Easy Creamed Spinach (From Frozen)

Name: Easy Creamed Spinach (From Frozen)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 10 ounce package frozen, chopped spinach; 1 1/2 tablespoons butter; 1/4 cup finely chopped shallot or onion; 1 clove garlic; 1 tablespoon flour; 1 cup half and half; 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg; 1/8 teaspoon cayenne (optional); 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese; 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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This quick and easy creamed spinach is my favorite way to transform frozen spinach into a delectable side dish. Whether it's for a speedy weeknight meal or an elegant holiday feast, this dish will convert even the pickiest eaters into spinach fans! Make it in just 15 minutes.

Easy creamed spinach in a black bowl on a wooden board with a metal spoon next to it.

When it comes to side dishes, it doesn't get much better than this Easy Creamed Spinach made with frozen spinach. This homemade creamed spinach recipe is a lighter yet equally flavorful twist on everyone's favorite steakhouse side dish.

Whether you're serving it alongside juicy roast chicken, a sizzling steak, or as part of your Thanksgiving dinner, it's definitely a crowd-pleaser.

This creamy, dreamy side dish doesn't rely on large amounts of heavy cream, cream cheese or butter like classic creamed spinach. By using half and half, my lightened up version offers the same luxurious creamy texture but without the guilt.

Freshly grated parmesan cheese adds a hint of nutty, salty richness. And a touch of nutmeg elevates this creamed spinach from ordinary to extraordinary.

This creamed spinach is also ridiculously easy to make using frozen spinach. This dish comes together on the stove in minutes, which makes it perfect for quick weeknight dinners.

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Why You'll Love This Dish
Doctor's Tips
Ingredients
How To Make Creamed Spinach (From Frozen) Step-By-Step
Chef's Tips
What To Serve With This Dish
Recipe FAQs
More Tasty Side Dishes
Recipe
Reviews

Why You'll Love This Dish

Healthier Indulgence: this easy creamed spinach is a guilt-free version of the classic.
Quick and Easy: this recipe is a breeze to make on the stove top. Using frozen spinach makes it even more convenient.
Versatile: equally suitable for easy weeknight dinners, elegant dinner parties, or the holidays.
Rich Flavor: nutmeg and Parmesan cheese add a ton of flavor to take this dish over the top!
Kid-Friendly: This lightened-up creamed spinach will have even the pickiest eaters asking for seconds.

Doctor's Tips

I love using frozen spinach in recipes like this creamed spinach and my Greek chicken meatballs, because it gives you more bang for your buck in terms of nutrition compared to fresh spinach. You would have to eat a ton of fresh spinach to get what you can in a 10-ounce box of frozen spinach!
One cup of frozen spinach has more than four times the amount of nutrients (such as folate, iron, vitamin C, and calcium) than a cup of fresh spinach.
Also, when fresh spinach is transported long distances or stored in your refrigerator for many days, its nutrient content drops.
Spinach is a nutritional powerhouse! It's packed with an array of essential vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants that are beneficial for your health.
So, if you want to power up, try frozen spinach. I always keep some in my freezer!

Ingredients

Ingredient notes and substitutions. See recipe card at the end of the post for full ingredient list.

Frozen Spinach: frozen spinach offers all the nutritional benefits of fresh spinach and is much easier than having to cook fresh spinach. Be sure to defrost the spinach and squeeze out any excess water.
Half and half (not pictured): half and half is a combination of whole milk and heavy cream. I make a simple roux with butter and all purpose flour and then stir in half and half, which makes a luxurious, creamy sauce.
Shallots- shallots are a type of small onion that have a milder, sweeter flavor compared to regular onions. They are commonly used in French cuisine. You can find them in the grocery store next to the onions and garlic.
Parmigiano-reggiano cheese: Parmesan cheese adds tons of rich, umami flavor to this dish. Use freshly grated cheese if you can.
Spices: I use a combination of nutmeg, salt, black pepper, and cayenne. I like to use whole nutmeg and grate it on my microplane zester grater for maximum flavor.

How To Make Creamed Spinach (From Frozen) Step-By-Step

See recipe card at the end of the post for full recipe details.

Step 1- Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shallots and cook 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2- Add the flour and stir to combine.
Step 3- Add the half and half, nutmeg, cayenne, and parmesan cheese. Simmer the white sauce a few minutes until thickened.
Step 4- Stir in the defrosted frozen spinach. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Creamed spinach in a black cast iron skillet on the stove.

Chef's Tips

I make this creamed spinach with half and half, which is a mixture of milk and cream. You lighten it up even more, you can use 2% or whole milk.
I like to use frozen chopped spinach because it's so convenient. You can use fresh baby spinach but I would recommend cooking it first and squeezing out the excess liquid before putting it into the creamy sauce.
Sometimes I top this creamed spinach with buttered breadcrumbs and pop it in the oven to make a delicious creamed spinach gratin.
To make this creamed spinach keto, leave out the flour and use heavy cream instead of half and half.

What To Serve With This Dish

This tasty creamed spinach made with frozen spinach is the perfect accompaniment to a wide variety of dishes from beef to chicken to pork and seafood.

You can even transform the leftovers into a completely different dish. Here are some ways you can use leftover creamed spinach:

Stir it into pasta to make a delicious creamed spinach sauce
Use it to stuff chicken breasts
Top baked potatoes or sweet potatoes with it
Stir in some shredded mozzarella cheese and serve it as a hot spinach dip with tortilla chips on the side (or try my Healthy Spinach Artichoke Dip)

Recipe FAQs

How long does creamed spinach last in the fridge?

You can store leftover creamed spinach in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave.

Can you freeze creamed spinach?

Yes you can freeze creamed spinach, but the texture will change slightly. When the creamed spinach has cooled completely, store it in an airtight freezer bag or container for up to 3 months. When reheating, first defrost it overnight in the refrigerator. Then, heat it gently on the stove at low heat or in the microwave, so that the cream doesn't split.

Should I defrost frozen spinach before cooking?

Yes, you should defrost frozen spinach completely and squeeze out all the liquid before adding it to dishes like this creamed spinach.

Is frozen spinach less healthy?

No, frozen spinach has more bang for your buck than fresh spinach when it comes to nutrition. One cup of frozen spinach has more than four times the amount of nutrients, such as fiber, folate, iron and calcium, than a cup of fresh spinach. Plus, many nutrients like folate and carotenoids, diminish with time during the transportation and storage of fresh spinach.