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 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
Ingredients for Making Creamed Spinach
- Spinach: I used fresh baby spinach, but you could also use regular spinach leaves. The baby spinach leaves are more delicate and will cook down quickly.
- Butter: Unsalted butter is my preferred type in this recipe, but you could also use salted butter. If you use salted butter, you may want to reduce the additional teaspoon of salt in the recipe.
- Onion: I used a small yellow onion, but you could use a white onion or even a sweet onion.
- Garlic: I love the garlic flavor in this dish, so I used two teaspoons of minced garlic. If you're not a fan of garlic, you could reduce the amount to 1 teaspoon or even omit it altogether.
- Salt: I recommend using kosher or sea salt.
- Cayenne Pepper: This ingredient is optional, but I like a little heat in my creamed spinach. If you don't like spice, feel free to omit the cayenne pepper. A pinch of nutmeg is a nice option for a different flavor profile.
- Half and Half: Half and half forms the base of our cream sauce. This recipe could also use whole milk, heavy cream, or even evaporated milk.
- Cream Cheese: I used 8 ounces of cream cheese which is equal to 1 cup. The cream cheese adds a delicious richness to the dish.
- Parmesan Cheese: This is optional for topping this cream cheese creamed spinach recipe. I like to use freshly grated Parmesan cheese because it has more flavor.
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.
Serving Suggestions
Easy creamed spinach with cream cheese is a delicious side dish that goes well with various main courses. Here are some of my favorite ideas:
- Instant Pot Whole Chicken
- Air Fryer Turkey Breast
- Pork Tenderloin
- Blackstone Steak, Grilled Filet, or Ninja Foodi Grill Steak
- Blackstone Salmon or Ninja Foodi Grill Salmon
- Instant Pot Jasmine Rice
- Pasta - You would be surprised at how delicious this is tossed with freshly cooked pasta.
- Blackstone Potatoes or Ninja Foodi Grill Potatoes
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you thicken creamed spinach?
There are several ways to thicken creamed spinach. One way is to cook it down until most of the liquid has evaporated. Another way is to add a thickening agent such as cornstarch, flour, or arrowroot powder.
Or you can do what we do here in this creamy spinach recipe with cream cheese! Cream cheese is a wonderful thickener.
Can you make creamed spinach ahead of time?
You can make this low-carb creamed spinach ahead of time, but it's best to reheat it just before serving. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, if you don’t have fresh spinach, frozen works great. Just make sure to defrost it completely and remove any excess moisture.
Tools Needed to Make This Easy Creamed Spinach Recipe with Cream Cheese
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Storage
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave, oven, or on the stovetop before serving.
Can You Freeze Creamed Spinach?
You can, but you can expect a texture deterioration due to the cream and cream cheese. It will still taste good and is perfectly safe to eat.
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
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.
Allyssa
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!
Glenda
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
Love this. Was easy and soooo good.
Sharm
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
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!