Ina Garten Creamed Spinach is made with frozen chopped spinach, heavy cream, unsalted butter, yellow onions, flour, nutmeg, milk, Parmesan cheese, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and Gruyere cheese.
This easy Creamed Spinach recipe creates a creamy and healthy side dish that takes about 1 hour and 35 minutes to prepare and can serve up to 8 people.
This Ina Garten Creamed Spinach Recipe From Her “Barefoot Contessa Parties” Cookbook.
What Is Creamed Spinach
Creamed Spinach also known as Spinach Gratin is a creamy and healthy dish made with spinach(fresh or frozen), milk or cream, butter, and often some flour to thicken the mixture. It’s cooked together until it becomes a smooth, rich, and comforting side. Sometimes, ingredients like onions, garlic, nutmeg, Parmesan cheese, or Gruyère cheese are added for extra flavor.
Ina Garten Creamed Spinach Ingredients
- 3 pounds frozen chopped spinach, thawed (5 packages, each 10 ounces)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cups chopped yellow onions (about 2 large ones)
- 1/4 cup flour
- A little bit of grated nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon)
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Gruyere cheese
How To Make Ina Garten Creamed Spinach
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add onions and cook until they are soft and clear about 15 minutes.
- Sprinkle flour and nutmeg over the onions, and stir for 2 minutes. Pour in cream and milk, and keep stirring until the mix gets thick.
- First, press the thawed spinach to remove extra water. Then add it to the pan. Also, add 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together well. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Move the spinach mix into a baking dish. Sprinkle the top with the rest of the Parmesan (1/2 cup) and all of the Gruyere cheese. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes, until it’s hot and bubbly.
- Serve it warm.
What to Serve with Creamed Spinach
Creamed Spinach goes well with many dishes, especially:
- Roasted or Grilled Vegetables: Such as carrots, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts for a healthy and colorful plate.
- Starchy Sides: Like mashed potatoes, rice, or polenta, which complement the creaminess of the spinach.
- Breads: Fresh bread, garlic bread, or rolls are perfect for dipping into the creamed spinach.
What Meat Goes Well with Creamed Spinach
Several meats pair wonderfully with Creamed Spinach:
- Steak: The richness of creamed spinach complements the savory flavor of a well-cooked steak beautifully.
- Chicken: Grilled or roasted chicken balances well with the creamy texture of the spinach.
- Pork Chops: The mild flavor of pork allows the spinach to shine as a side dish.
- Fish: Especially salmon or tilapia, for a lighter meal option.
How Long Does Creamed Spinach Last In The Fridge
Creamed Spinach can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. To store it correctly, first let it cool down at room temperature. After it’s cooled, put it in an airtight container. Then, place it in the fridge.
How Long Does Creamed Spinach Last In The Freezer
Creamed Spinach can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze it correctly, first let the spinach cool down completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible before sealing it. Label the container with the date, and place it in the freezer.
How To Reheat Leftover Creamed Spinach
- In The Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Put the creamed spinach in an oven-safe dish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in. Heat it for about 20-25 minutes, or until it’s warmed through.
- In The Microwave: Transfer the creamed spinach to a microwave-safe container. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or a piece of microwave-safe plastic wrap. Heat on high for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through the heating time to ensure it warms evenly.
- In A Skillet: Place the creamed spinach in a skillet over medium heat. If it seems too thick, add a little bit of milk or water. Stir frequently, and heat it until it’s fully warmed through, which should take about 5-10 minutes.
What to Do with Leftover Creamed Spinach
Leftover Creamed Spinach can be transformed into new dishes:
- Spinach Quiche or Frittata: Mix it into eggs and bake for a quick and easy breakfast or brunch.
- Pasta Bake: Combine with cooked pasta, and additional cheese, and bake until bubbly.
- Stuffed Chicken: Use as a filling for chicken breasts for a flavorful dinner.
- Soups and Dips: Blend into soups for added creaminess or mix with a little sour cream for a quick dip.
FAQs
Is Ina Garten’s Creamed Spinach Keto-Friendly?
Yes, it can be made keto-friendly by omitting or substituting the flour with a keto-friendly thickener like xanthan gum. The main ingredients are already suitable for a keto diet.
Can I Use Fresh Spinach Instead of Frozen?
Absolutely. You can substitute frozen spinach with fresh spinach. Just remember to cook the fresh spinach first to reduce its volume and then squeeze out the excess water before adding it to the dish.
How Can I Make Creamed Spinach Dairy-Free?
To make it dairy-free, replace butter with a plant-based alternative, use coconut cream or a dairy-free milk alternative instead of heavy cream, and opt for dairy-free cheese substitutes.
Ina Garten Creamed Spinach Nutrition Facts
Each Serving Size: 1 out of 8 servings
- Calories: 384
- Total Fat: 27 grams
- Saturated Fat: 16 grams
- Carbohydrates: 21 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 5 grams
- Sugar: 8 grams
- Protein: 18 grams
- Cholesterol: 77 milligrams
- Sodium: 898 milligrams
Ina Garten Creamed Spinach Recipe
Description
Ina Garten Creamed Spinach is made with frozen chopped spinach, heavy cream, unsalted butter, yellow onions, flour, nutmeg, milk, Parmesan cheese, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and Gruyere cheese. This easy Creamed Spinach recipe creates a creamy and healthy side dish that takes about 1 hour and 35 minutes to prepare and can serve up to 8 people.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add onions and cook until they are soft and clear about 15 minutes.
- Sprinkle flour and nutmeg over the onions, and stir for 2 minutes. Pour in cream and milk, and keep stirring until the mix gets thick.
- First, press the thawed spinach to remove extra water. Then add it to the pan. Also, add 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together well. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Move the spinach mix into a baking dish. Sprinkle the top with the rest of the Parmesan (1/2 cup) and all of the Gruyere cheese. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes, until it’s hot and bubbly.
- Serve it warm.