Holiday Creamed Spinach

Creamed spinach is one of those holiday dishes that feels extra indulgent. It’s rich, creamy, and just the right amount of decadent—perfect for a festive gathering when you want your side dishes to be as special as the main course. Whether you’re serving turkey, roast beef, or even a vegetarian main, holiday creamed spinach is a versatile and elegant side dish that brings a pop of color and a burst of flavor to your plate.

I remember the first time I made this creamed spinach for a family holiday dinner. I was nervous that a green veggie side might not be as exciting as the mashed potatoes or stuffing, but once everyone took a bite, it became an instant hit. The spinach is coated in a velvety, cheesy sauce that melts in your mouth, and the hint of garlic and nutmeg brings out the earthy sweetness of the spinach. It’s the perfect balance of indulgent and wholesome, which is exactly what you want from a holiday side dish!

Whether you’re hosting a large family gathering or just keeping things cozy with a smaller celebration, this creamed spinach recipe will bring a comforting, gourmet touch to your holiday table. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make and can be prepped ahead of time, making it a stress-free addition to your meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Creamy: The combination of cream, butter, and cheese makes this dish incredibly decadent. The cream sauce clings to the spinach, making every bite luxurious and flavorful.
• Perfect for the Holidays: This dish looks beautiful on a holiday table, with its deep green color and creamy texture. It pairs perfectly with classic holiday proteins like roast turkey, ham, or beef.
• Easy to Make: While the dish tastes gourmet, it’s actually quite simple to prepare. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a restaurant-worthy dish.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: This creamed spinach can be made ahead of time and reheated just before serving, making it a great option for busy holiday meals when you have a lot going on in the kitchen.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love this dish! The creamy, cheesy sauce makes spinach more approachable, and it’s a great way to get some greens onto your holiday plate.

Preparation Time and Servings

Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6-8 people
Calories per serving: 250 calories

Ingredients

• 2 lbs fresh spinach, washed and stems removed (or 2 packages of frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk (or half-and-half for extra richness)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup cream cheese, softened
• ¼ tsp freshly grated nutmeg
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, if using frozen spinach to help with sautéing)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Blanch the Spinach (If Using Fresh)

If you’re using fresh spinach, start by blanching it to remove some of the moisture and soften the leaves. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the spinach. Cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until the spinach wilts. Immediately transfer the spinach to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and preserve its vibrant green color.

Drain the spinach well, then squeeze out as much water as possible using your hands or a clean kitchen towel. Once it’s thoroughly squeezed, roughly chop the spinach and set it aside.

Tip: If you’re using frozen spinach, make sure it’s completely thawed and drained. Press out as much excess moisture as possible using paper towels or a kitchen towel—too much water will make your creamed spinach runny.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet or sauté pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until softened and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

3. Make the Cream Sauce

Lower the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream and milk (or half-and-half). Stir gently to combine with the sautéed onions and garlic. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream from scorching.

Once the cream begins to simmer, stir in the Parmesan cheese and softened cream cheese. Keep stirring until both cheeses are fully melted and incorporated into the sauce, creating a smooth, creamy mixture. The sauce should start to thicken slightly as it simmers.

4. Season the Sauce

Add freshly grated nutmeg, along with a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Nutmeg might seem like an unexpected ingredient, but it enhances the flavor of the spinach and cream, adding a warm, subtly sweet note that takes this dish to the next level.

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you prefer a sharper, saltier flavor, you can add a bit more Parmesan cheese or salt at this stage.

5. Combine the Spinach and Sauce

Add the prepared spinach to the pan, stirring gently to coat the spinach with the creamy sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the spinach is heated through and the sauce is thickened to your liking. If the sauce is too thick, you can loosen it up with a splash of milk or cream.

6. Serve

Transfer the creamed spinach to a serving dish and top with a little extra grated Parmesan, if desired. Serve it hot alongside your holiday main course.

Pro tip: For an extra touch of holiday decadence, transfer the creamed spinach to an oven-safe dish, sprinkle with more Parmesan or breadcrumbs, and broil for a couple of minutes to create a golden, crispy topping.

How to Serve

Here are a few ideas on how to serve your holiday creamed spinach:

• As a Side Dish: Serve alongside your holiday main course, such as roast turkey, beef tenderloin, or honey-glazed ham. Its rich, creamy texture pairs beautifully with roasted meats.
• With Mashed Potatoes: Creamed spinach and mashed potatoes make the ultimate comforting combo. The creaminess of both dishes is a match made in heaven.
• In Puff Pastry Cups: For a more elegant presentation, spoon the creamed spinach into small puff pastry cups and serve as an appetizer or side.
• On Toasted Bread: Turn leftover creamed spinach into an indulgent open-faced sandwich by spreading it on a slice of toasted baguette or sourdough and topping with a poached egg.

Additional Tips for Perfect Holiday Creamed Spinach

1. Use Fresh Spinach if Possible: While frozen spinach works well, fresh spinach gives this dish a brighter flavor and better texture. If you’re using frozen spinach, make sure to drain it very well to avoid a watery dish.
2. Don’t Skimp on the Cream: This is a holiday dish, so don’t be afraid to indulge in full-fat cream and milk. They make the sauce luxuriously rich and smooth, which is exactly what you want.
3. Add Extra Cheese: If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to mix in other cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella. Gruyère adds a nutty flavor that complements the Parmesan and cream cheese beautifully.
4. Season Gradually: Add the salt and pepper in stages, tasting as you go. Spinach can handle a good amount of seasoning, but you don’t want to overdo it.
5. Make It Ahead: To make your holiday prep easier, you can prepare the creamed spinach a day in advance. Store it in the fridge, then reheat it gently on the stove or in the oven just before serving.

Recipe Variations

• Vegan Creamed Spinach: Replace the butter with olive oil or vegan margarine, and use coconut milk or cashew cream for the sauce. You can also substitute vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for the Parmesan and cream cheese.
• Spinach and Artichoke Cream: Add chopped artichoke hearts to the mix for a holiday twist on classic spinach-artichoke dip. The artichokes add a tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
• Low-Carb/Keto: Use heavy cream and omit the milk for a thicker, richer sauce that’s keto-friendly. You can also add more cheese to make the dish even creamier and more satisfying.
• Cheesy Baked Creamed Spinach: After cooking the spinach and sauce, transfer everything to a casserole dish, top with a mixture of breadcrumbs and extra Parmesan cheese, and bake at 375°F for 10-15 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
• Garlic Lovers’ Spinach: Double the garlic if you’re a fan of that strong, aromatic flavor. You can also add roasted garlic for a sweeter, more mellow garlic flavor.

Storing and Freezing Creamed Spinach

Storage: Store leftover creamed spinach in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm it over low heat on the stove, adding a splash of cream or milk if the sauce has thickened too much.

Freezing: This dish freezes well! Let the creamed spinach cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it

in the fridge overnight and then warm it gently on the stove, stirring often to maintain the creamy texture.

Special Equipment

• Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: A wide, deep skillet is perfect for cooking down the spinach and making the cream sauce. You’ll need enough space to stir the spinach without spilling.
• Fine Mesh Strainer or Kitchen Towel: If you’re using fresh spinach, you’ll need a strainer or towel to squeeze out all the excess water after blanching. This helps keep your creamed spinach from getting watery.
• Microplane Grater: For freshly grated Parmesan cheese and nutmeg, a microplane is ideal. It creates fine, delicate shavings that melt beautifully into the sauce.

FAQ

Can I use frozen spinach for this recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and drain the spinach thoroughly before adding it to the cream sauce.

Can I make creamed spinach ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare the dish a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it gently on the stove or in the oven before serving.

Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! Gruyère, mozzarella, or fontina are all great alternatives or additions to Parmesan. Each will give the dish a slightly different flavor and texture.

How do I prevent my creamed spinach from being watery?
The key is to drain the spinach really well, especially if you’re using frozen spinach. You can also let the cream sauce simmer for a few minutes longer to thicken it up before adding the spinach.

Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, substitute the cream, milk, and cheese with plant-based alternatives like coconut milk, cashew cream, and vegan cheese.

Conclusion

Holiday Creamed Spinach is the perfect side dish to add a touch of elegance and indulgence to your festive meal. With its rich, velvety texture and vibrant green color, it complements roasted meats, hearty potatoes, and other classic holiday fare beautifully. I hope this recipe becomes a beloved part of your holiday tradition, just like it has for my family.

Be sure to snap a picture of your dish and share it with me—I’d love to see your holiday spread! Wishing you a warm and delicious holiday season filled with family, food, and festive joy!

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