Ultimate Savory Creamed Spinach
Elevate your dining experience with this creamy and decadent creamed spinach recipe that pays homage to the beloved classic from Boston Market. This dish is a perfect blend of rich, velvety textures and robust flavors. Originating from a wedding feast where the creamed spinach was the star among a lineup of gourmet delights, it's no wonder that half the guests walked away craving this recipe. Bursting with flavor from sautéed onions and garlic, combined with the earthy goodness of spinach and creamy cheese, this dish is sure to impress at any gathering or family meal. Serve it warm alongside grilled meats, pasta, or your favorite bread for an indulgent side that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter or margarine
5 tablespoons (divided)
all-purpose flour
1/4 cup
salt
1/4 teaspoon
half-and-half cream
1 cup
cream cheese
4 ounces
minced onions
2 tablespoons
minced garlic
1 tablespoon
frozen chopped spinach
20 ounces (thawed)
water
1/4 cup
grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat.
2
Whisk in the flour and salt, stirring until it forms a smooth paste (roux).
3
Gradually add the half-and-half, stirring continuously to prevent lumps, then whisk in the cream cheese until fully incorporated and the mixture is thickened and smooth. Remove from heat and set aside.
4
In a separate skillet over medium-high heat, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced onions and garlic, sautéing until they become translucent and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
5
Add the thawed and drained spinach along with 1/4 cup of water to the skillet. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally until heated through.
6
Remove the lid and stir in the prepared cream sauce and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until everything is well-combined and creamy. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ultimate Savory Creamed Spinach?
It is a rich and decadent side dish featuring a blend of spinach, cream cheese, and parmesan, inspired by the classic Boston Market recipe.
Is this recipe similar to Boston Market's creamed spinach?
Yes, this recipe is a copycat version designed to replicate the robust flavors and velvety texture of the famous Boston Market side dish.
What are the main ingredients for the cream sauce?
The cream sauce is made from butter, flour, salt, half-and-half cream, and cream cheese.
How much spinach do I need?
The recipe calls for 20 ounces of frozen chopped spinach, which should be thawed and drained before use.
Can I use fresh spinach?
While the recipe specifies frozen chopped spinach, you can use fresh spinach if you cook it down and drain it to reach a similar volume and texture.
What is the purpose of the flour in this recipe?
The flour is whisked into melted butter to create a roux, which serves as the thickening agent for the creamy sauce.
How much butter is used in total?
A total of 5 tablespoons of butter or margarine is used, divided between the sauce and the skillet.
What kind of cream cheese should I use?
The recipe requires 4 ounces of standard cream cheese to achieve the desired richness and texture.
How do I prevent lumps in the sauce?
To avoid lumps, gradually add the half-and-half to the flour and butter mixture while stirring continuously.
Are there onions in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 2 tablespoons of minced onions for added flavor.
How much garlic is included?
The dish is seasoned with 1 tablespoon of minced garlic.
What type of cheese is added at the end?
1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese is stirred in at the final stage for a savory finish.
Do I need to add water when cooking the spinach?
Yes, 1/4 cup of water is added to the skillet with the spinach while it cooks.
How long does the spinach need to cook in the skillet?
The spinach should be covered and cooked over low heat for approximately 8 minutes.
What heat setting should I use for the cream sauce?
The butter should be melted and the roux prepared over medium-low heat.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, based on the ingredients and tags, this recipe is suitable for vegetarians.
How much salt is required?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe suggests using either butter or margarine depending on your preference.
What should I serve with creamed spinach?
It pairs well with grilled meats, pasta dishes, or crusty bread.
How much half-and-half is needed?
The recipe requires 1 cup of half-and-half cream.
What is the first step in making the sauce?
The first step is melting 3 tablespoons of butter in a medium saucepan.
How long do I saute the onions and garlic?
Saute them for 2-3 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant.
Do I need to cover the skillet while cooking the spinach?
Yes, you should cover the skillet and cook the spinach on low heat for 8 minutes.
When do I add the cream cheese?
The cream cheese is whisked into the half-and-half and roux mixture until fully incorporated.
How much flour is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour.
Is this a quick recipe to prepare?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick cooking and easy recipe suitable for busy schedules.
Can I use minced garlic from a jar?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of minced garlic can be fresh or from a jar.
What makes this creamed spinach ultimate?
The combination of a rich roux-based sauce, cream cheese, and parmesan makes it exceptionally decadent compared to simpler versions.
At what temperature should the final mixture be cooked?
After combining the sauce and spinach, cook for an additional 2 minutes until everything is heated through.
How much parmesan cheese is used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese.