Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite side dish: *steakhouse creamed spinach*! It’s rich, creamy, and downright irresistible. You know how when you go to a steakhouse, you take that first bite of their creamed spinach and it just feels like a warm hug? That’s exactly what this dish delivers! It’s always a crowd-pleaser, and while it might seem fancy, I promise it’s super simple to whip up at home.
Whenever I make this dish, I can’t help but smile as I watch my family dig in, completely enchanted by the velvety texture and the delightful combination of flavors. The best part? You can serve it alongside anything from grilled steaks to roasted chicken, and it always steals the show! Trust me, once you’ve tried making it yourself, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. Let’s dive into the recipe, shall we?
Ingredients List
- 2 pounds fresh spinach, washed and drained
- 1 cup heavy cream, for that luscious richness
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened to blend smoothly
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, adding a savory depth
- 2 tablespoons butter, for a touch of richness
- 2 cloves garlic, minced, to bring in that aromatic flavor
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, a hint of warmth
- Salt and pepper to taste, to elevate the flavors
How to Prepare *Steakhouse Creamed Spinach Rich Creamy and Irresistible*
Now that you’ve got all your ingredients ready, let’s get that delicious creamed spinach cooking! Don’t worry; this is a straightforward process that’s going to fill your kitchen with the most amazing aromas. I can almost taste it already!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, wash and drain the spinach. You want to make sure it’s nice and clean, so give it a good rinse under cold water. Then, let it sit in a colander to drain while you prep the rest.
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. You want it just bubbling, not browning—careful not to let it sizzle away! The smell of melting butter is just heavenly, isn’t it?
- Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about a minute until it’s fragrant. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen starts smelling like a dream!
- Now it’s time to add the spinach! Toss it into the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s wilted. This should take about 3-5 minutes. You’ll see it shrink down quite a bit—that’s normal!
- Next, stir in the heavy cream and cream cheese. Keep stirring until everything is melted and combined into a creamy delight. This is where the magic happens, and trust me, it’ll look so good you’ll want to dive right in!
- Now, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and nutmeg. Mix everything well until the cheese is fully melted and the mixture is smooth. If you like it really cheesy (who doesn’t?), feel free to add a bit more Parmesan!
- Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, taste as you go! You want to get that perfect balance of flavors. Let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens up nicely. I usually let it go for about 5 minutes, but keep an eye on it as you don’t want it to stick to the bottom.
- And just like that, your *steakhouse creamed spinach* is ready to serve! Scoop it into a serving dish and get ready for everyone to rave about it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation: You can whip this up in just 25 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Rich, creamy texture that’s simply irresistible; it’s like a warm hug on your plate.
- Using fresh spinach not only boosts the flavor, but it also adds a vibrant color to your meal.
- Versatile side dish: It pairs beautifully with steaks, chicken, or even as a standalone vegetarian delight.
- Simple ingredients that you likely already have on hand, making it easy to make any night of the week.
- Impressive enough to serve at dinner parties, yet easy enough for a casual family meal.
- Leftovers (if there are any!) reheat beautifully, so you can enjoy this creamy goodness again.
Tips for Success
Now, before you dive into making this fabulous *steakhouse creamed spinach*, let me share some of my best tips to help you nail it every time! These little nuggets of wisdom can make a big difference in your dish.
- Use fresh spinach: Trust me, fresh spinach makes all the difference in flavor and texture. If you find yourself with wilted or frozen spinach, your dish may not have that same vibrant taste and creaminess.
- Don’t rush the sauté: When cooking the garlic, take your time! Sauté it until it’s fragrant, but don’t let it brown. Burnt garlic can give your dish a bitter taste, and we definitely don’t want that!
- Adjust the thickness: If you prefer a thicker creamed spinach, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce the cream. On the flip side, if it’s too thick, just add a splash more cream to loosen it up.
- Taste as you go: Seriously, don’t skip this step! Seasoning is key, so taste your spinach as you add salt and pepper. You want to find that perfect balance that makes your taste buds dance.
- Make it ahead: If you’re preparing for a special occasion, you can make this dish a few hours in advance. Just keep it warm on the stove or reheat gently before serving. It’ll still be delicious, and you’ll have more time to enjoy with your guests!
- Experiment with flavors: Feel free to get creative! Add a pinch of crushed red pepper for some heat or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. It’s all about making it your own!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of this delicious *steakhouse creamed spinach*. While it’s a creamy indulgence, it also packs a nice punch of nutrients thanks to the fresh spinach! Here’s the estimated breakdown per serving, based on standard ingredients:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 500mg
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands or variations of ingredients you use. But don’t let that scare you away—this dish is all about enjoying those rich, creamy flavors while still getting some greens in your life!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
While fresh spinach is my favorite for this recipe, you can absolutely use frozen spinach in a pinch! Just make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the pot. It’ll still be delicious, just might not have that vibrant fresh flavor!
What can I serve with steakhouse creamed spinach?
This creamy spinach pairs beautifully with all kinds of dishes! Think juicy steaks, grilled chicken, or even roasted fish. It’s also fantastic with a hearty baked potato or as part of a vegetarian feast. The options are endless!
How do I reheat leftover creamed spinach?
To reheat, simply warm it up gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it seems a bit thick, add a splash of cream or milk to loosen it up. You want it to be just as creamy and delightful as it was when you first made it!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Just prepare it as directed, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat it gently on the stove. It’s a great make-ahead option for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings!
What if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?
No worries! If you don’t have Parmesan, you can use other cheeses like Gruyère or even a sharp cheddar. Just keep in mind that it might change the flavor a bit, but it’ll still be creamy and delicious!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s talk about what to do with any leftovers of this *steakhouse creamed spinach*—if there are any! I mean, it’s so good, you might just want to savor every last bite. But if you find yourself with some, here’s how to store it right and reheat it without losing that creamy goodness.
To store your leftover creamed spinach, let it cool down to room temperature first. Then, scoop it into an airtight container. It’s best to keep it in the fridge, where it’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days. Just make sure to label it if you have a lot going on in there—trust me, you don’t want to play the guessing game later!
When it comes to reheating, I prefer the stovetop method for the best results. Just place your creamed spinach in a saucepan over low heat. Stir it occasionally to ensure it heats evenly. If it seems a little thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash of cream or milk to bring back that luscious, creamy texture. It should only take about 5-10 minutes to warm through—easy peasy!
If you’re in a hurry, you can also use the microwave. Just transfer your spinach to a microwave-safe dish, cover it (to avoid splatter), and heat in short bursts of about 30 seconds, stirring in between, until it’s hot and ready to enjoy again.
And there you have it! With these simple steps, your *steakhouse creamed spinach* will be just as delicious the second time around. Enjoy every creamy bite!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got this rich, creamy, and irresistible *steakhouse creamed spinach* ready to go, let’s talk about what to serve it with! This dish is incredibly versatile and can elevate so many meals. Here are a few of my favorite pairings that’ll make your dining experience even more delightful.
- Grilled Steaks: Of course, nothing beats the classic combo of creamed spinach with a perfectly grilled steak. The richness of the spinach complements the savory flavors of the meat beautifully.
- Roasted Chicken: Whether it’s a whole roast or juicy chicken thighs, the creamy spinach adds a wonderful touch to the plate, balancing the flavors and providing a beautiful color contrast.
- Baked Salmon: The fresh, buttery flavor of salmon pairs wonderfully with this dish. The creaminess of the spinach will enhance the fish’s richness without overpowering it.
- Stuffed Peppers: For a vegetarian twist, serve your creamed spinach alongside stuffed bell peppers filled with rice, beans, and spices. It adds a creamy element that makes the whole meal feel indulgent!
- Mashed Potatoes: You can never go wrong with a side of creamy mashed potatoes! The two together create a comforting, homey feel that’s just perfect for family dinners.
- Grilled Shrimp: If you’re looking for something a bit lighter, grilled shrimp seasoned with lemon and garlic is a fantastic option. The freshness of the seafood balances the heaviness of the spinach.
- Quinoa Salad: For a lighter, healthier pairing, a quinoa salad loaded with fresh veggies and a zesty dressing provides a nice contrast to the creamy spinach.
So, whether you’re planning a big family dinner or a cozy date night, these suggestions will surely impress! Just remember, the key is to enjoy the meal and savor every delicious bite of that creamy goodness. Happy cooking!
Print
Steakhouse Creamed Spinach: 7 Rich, Creamy Delights
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Rich, creamy, and irresistible steakhouse creamed spinach.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash and drain the spinach.
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add spinach and cook until wilted.
- Stir in heavy cream and cream cheese until smooth.
- Add Parmesan cheese and nutmeg, mixing well.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer for a few minutes until thickened.
- Serve hot as a side dish.
Notes
- Use fresh spinach for the best flavor.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- This dish pairs well with grilled meats.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: steakhouse creamed spinach, creamy spinach, spinach side dish
