If you love creamy, decadent dishes, this creamed spinach with cream cheese is a recipe you don't want to miss. This classic side dish is made with simple ingredients and is packed with flavor. Serve creamed spinach as a side dish at your next dinner party, potluck, or holiday celebration, and watch it disappear!
For a sassy, crowd-pleasing side dish that is easy enough for a weeknight but delicious enough for your Thanksgiving or Christmas table, don't miss this creamed spinach with cream cheese!
It is a fun twist on classic creamed spinach that I think you are going to love!
The cream cheese takes things to the next level, giving it a more creamy texture than your classic steakhouse creamed spinach.
Serve it with reverse sear prime rib, picanha steak, Instant Pot short ribs, or Blackstone chicken, and be prepared for happy smiles around your table.
Give this simple recipe a try, and let me know your thoughts.
Reader review
"This is really easy to follow, loved this creamed spinach with cream cheese recipe! It's really tasty and very flavorful! Will surely have this again! Highly recommended!" —Allyssa
Let's Talk Ingredients
Fresh spinach is my go-to, but I've made this with frozen spinach, and everyone enjoyed it.
I love a garlicky creamed spinach, so I use about two teaspoons of minced garlic, but you can reduce it if you prefer a milder flavor.
On occasion, I’ll add a pinch (just a pinch!) of nutmeg for a subtle, cozy flavor.
I’ve tested this with half-and-half, whole milk, heavy cream, and evaporated milk. They all bring something a little different, but they all work!
Tips & Tricks
- Remove as much water from the spinach as possible: After you've cooked the spinach, drain it well and remove as much water as possible. I like to do this by placing the spinach in a clean kitchen towel and wringing out the water. Don't skip this step!
- Don't overcook the spinach: You want it to be cooked, but you don't want it to be mushy. It should still have some texture to it. I cook the spinach for just 3-4 minutes.
- Finish with Lemon Juice: I like to finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a pop of acid just before serving. Red pepper flakes are also a great addition.
How to Make Creamed Spinach with Cream Cheese
First, start by rinsing the spinach well. Add the spinach to a large skillet over medium high heat. You will need to work in batches for this.
Cover and steam for 3 minutes. Transfer to a colander and repeat with the remaining spinach.
Next, when all of the spinach is cool enough to handle, place it in a clean dish towel and press to remove the excess water as possible.
Transfer the spinach to a cutting board and chop.
Now, melt the butter over medium heat in a saucepan. Add the onion and saute for 5 minutes.
Next, add the garlic, salt, and cayenne pepper and stir for 1 minute longer.
Pour in the half and half to make the white sauce and cook for 3 more minutes.
Finally, add the diced cream cheese, and cook until the cream cheese melts, about 6 minutes, whisking often.
Return the spinach to the pan with the sauce.. Cook for 2 minutes and then taste. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
Creamed Spinach with Cream Cheese
Equipment
- Saucepan
Ingredients
- 2 pounds baby spinach
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup diced onion
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 cups half and half
- 8 ounces cream cheese diced
- For topping: grated parmesan cheese fresh ground black pepper
Instructions
- In batches, rinse the spinach well and add to a large pan over medium-high heat.
- Cover and steam for 3 minutes. Transfer to a colander and repeat with the remaining spinach.
- When all of the spinach is cool enough to handle, place in a clean dish towel and press to remove as much water as possible.
- Transfer to a cutting board and chop.
- Melt the butter over medium heat in a saucepan.
- Add the onion and cook for 5 minutes.
- Next, add the garlic, salt, and cayenne pepper and cook for 1 minute longer.
- Pour in the half and half and cook for 3 more minutes.
- Add the diced cream cheese, and cook until the cream cheese melts, about 6 minutes, whisking often.
- Return the spinach to the pan. Cook for 2 minutes and then taste. Adjust the seasonings to your liking.
- Sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
Glenda says
Delicious! Cheesy richness is cut through perfectly with the little kick of cayenne. I also added lemon zest for a bit of acid. It was spectacular! Thanks for sharing your recipe.
Renee says
Love this. Was easy and soooo good.
Sharm says
About to make this, but I'm adding diced sun dried tomatoes and cooked chicken. Then I'll bake it topped with parmesan and mozzarella. Easier than making stuffed chicken breasts but same ingredients. Glad I came across this recipe. Obviously slightly different steps. I think it'll be awesome.
Wendy Polisi says
Such a great idea! I love the idea of turning it into a creamed spinach and chicken casserole to make it a meal. I am going to have to try that!
Karen G. says
This recipe was easy to follow and so delicious
I am making it for the third time for company.
Taylor says
Try using a salad spinner to remove water. I have not made this recipe yet ..
Question..
Looks like you sprinkled something red on top.. but it only list cheese and black pepper
Wendy Polisi says
It is crushed red pepper flakes. Love the idea of using a salad spinner!