgence.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Not by default due to the flour, but you can substitute with gluten-free flour or cornstarch.

Can I freeze creamed spinach?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it in an airtight container. Reheat slowly and stir well.

How do I avoid lumps in the sauce?

Whisk the milk and cream into the roux gradually and stir constantly to ensure a smooth sauce.

What pairs well with creamed spinach?

It’s perfect alongside steaks, roasted chicken, pork chops, or even grilled mushrooms for a vegetarian option.

Conclusion

Steakhouse Creamed Spinach is the ultimate side dish for anyone who loves rich, creamy flavors paired with the earthy goodness of spinach. Whether served next to a sizzling steak or enjoyed as a decadent addition to your meal, this classic dish delivers on taste, texture, and comfort every time.

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