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This creamed spinach recipe is proof that vegetables can be the best part of dinner. It’s buttery, savory and full of garlicky goodness with just enough heat. The cream cheese melts into every bite and makes it feel like more than just “something green” on the plate.
Creamed spinach has to be one of my top favorite sides ever. If you don’t want to have it with steak, Roasted Boneless Leg of Lamb or Cornish Hens is great too!
Key Ingredients for Creamed Spinach
- Butter & Olive Oil – The base for sautéing that adds depth and richness.
- Shallot & Garlic – Build the flavor foundation with sweet, sharp, and aromatic notes.
- Red Pepper Flakes – Add a subtle heat that cuts through the creaminess.
- Fresh Spinach – Cooks down into a silky, tender base for the creamy sauce.
- Salt & Pepper – Keep the flavor balanced and sharp.
- Heavy Cream – Helps create a smooth, rich sauce that clings to the spinach.
- Cream Cheese – Adds body, tang, and a velvety texture to the finished dish.
- Parmesan Cheese – Brings nutty saltiness and ties the whole thing together.
Recipe Tip
Adding a pinch of nutmeg creates a warm, earthy, and slightly nutty depth of flavor to creamed spinach. I like to do this for that real steakhouse creamed spinach taste but it is totally optional!
Commonly Asked Questions
Yes, but make sure to thaw and squeeze out all the liquid before using. Fresh spinach gives better texture, but frozen works in a pinch.
Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of cream if needed to loosen the sauce.
The steakhouse creamed spinach will last for 3 days in the fridge.
More Side dishes to check out =)
Steakhouse Creamed Spinach
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1/2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 large shallot , sliced
- 2 cloves garlic , minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper chili flakes
- 2 lbs fresh baby spinach, two 16oz packages
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1/4 c heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened to room temp!
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Melt the butter with olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and skillet is hot, reduce heat to medium low, sauté the garlic & shallots for 30 seconds, constantly stirring.
- Add in the red pepper flakes and sauté for a few more seconds.
- Return the heat to medium and add as much spinach to the skillet as possible, then cover with a lid, let cook down for a few minutes. Remove the lid, toss the spinach around. Add the rest of the spinach, close the lid and let cook down for a few minutes too.
- Add in the salt, pepper, heavy cream and creamed cheese. I like to break up the cream cheese into smaller chunks. Keep stirring until all the cream cheese has melted and theres a thick creamy liquid.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the parmesan cheese. Taste and add more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve with your fave protein, eat and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This recipe is one of my favs! It tastes good paired with any meat. I love creamed spinach but not everyone makes it well but now I can make it myself ! Ayeeee…… thanks August =)
Haha so glad you like it!
I feel like I make this side with every meal now. It is my absolute favorite. It tastes so good and creamy. I have made it for everyone I know and they love it.
Thank you!!