This 3-ingredient creamed spinach recipe isn’t just easy…it’s delicious, too. It’s perfect as a spinach dip with crackers or toasted sourdough baguettes. Or serve it as is for a decadent side dish. Takes only 10 minutes!
Recipe Overview: 3-Ingredient Creamed Spinach
- Ready In: 10 minutes
- Serves: 3-4 servings
- Calories: 239 kcal/serving (approximately)
- Main Ingredients: Spinach, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese
- Dietary Notes: Gluten-free
- Why You’ll Love It: This easy 3-ingredient creamed spinach is ready in 10 minutes. And all you need is fresh spinach, cream cheese, and Parmesan. It's a simple side dish for everything from busy weeknight dinners to holiday meals, and even picky eaters will enjoy it.
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When I think of a decadent, creamy side dish, spinach isn't usually the first thing that comes to mind. But this easy creamed spinach recipe might change that. It's just as comforting as classic comfort foods like sourdough mac and cheese.
Rather than frozen spinach and heavy cream, this recipe uses fresh spinach, cream cheese, and Parmesan. Pair it with sourdough fried chicken, sourdough cheddar pork chops, or a roasted lemon chicken for an easy dinner.
Best of all, it's ready in 10 minutes or less!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick: From start to finish, it’s ready in 10 minutes or less.
Creamy: Decadent cream cheese and Parmesan create a smooth, creamy sauce.
Fresh: This recipe uses fresh spinach instead of frozen, which improves the texture.
Holiday Favorite: Perfect for holidays, special occasions, or weeknight dinners. Serve it alongside cranberry salsa, easy cranberry sauce, and caramelized onion green bean casserole for your holiday gatherings!
Family-Friendly: A simple way to make spinach more appealing to picky eaters.
Key Ingredients
Spinach: I prefer to use fresh baby spinach. If you are in a pinch and all you have is frozen spinach, that will work. Just be sure to drain or squeeze out the excess water.
Cream Cheese: I used plain cream cheese, but I also think chive and onion cream cheese would be delicious.
Parmesan Cheese: You can use pre-shredded parmesan or shred your own. I prefer to shred it myself because it melts better.
Get the full list of ingredients and measurements on the printable recipe card below.
Variations
Garlic: Add 1-2 minced garlic cloves.
Spicy: Stir in red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne before serving.
Bacon: Mix in cooked, crumbled bacon before serving.
Mushroom: Sauté sliced mushrooms before adding the spinach.
How To Make 3-Ingredient Creamed Spinach
Step 1: Place the spinach in a large skillet. Over low heat, begin to wilt the spinach. I like to add a tablespoon of water to help it steam.
Step 2: Just as the spinach begins to wilt, add the cubed cream cheese. Turn up the heat a notch to medium-low heat (no higher than medium). Remember, you don’t want to overcook the spinach!
Step 3: Stir until the cream cheese has melted and the spinach is cooked.
Step 4: Sprinkle the spinach mixture with parmesan cheese, and stir to combine.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Optional: add in your favorite seasonings (a pinch of nutmeg is one of my favorites).
Tips for Success
- Use fresh spinach when possible because frozen spinach contains extra moisture that can water down the cream sauce.
- Leave the spinach whole or give it a quick, rough chop before cooking.
- Cook the spinach over low to medium-low heat to keep it bright and prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Keep the heat at medium or lower after adding the cream cheese, so it melts without overcooking the spinach.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg for a classic addition to the creamy sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Bread: This is great spread onto sourdough toast, sourdough baguettes, or even fresh-milled dinner rolls.
Veggies and Crackers: Use this creamed spinach as a dip for veggies and crackers.
Steak: I love this served alongside steak.
Roast Chicken: Pair with a whole roasted chicken or an Instant Pot frozen chicken.
Pork Chops: Serve with sourdough crusted cheddar pork chops.
Holiday Dinner: Add it to the holiday table with fresh-milled cornbread, easy cranberry sauce, and caramelized onion green bean casserole.
Pasta: Serve alongside a simple pasta dish for an easy dinner.
Storing
- Allow any leftover creamed spinach to cool to room temperature. Creamed spinach will last 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
3-Ingredient Creamed Spinach FAQs
Yes, just thaw it completely and squeeze out as much excess water as possible before adding it to the skillet.
Using fresh spinach will help prevent excess water. Also, don’t overcook the spinach.
Yes. Prepare it ahead, refrigerate it in an airtight container, and gently reheat it over low heat when you are ready to serve.
You can, but keep in mind that the sauce may separate after thawing. It will still taste good, but the texture will be different.
More Side Dish Recipes
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3-Ingredient Creamed Spinach
Ingredients
- 10 oz baby spinach
- 8 oz cream cheese, cubed and softened
- 1/4 cup parmesan, shredded
Instructions
- Place the spinach in a large skillet. Over low heat, begin to wilt the spinach. I like to add a tablespoon of water to help it steam.10 oz baby spinach
- Just as the spinach begins to wilt, add the cubed cream cheese. Turn up the heat a notch, no higher than medium-low heat. Remember, you don't want to overcook the spinach!8 oz cream cheese
- Stir until the cream cheese has melted and the spinach is cooked.
- Sprinkle with parmesan cheese, and stir to combine.1/4 cup parmesan
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Optional: add your favorite seasonings (a pinch of nutmeg is one of my favorites).
Notes
- Use fresh spinach when possible because frozen spinach contains extra moisture that can water down the cream sauce.
- Leave the spinach whole or give it a quick, rough chop before cooking.
- Cook the spinach over low to medium-low heat to keep it bright and prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Keep the heat at medium or lower after adding the cream cheese, so it melts without overcooking the spinach.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg for a classic addition to the creamy sauce.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is auto-calculated and may not reflect your final product. Please verify independently if needed.
This recipe is beyond easy and delicious. It’s great for last-minute gatherings.