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This Easy Cheesy Creamed Spinach is rich, creamy, cheesy and packed with comforting flavor in every bite. Made with spinach, cheese, cream and simple seasonings, this easy side dish recipe is perfect for holidays, Sunday dinners, steak dinners and family meals.

If you love steakhouse creamed spinach or cozy vegetable side dishes, this cheesy creamed spinach recipe is simple enough for weeknight dinners but delicious enough for holiday tables. Creamed spinach has remained a classic comfort food side dish for generations because the creamy sauce balances the earthy spinach flavor perfectly.

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Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Creamed Spinach

• Rich creamy texture
• Easy stovetop side dish
• Perfect holiday vegetable recipe
• Loaded with cheesy flavor
• Great with steak, chicken, pork or ham
• Ready in about 30 minutes
• Comfort food side dish everyone loves

What Makes Creamed Spinach So Popular?

Creamed spinach has been a longtime favorite at steakhouses and holiday dinners because it turns simple spinach into a rich comforting side dish.

The creamy sauce softens the earthy flavor of spinach while the cheese adds extra richness and savory flavor. It feels comforting and a little fancy at the same time which is why it works for both holiday dinners and everyday meals.

Even people who claim they do not like spinach usually end up loving cheesy creamed spinach.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• spinach
• butter
• onion
• garlic
• cream
• cheese
• salt
• pepper

Ingredient Notes

Spinach

Fresh spinach gives the best texture and flavor but frozen spinach can also work well. If using frozen spinach be sure to squeeze out as much extra moisture as possible before cooking. (simplyhappyfoodie.com)

Cheese

Cheese makes this creamed spinach extra rich and comforting. Provolone, parmesan, mozzarella, Monterey Jack and cream cheese are all popular choices in cheesy creamed spinach recipes. (allrecipes.com)

Cream

Heavy cream creates the smooth creamy sauce that gives creamed spinach its classic texture.

Garlic and Onion

Garlic and onion add savory flavor and help balance the richness of the cream and cheese.

How to Make Easy Cheesy Creamed Spinach

Step 1: Cook the Spinach

Cook the spinach in a large skillet until wilted and softened.

If using frozen spinach thaw and drain it well before adding it to the skillet.

Step 2: Cook the Onion and Garlic

In the same skillet cook the onion and garlic in butter until softened and fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Cream

Pour in the cream and stir until warmed through and slightly thickened.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Stir in the cheese until melted and creamy.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the spinach back into the skillet and stir until fully coated in the creamy cheesy sauce.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Tips for the Best Creamed Spinach

• Drain spinach well so the sauce stays creamy
• Use freshly grated cheese for smoother melting
• Cook the garlic gently so it does not burn
• Stir often once the cream is added
• Serve hot for the best texture

I definitely recommend squeezing extra liquid from spinach because too much moisture can make the sauce watery instead of creamy.

Easy Variations

Steakhouse Creamed Spinach

Use heavy cream and extra parmesan cheese for a rich steakhouse style version.

Cream Cheese Spinach

Add cream cheese for an even thicker creamier texture.

Spicy Creamed Spinach

Add crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce for extra heat.

Baked Creamed Spinach

Transfer the spinach mixture to a baking dish top with extra cheese and bake until bubbly.

What to Serve with Creamed Spinach

This cheesy creamed spinach pairs perfectly with:

• steak
• roast chicken
• pork chops
• baked ham
• salmon
• mashed potatoes
• holiday dinners
• grilled chicken

Creamed spinach is especially popular as a steakhouse side dish.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover creamed spinach in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat:

• warm slowly on the stovetop
• microwave in short intervals stirring between each
• add a splash of cream or milk if needed

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes. Frozen spinach works well but should be thawed and drained very well before cooking.

What cheese works best in creamed spinach?

Parmesan, provolone, mozzarella, Monterey Jack and cream cheese all work beautifully.

Is creamed spinach a good holiday side dish?

Absolutely. Creamed spinach is popular for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter and Sunday dinners.

How do I keep creamed spinach from being watery?

Drain the spinach very well before adding it to the sauce.

Can I make creamed spinach ahead of time?

Yes. Creamed spinach reheats well making it a great make ahead side dish.

More Holiday Dish Recipes

Are you ready to put together a full list of amazing holiday side dishes?

Let’s get started with bread. We have a very popular moist sweet cornbread that is to die for, and especially yummy with drizzled honey. We also have these very easy garlic herb buttermilk dinner rolls.

If you’re looking for more savory choices, these world’s best homemade mashed potatoes seem to hit every time with absolutely any meal! We also really like this easy homemade stovetop stuffing that is as close to the delicious boxed stuff you’re familiar with.

Holiday time and you want to stick to some classics but give them a little twist? Start with this incredible Gouda, Bacon and Portabella Mushroom Green Bean Casserole. Cheesy, savory and 1000% better than the traditional green bean casserole.

And if you’re looking for something sweet for the table, our Cranberry Ambrosia Salad doubles as both an incredible side dish and a decadent dessert.

Don’t they all just sound amazing?

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