Perfect Christmas Creamed Spinach — The Steakhouse Side at Home

Creamed spinach is the steakhouse classic side that elevates Christmas dinner. Rich. Creamy. Garlicky. The right technique transforms spinach into something everyone fights for seconds of.

The classic recipe

Ingredients (serves 6-8)

• 2 lbs fresh baby spinach (or 20 oz frozen, thawed and drained)
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• Salt; pepper

Method

1. If using fresh: blanch spinach in boiling water 1 minute; ice bath; drain; chop
2. If using frozen: thaw and squeeze ALL water out
3. In a large skillet, melt butter
4. Add onion; cook until soft (5 min)
5. Add garlic; cook 1 minute
6. Add flour; whisk for 1 minute (roux)
7. Slowly whisk in cream
8. Add spinach; stir to combine
9. Add Parmigiano + nutmeg + salt + pepper
10. Simmer until thick (5 min)

Variations

Cream cheese version

• Add 4 oz cream cheese
• Even richer

Without garlic

• Skip if pairing with delicate fish

With shallots instead of onion

• More elegant flavor

What NOT to do

• Don't skip the water-squeezing step (watery dish)
• Don't burn the garlic
• Don't over-thicken (it sets when cooked)
• Don't forget the nutmeg (small but matters)

Make-ahead

• Make completely 1-2 days ahead
• Reheat gently with splash of cream

Cross-references

For perfect Christmas mashed potatoes — adjacent.

For perfect potatoes au gratin — adjacent.

For perfect Christmas mac and cheese — adjacent.

For Christmas sides ideas — broader.

Perfect Christmas creamed spinach is the steakhouse upgrade. Rich. Garlicky. Creamy. The side that elevates any Christmas main — and gets everyone going for seconds.