Creamy Creamed Spinach Recipe with Garlic and Nutmeg
A quick and easy creamy creamed spinach side dish featuring garlic and nutmeg for a flavorful, comforting experience. Perfect for family dinners, holidays, or weeknight meals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound fresh spinach (450g), washed and tough stems removed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (28g)
- 3 large garlic cloves, minced finely
- 1 cup heavy cream (240ml), at least 36% fat
- ½ cup whole milk (120ml)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (8g), or gluten-free flour
- ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (25g), optional
Instructions
- Prepare the spinach: Wash 1 pound (450g) of fresh spinach thoroughly and remove tough stems. If using frozen spinach, thaw and squeeze out excess water. Set aside.
- Sauté the garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons (28g) of unsalted butter. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and just starting to turn golden (don’t let it brown).
- Make the roux: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon (8g) all-purpose flour over the butter and garlic. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Add liquids: Gradually whisk in 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream and ½ cup (120ml) whole milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer; it should thicken slightly after 3-4 minutes.
- Season: Stir in ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg, ½ teaspoon salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Add ¼ cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese if using, stirring until melted and incorporated.
- Add spinach: Add the prepared spinach to the creamy sauce. Stir well to combine and cook for 2-3 minutes, until spinach is fully coated and heated through. The spinach should still be vibrant green and tender, not mushy.
- Final taste test: Taste and adjust seasoning—sometimes a pinch more salt or pepper is just right. Remove from heat.
- Serve immediately: Spoon onto plates and enjoy while warm and creamy.
Notes
If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more milk; if too thin, cook a little longer to reduce. Avoid overcooking spinach to prevent bitterness. Freshly grated nutmeg is key for flavor. For dairy-free version, substitute cream and milk with coconut cream and almond milk, and butter with dairy-free margarine or olive oil.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About ½ cup (120g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 4
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 4
Keywords: creamed spinach, garlic spinach, nutmeg, creamy side dish, easy spinach recipe, holiday side, quick side dish