Creamed Spinach

This rich and cheesy Creamed Spinach is the ultimate comfort food side dish—perfect for busy weeknights or holiday meals. It’s simple to prepare, uses pantry-friendly ingredients, and is packed with flavor. Whether you're cooking for the family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is a delicious and satisfying win.

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Creamed Spinach

Why You'll Love his Creamed Spinach Recipe

• Quick Prep: Only 10 minutes of hands-on work before it goes in the oven

• One Dish Wonder: Made and baked in a single casserole dish means minimal cleanup

• Vegetarian Option: A hearty, meatless side packed with flavor

• Budget-Conscious: Uses affordable ingredients like frozen spinach and basic dairy

• Holiday-Ready: A perfect crowd-pleasing dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter

• Easily Doubled: Great for large families or gatherings.

  
  

Baking Tips & Tricks

• Drain Spinach Well: Excess liquid can water down the sauce, so press out as much moisture as possible

• Use Reserved Spinach Water: It adds flavor and helps the sauce reach the right consistency

• Add Cheese Off Heat: This keeps the cheese from curdling or becoming stringy

• Let It Rest: Allow the casserole to sit for a few minutes after baking for easier serving

Creamed Spinach Recipe

Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 30 mins. | Serves: 8

Ingredients:

• 2-12 oz. package frozen spinach, do not thaw

• 1 clove garlic

• 8 oz. Monterey Jack cheese, chunk

• 5 T. butter

• 2 T. flour

• 1/2 c. onion, diced

• 1/2 c. milk

• 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes

• 1/3 c. panko breadcrumbs

Let's Get Started!

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Cook spinach according to the package instructions. Drain, reserving 1 cup of the liquid. Mince the garlic and dice the cheese.

2. Grease an 8x8 dish with 1 T. of butter. Melt 4 T. of butter in a saucepan and add in flour. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently. Add in onion and garlic.

3. Add in the cooked spinach, spinach-liquid and milk, stir until the sauce starts to thicken. Remove from heat and add spinach, red pepper, and cheese. Mix well.

4. Transfer the mixture to the casserole dish. Top with the panko breadcrumbs. Bake for 30 minutes or until lightly browned.

How to Serve

As a Side Dish (Classic Style)

• Spoon into a shallow serving bowl or casserole dish and sprinkle with a little extra cheese, breadcrumbs, or even crispy shallots for texture

• Garnish with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, fresh parsley, or cracked black pepper for a pop of color and flavor

In Individual Ramekins

• Make it feel a bit fancier by serving it in small ramekins or mini cast iron skillets—perfect for dinner parties or holidays

As a Topping

• Spoon over grilled meats, baked potatoes, or roasted sweet potatoes for a hearty, cozy meal

• Pile it onto a slice of toasted sourdough or garlic bread as a creamy, savory bruschetta-style bite

As a Filling

• Use it to stuff mushrooms, chicken breasts, or puff pastry for a fun twist that feels gourmet with minimal effort

Buffet-Style

• Keep it warm in a slow cooker on the "warm" setting if you're doing a potluck or holiday buffet setup