Rich and Creamy: Holiday Creamed Spinach

By Dr. Cindy Tanzar

When it comes to holiday cooking, having a decadent side dish that’s quick and easy to prepare is essential. This Holiday Creamed Spinach recipe strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and simplicity, making it a fantastic addition to any festive meal or a delightful choice for your everyday dining. With its creamy texture and delightful flavor, it’s sure to impress your guests and satisfy your family!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent Yet Simple: In just 15 minutes, you can create a rich and creamy side dish that tastes gourmet without requiring hours of preparation.
• Low-Carb-Friendly: This recipe uses heavy cream and cream cheese for richness while keeping the carb count low, making it suitable for various dietary needs.
• Versatile: Perfect for special occasions or as a delicious accompaniment to weeknight meals, this creamed spinach can easily be incorporated into your regular cooking repertoire.

Recipe Breakdown

Servings: 2-4

Ingredients:

• 3 Tbsp Kerry Gold butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 16 oz organic baby spinach (about one large tub), chopped
• 1/2 cup organic heavy cream
• 3 oz. organic cream cheese, cut into small pieces
• 1/8 tsp. nutmeg (or to taste; optional)
• Pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes (to taste; optional)
• Pink Himalayan salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• 1/2-3/4 cup organic Parmesan cheese, grated

Directions:

1. Melt the Butter: In a large sauté pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Add Spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the pan and sauté for 2-4 minutes, or until wilted. If the pan is too full to stir effectively, cover it for a minute or two to help the bottom layer of spinach wilt before stirring.
4. Combine Cream and Cheese: Once the spinach is wilted, reduce the heat slightly. Add the heavy cream, cream cheese, pink Himalayan salt, black pepper, nutmeg, and cayenne (if using). Stir constantly until the cream cheese melts and the mixture thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Incorporate Parmesan: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated into the creamed spinach. Adjust seasoning as needed to suit your taste.
6. Serve Warm: Once the mixture is creamy and well-combined, remove it from the heat. Serve warm and enjoy this luxurious holiday side dish!

Final Thoughts

This Holiday Creamed Spinach is sure to become a beloved staple at your table, whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a comforting side dish to complement your meal. It’s rich, flavorful, and surprisingly quick to make, so you can spend less time cooking and more time enjoying the company of your loved ones.

Feel free to adjust the spiciness with the cayenne or red pepper flakes according to your taste preferences, and don’t hesitate to experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère or cheddar for a unique twist. Enjoy!