Creamy Spicy Spinach with Cheddar Delight
This creamy and spicy spinach dish is a delightful blend of fresh flavors that elevate a classic favorite. Originating from Texas' Cafe Annie, this recipe features vibrant spinach leaves enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce with a kick from jalapeños. The sharp cheddar melts seamlessly into the mix, creating a luscious texture that pairs beautifully with grilled meats or can stand alone as a comforting side. Ideal for gatherings, its flavors deepen when reheated, making it a fantastic make-ahead option.
N/A
Servings
262.5
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh spinach leaves
20 ounces (Washed and stems removed)
Butter
1 tablespoon (Melted)
White onion
1 (Peeled and finely chopped)
Garlic cloves
2 (Chopped)
Jalapeños
2 (Stemmed and chopped (seeds removed for milder flavor))
Flour
2.5 tablespoons (All-purpose flour)
Chicken or turkey broth
1 cup (Low-sodium recommended)
Whipping cream
1 cup (Heavy cream)
Sharp cheddar cheese
8 ounces (Grated)
Salt
1 teaspoon (To taste)
Black pepper
0.5 teaspoon (To taste)
Instructions
1
Thoroughly wash the fresh spinach to remove any dirt, and remove any large stems.
2
For larger leaves, cut or tear them into bite-sized pieces. If using frozen spinach, ensure it is fully thawed and drained to remove excess moisture.
3
In a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, melt the butter until foamy.
4
Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped jalapeños to the pan. Sauté the mixture until the onions turn translucent and soft, making sure not to let them brown.
5
Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir to combine, cooking for an additional minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
6
Slowly pour in the chicken or turkey broth, stirring constantly, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
7
If using fresh spinach, add it in small batches, stirring after each addition until it wilts down. If using frozen spinach, add it all at once and stir until combined.
8
Once all the spinach is added and wilted, pour in the whipping cream and bring the mixture back to a boil.
9
Reduce the heat to a simmer and stir in the grated sharp cheddar cheese, mixing until fully melted and creamy.
10
Season the rich spinach mixture with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve immediately or allow to cool before transferring to an airtight container for reheating later.
Nutrition Information
18.75g
Fat
5.625g
Carbs
13.125g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Spicy Spinach with Cheddar Delight?
It is a creamy and spicy spinach dish that blends fresh flavors with a rich sauce and sharp cheddar cheese.
Who created this recipe?
The recipe originated from Texas' Cafe Annie.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients include fresh spinach, butter, onion, garlic, jalapeños, flour, broth, whipping cream, and sharp cheddar cheese.
How much spinach is required?
You will need 20 ounces of fresh spinach leaves.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, ensure it is fully thawed and drained of excess moisture before using.
What kind of cheese is recommended?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of grated sharp cheddar cheese.
How should the fresh spinach be prepared?
Fresh spinach should be washed, stems removed, and larger leaves torn into bite-sized pieces.
How much butter is used for sautéing?
One tablespoon of melted butter is used to sauté the vegetables.
What type of onion is best for this dish?
One peeled and finely chopped white onion is recommended.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
Two chopped garlic cloves are used for seasoning.
How many jalapeños are included?
The recipe uses two stemmed and chopped jalapeños.
How can I make the dish milder in flavor?
You can remove the seeds from the jalapeños for a milder heat level.
What type of flour is used?
Two and a half tablespoons of all-purpose flour are used to thicken the sauce.
What kind of broth is recommended?
One cup of chicken or turkey broth is needed, preferably low-sodium.
What type of cream is used for the base?
The recipe calls for one cup of whipping cream or heavy cream.
How much salt is included in the seasoning?
One teaspoon of salt is suggested, or added to taste.
How much black pepper is used?
Use half a teaspoon of black pepper, or adjust to taste.
What is the first cooking step?
Melt the butter in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat until it becomes foamy.
How long do I cook the flour with the vegetables?
Stir the flour into the vegetables and cook for one minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
When should the broth be added?
Slowly pour in the broth after cooking the flour, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
How do you incorporate fresh spinach into the pan?
Add fresh spinach in small batches, stirring after each addition until it wilts.
When is the whipping cream added to the mixture?
Pour in the cream once all the spinach has been added and wilted, then bring to a boil.
When do I add the cheddar cheese?
Stir in the grated cheese after the mixture has reached a boil and the heat is reduced to a simmer.
Is this spinach dish suitable for gatherings?
Yes, its flavors deepen when reheated, making it an excellent option for parties.
Can this be made ahead of time?
Yes, it can be cooled and stored in an airtight container for later reheating.
How many calories does this recipe contain?
This recipe contains approximately 262.5 calories.
What is the total fat content per serving?
There are 18.75 grams of fat in this dish.
How many carbohydrates are in the dish?
The recipe contains 5.625 grams of carbohydrates.
What is the protein content of the spinach?
The recipe provides 13.125 grams of protein.
What are some serving suggestions?
It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or can be served as a comforting standalone side dish.