Indulge in Decadence: The Ultimate Cheesy Creamed Spinach Recipe
Creamed spinach is a classic side dish, often relegated to holiday tables or fancy steakhouses. But what if you could elevate this simple dish to something truly extraordinary? This recipe for cheesy creamed spinach takes everything you love about the original and amplifies it, creating a rich, flavorful, and utterly irresistible side (or even main!) dish that will have everyone begging for more.
This isn’t your grandma’s bland creamed spinach. We’re talking layers of flavor, starting with perfectly sautéed aromatics, a velvety smooth cream sauce, and of course, a generous helping of cheese. Prepare to be amazed at how simple ingredients can come together to create something so incredibly delicious.
Why This Cheesy Creamed Spinach Recipe is a Winner
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about what makes this version so special:
* **Flavor, Flavor, Flavor:** We don’t skimp on the aromatics. Garlic and shallots form the base, creating a savory foundation for the spinach. A touch of nutmeg adds warmth and complexity.
* **Creamy Perfection:** The cream sauce is made from scratch with a roux, ensuring a thick and velvety texture that coats every spinach leaf. No watery creamed spinach here!
* **Cheese, Glorious Cheese:** A blend of Gruyere and Parmesan cheese adds a nutty, sharp, and deeply savory flavor that complements the spinach perfectly. You can adjust the cheeses to your liking, but this combination is a winner.
* **Easy to Make:** Despite its sophisticated flavor, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make. It comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
* **Versatile:** This cheesy creamed spinach is incredibly versatile. Serve it as a side dish with steak, chicken, or fish, or enjoy it as a vegetarian main course with a crusty bread for dipping.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to create this masterpiece:
* **Fresh Spinach:** About 2 pounds, washed and thoroughly dried. Baby spinach works well, but mature spinach is fine too. Just be sure to remove any thick stems.
* **Butter:** 4 tablespoons, unsalted.
* **Shallots:** 2 medium, finely minced. Shallots add a more delicate flavor than onions, but you can substitute with a small yellow onion if needed.
* **Garlic:** 4 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic is a must for the best flavor.
* **All-Purpose Flour:** 4 tablespoons. This is used to make the roux, which thickens the cream sauce.
* **Milk:** 2 cups, whole milk is recommended for the richest flavor, but you can use 2% milk if you prefer.
* **Heavy Cream:** 1 cup. This adds richness and helps create a velvety smooth sauce.
* **Nutmeg:** 1/4 teaspoon, freshly grated. A little nutmeg goes a long way in adding warmth and depth of flavor.
* **Gruyere Cheese:** 1 cup, shredded. Gruyere has a nutty, slightly sweet flavor that melts beautifully.
* **Parmesan Cheese:** 1/2 cup, grated. Parmesan adds a salty, savory, and slightly pungent flavor.
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste.
Equipment You’ll Need
* Large skillet or Dutch oven
* Chef’s knife
* Cutting board
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Grater
* Whisk
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making the Best Cheesy Creamed Spinach
Now for the fun part! Follow these step-by-step instructions to create the ultimate cheesy creamed spinach:
**Step 1: Prepare the Spinach**
* Wash the spinach thoroughly and dry it completely. A salad spinner is helpful for this. If using mature spinach, remove any thick stems.
* Roughly chop the spinach if the leaves are very large. This will make it easier to eat and ensure even cooking.
**Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics**
* Melt the butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
* Add the minced shallots and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to brown them.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Again, be careful not to burn the garlic.
**Step 3: Make the Roux**
* Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed shallots and garlic.
* Whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes, until the flour is cooked and the mixture forms a smooth paste (a roux). This step is crucial for thickening the sauce and preventing a floury taste.
**Step 4: Create the Cream Sauce**
* Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
* Continue whisking until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
* Stir in the heavy cream and nutmeg. Bring to a simmer and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the sauce is smooth and thickened to your liking.
* Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remember that the cheese will add saltiness, so start with a small amount and adjust as needed.
**Step 5: Add the Spinach and Cheese**
* Add the spinach to the skillet and stir until it wilts and is evenly coated with the cream sauce. This will take about 2-3 minutes.
* Remove the skillet from the heat.
* Stir in the Gruyere and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
**Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!**
* Serve the cheesy creamed spinach immediately while it’s hot and bubbly.
* Garnish with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, if desired.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Cheesy Creamed Spinach
* **Don’t Overcook the Spinach:** Overcooked spinach can become mushy and bitter. Cook it just until it wilts and turns bright green.
* **Use Freshly Grated Cheese:** Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly. Freshly grated cheese will melt beautifully and add the best flavor.
* **Adjust the Cheese to Your Liking:** Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Fontina would all be delicious additions.
* **Add a Touch of Heat:** A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can add a nice kick to the dish.
* **Make it Ahead:** You can prepare the creamed spinach ahead of time and reheat it before serving. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
* **Add Some Crunch:** Top the creamed spinach with toasted breadcrumbs or crispy fried onions for added texture.
* **Use Frozen Spinach (in a pinch):** If you don’t have fresh spinach, you can use frozen spinach. Be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out as much excess water as possible before adding it to the recipe. You’ll need about 1 pound of frozen spinach, thawed.
* **Control the moisture:** Spinach naturally contains a lot of water. Ensure spinach is as dry as possible before adding it into the cream sauce. If you are using frozen spinach, be sure to squeeze out excess water.
Variations on Cheesy Creamed Spinach
Want to put your own spin on this classic recipe? Here are a few ideas:
* **Creamed Spinach with Bacon:** Cook bacon until crispy, crumble it, and add it to the creamed spinach. The smoky flavor of the bacon pairs perfectly with the spinach and cheese.
* **Creamed Spinach with Mushrooms:** Sauté sliced mushrooms with the shallots and garlic for an earthy and savory twist.
* **Creamed Spinach with Artichokes:** Add canned artichoke hearts, quartered, to the creamed spinach for a tangy and flavorful addition.
* **Creamed Spinach Gratin:** Transfer the creamed spinach to a baking dish, top with extra cheese and breadcrumbs, and bake until golden brown and bubbly.
* **Spicy Creamed Spinach:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cream sauce for a spicy kick.
Serving Suggestions
Cheesy creamed spinach is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are a few serving suggestions:
* **With Steak:** Creamed spinach is a classic accompaniment to steak. The richness of the spinach complements the savory flavor of the beef.
* **With Chicken:** Serve creamed spinach with roasted chicken, grilled chicken, or pan-fried chicken breasts.
* **With Fish:** Creamed spinach is a delicious side dish for baked salmon, grilled cod, or pan-seared halibut.
* **As a Vegetarian Main Course:** Enjoy creamed spinach as a vegetarian main course with a crusty bread for dipping. Add a side salad for a complete meal.
* **On Toast:** Spread creamed spinach on toasted bread or baguette slices for a quick and easy appetizer.
* **In a Quiche or Frittata:** Add creamed spinach to your favorite quiche or frittata recipe for a flavorful and creamy filling.
* **Stuffed Chicken Breasts:** Make a pocket in chicken breasts and stuff with the creamed spinach for a super-flavorful entree.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
*Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*
* Calories: 350-450 per serving
* Fat: 25-35 grams
* Saturated Fat: 15-20 grams
* Cholesterol: 80-100 mg
* Sodium: 400-600 mg
* Carbohydrates: 15-20 grams
* Fiber: 3-5 grams
* Sugar: 5-7 grams
* Protein: 10-15 grams
Make it a Meal: Pairing Suggestions
To create a complete and balanced meal, consider pairing this cheesy creamed spinach with:
* **A Lean Protein:** Grilled chicken breast, baked salmon, or a lean steak will provide protein to balance the richness of the creamed spinach.
* **A Simple Salad:** A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette will add freshness and acidity to the meal.
* **Whole Grain Bread:** Serve with a slice of whole-grain bread or a crusty roll for added fiber and carbohydrates.
Storage Instructions
* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover cheesy creamed spinach in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat it. Add a splash of milk or cream if the sauce becomes too thick.
* **Freezing:** Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the cream sauce may change upon thawing.
Enjoy the Best Cheesy Creamed Spinach!
This cheesy creamed spinach recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With its rich flavor, creamy texture, and generous helping of cheese, it’s sure to become a new favorite. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and get ready to indulge in decadence!
Enjoy this fantastic dish, and let me know in the comments what your experience was like. Did you tweak the cheese? Did you try bacon? I’d love to hear from you!