Easy Creamed Spinach (Best Steakhouse Recipe)
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It’s actually very simple to make your favorite restaurant dishes at home, and this creamed spinach recipe is a perfect example. This easy creamed spinach recipe is a classic side dish for Thanksgiving dinner or a fun option for any meal. It’s literally a great side dish!
To make this Ruth Chris Steakhouse copycat, all you need to do is make a bechamel sauce, add a bit of cheese, and stir in the cooked greens.
Plus, it’s easy to double the amount to feed a crowd or just have extra for leftovers.
Serve this decadent side with other steakhouse favorites like baked potatoes, macaroni and cheese, and warm honey wheat rolls.
And don’t forget the main course! Serve a perfect grilled ribeye topped with delicious homemade compound butter.
Homemade Creamed Spinach Recipe
There really are a lot of reasons that I love this easy recipe. Not only can it be a great option for a weeknight meal, but pair it with tortilla chips or crackers, and you have an awesome spinach dip that even picky eaters will love.
While it is possible to use fresh spinach for the spinach mixture, I find that the frozen stuff is way quicker and has the same flavor.
Why work harder when you don’t have to?
Just be sure that you get rid of any excess moisture because a good creamed spinach side dish shouldn’t have liquid in it or on top.
What’s in the steakhouse creamed spinach?
Blanched and wilted spinach leaves are added to a flavorful sauce. I love using basic ingredients that create a simple and perfect side dish.
Minimal effort and time really will create an end result that is loaded with flavor.
Most people associate this creamy dish as a classic Steakhouse side dish recipe because it pairs really well with the texture of cooked meats.
INGREDIENT NOTES AND SUBSTITUTIONS
Note: This is just a partial list of ingredients. For the full ingredient list, see the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Spinach – You can use either fresh or frozen, whichever is easiest. Using a bagged variety as opposed to a bunch will save you from extra washing and chopping.
Meanwhile, frozen spinach is already blanched so you’ll be able to skip that step entirely. Just be sure to thaw the frozen greens first to remove excess liquid. - Heavy Cream – For a thinner sauce, you can use half and half.
- Parmesan cheese – Buy a wedge and grate it yourself. As a result, you’ll have better flavor and a smoother sauce.
Pre-bagged shreds contain a preservative that gives them a waxy texture to prevent clumping, but it also prevents the cheese from melting well.
How to make creamed spinach
Be sure to still squeeze out any excess liquid from the thawed spinach so it doesn’t make the sauce too watery.
- On the stove, melt butter. Add garlic, onion powder, salt and pepper. Stir to combine. Cook for 1 minute, or until the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.Add heavy cream and let it simmer for 3 minutes, or until it thickens.
- Add the parmesan and stir to melt, then add the spinach and stir to combine.
- Taste for flavor, adding more salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm.
Recipe notes
- Make ahead of time – If you’ll be serving this with a holiday meal, you can make the sauce a day in advance and refrigerate in a sealed container.
Then, warm on the stove and add in the spinach and cheese just before serving. - Storage – Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Or, transfer to storage bags and freeze for several months.
Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating with an extra splash of half and half. - Reheating – It’s easiest to heat this creamed spinach recipe on the stove. Just add a serving to a wide skillet and stir occasionally until warmed through.
Keep it on low heat so the dairy doesn’t separate or curdle.
Creamed Spinach FAQ
For the best flavor and taste, this creamy spinach recipe needs to be eaten warm. This keeps the creamy sauce creamy and the cooked spinach firm and delicious.
If it gets cold, just pop it in the microwave to heat for a few seconds.
Did I fail to mention that this is the best creamed spinach recipe because the flavor goes so well with other dishes?! I love pairing this with pork chops, roast chicken, and even cooked steak.
If you plan on making this for your holiday table, pairing this with a side dish of cranberry sauce gives you a sweet and savory option for the guests. It’s a great option for a special occasion.
Even though this recipe is pretty straightforward, you could add red pepper flakes, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to the dish. The good news is that if you don’t want to add any spice to the dish as a whole, any of those options could be added to each person’s individual serving as well.
If I’m ever looking at adding spice or heat to a recipe, I tend to try and do that individually because most people don’t care for foods that are overly hot and spicy.
You can add some freshly shredded mozzarella cheese to the top of this beloved side dish or even a few crushed crackers if you want to add a bit of texture and crunch.
While I don’t like to add toppings, that doesn’t mean that you can’t! Create and serve this dish in the best way that serves you and your taste buds.
Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.
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Other Side Dish Recipes
Easy Creamed Spinach (Best Steakhouse Recipe)
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 24 ounces frozen spinach, thawed, and liquid pressed out
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic, onion powder, salt, pepper and cayenne pepper, and stir to combine. Cook for 1 minute, or until the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Add heavy cream and let it simmer for 3 minutes, or until it thickens.
- Add the parmesan and stir to melt, then add the spinach and stir to combine.
- Taste for flavor, adding more salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm.
Donna’s Notes
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.
Originally published October 2022, updated and republished December 2023
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So quick and easy to make! I will be putting this on the table for Thanksgiving this year. Had to test it out today, YUM!
How much cream cheese do you use? It was left out of the ingredients and instructions. Thank you.
Hi Renni,
There is no cream cheese used in this recipe.
TSRI Team Member,
Holli
I use cream cheese in mine!
I compared this recipe to several others and yours just sounded so much richer and creamier. Wow! I did change it up a little. I added diced shrimp and a little salsa and made a little extra sauce and made it into a soup! I bet this would be great served on noodles, too. So in love with all your recipes!
Hi Deborah,
Thanks so much we are happy you enjoyed it! Have a great day!
TSRI Team Member,
Holli
my favorite vegie-just another yummy way to serve it-I have made a rue before to cream my spinach but yours has more different flavors-will try it next-bags of frozen spinach are a staple in my house–have u ever made spinach pie??..awesome treat….
How many ounces of bagged spinach?
Can this be made with fresh spinach?
Hi Michelle,
You can use either fresh or frozen, whichever is easiest. Using frozen will save you from extra washing and chopping and it is already blanched so you’ll be able to skip that step entirely. Hope this helps. Have a great day!
TSRI Team Member,
Holli
Perfect!
Hi Eilene,
Thanks so much!! Have a great day!
TSRI Team Member,
Holli
Just made this creamed spinach and it was a hit. The perfect blend of flavors and so easy to make.
Hi Victoria!
We’re so glad you enjoyed.
TSRI Team Member,
Devlyn
Donna and Chad’s recipes are always great. This creamed spinach was simple and delicious.
Hi Daniel!
We’re so glad you enjoyed the recipe!!
TSRI Team Member,
Devlyn