Creamed spinach can go right or wrong, and this creamed spinach recipe is just right. The creaminess comes from cream cheese rather than heavy cream, which offers some delectable tanginess. Fresh baby spinach cooks down in mere minutes, no chopping required, so this recipe is ready in roughly twenty minutes.
Creamed spinach will never be the prettiest menu item on your Thanksgiving table, but the verdant color of freshly cooked spinach will liven up otherwise beige plates. The more greens the better, I say.
I didn’t grow up with creamed spinach at our Thanksgiving suppers. I’ve found it on steakhouse menus while searching for vegetarian options. The name “creamed spinach” doesn’t sound terribly enticing, does it?
I wasn’t sold on the general concept until I realized that it’s almost like spinach dip in side dish form. Creamed spinach earned my full attention in that moment.
After some trial and error, I’m sharing this recipe because I think it’s worthy of your attention, too. It’s delicious, creamy, comforting and just so nice!
How to Make the Best Creamed Spinach
Creamed spinach is easy to make with basic ingredients, yet the end result tastes like more than the sum of its parts. It’s rich and creamy but not over the top. Here’s why this recipe works so well (keep scrolling for the full recipe):
- First, sauté mellow yellow onion in butter and simple seasonings—salt, pepper and an optional pinch of cayenne. This step smells amazing and forms the backbone of flavor for this dish.
- Then, add fresh baby spinach in handfuls, stirring after each. Sometimes I’ll suggest using frozen spinach, but fresh spinach is superior in flavor and texture in this case.
- Once the spinach is wilted, add garlic. We’re adding the garlic later on so it doesn’t have a chance to burn, and we’ll cook it just until it’s fragrant. As always, please use fresh garlic, not store-bought minced garlic.
- Finally, stir in cream cheese until it’s creamy and melted, followed by some Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper until the flavors really sing. You’re done!
Watch How to Make Creamed Spinach
Please let me know how your creamed spinach turns out in the comments. I love hearing from you and hope this recipe makes an appearance at your Thanksgiving meal. For more Thanksgiving-worthy recipes, check out my Thanksgiving roundup.
Fresh Creamed Spinach
- Author:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side dish
- Method: Cooked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
This creamed spinach recipe is made with fresh baby spinach and cream cheese. It’s deliciously rich and creamy, but not over the top. Recipe yields 4 to 6 side servings.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon fine salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Tiny pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for subtle heat)
- 16 ounces baby spinach
- 4 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
- 4 ounces cream cheese, cut into 1-inch chunks
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a medium Dutch oven over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onion, salt, pepper and optional cayenne. Cook until the onion is soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add the spinach in big handfuls, stirring after each one. Cook until all of the spinach is wilted, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 more minute.
- Add the cream cheese to the pot. Continue cooking and stirring until the cream cheese has completely melted and the mixture is creamy. Add the Parmesan and stir to combine.
- Remove the pot from the heat. Carefully taste, and season with additional salt and pepper, if you’d like. Serve warm.
Vegetable enthusiast. Dog lover. I'm probably making a big mess in my Kansas City kitchen right now. 
Jennifer
Can this be made ahead and frozen? Looks Devine!
Kate
Hi Jennifer! Usually freezing dairy doesn’t hold up very well. Let me know if you try it!
Reena
Would cottage cheese also work?
Kate
It wouldn’t achieve the same flavor, unfortunately.
Jessica
Made this as a side with my bake chicken thigh. It was delicious, and will be a regular side from now on. Fit perfectly with my keto diet!
Beth
Easy And Delicious!!
I eat spinach often, but have never made creamed spinach before. I served cookieandkate creamed spinach tonight as a side with prime rib. Absolutely delicious! Company enjoyed, I enjoyed. My only substitution was lemon pepper seasoning (need to eat low sodium) instead of salt & pepper and also used a good pinch of cayenne. The Parm added a lot of flavor. Guests raved & I was very pleased with the ease and results of this creamed spinach. A one pan beaut!!! I will make this dish many more times.
★★★★★
Kate
Thank you for your feedback, Beth! I’m happy you enjoyed it.
Patricia Emerson
Hi Kate, I’m writing because you remarked that,”I wasn’t sold on the general concept until I realized that it’s almost like spinach dip in side dish form.” Funny thing, I recently served your heated artichoke dip(BRILLIANT!), and because of the way the party went, people ended up using it as a side dish. Several were disappointed when it ran out. Could you work on a variation of it as a side dish? My only complaint as a side dish was that it had too much hardened cheese on top after sitting on the buffet—no one else minded, however. I’m doing this one for sure. Spinach and squash are my favorites!Thanks so much.
Kate
Thank you for your comment, Patricia! I’m sorry it hardened for you. But, I’m glad it was a hit! I hope you love this one.
4waystoyummy
One of my favorites. I love it served with a fried egg and potatoes. Breakfast becomes dinner in a snap.
★★★★★
Kate
Sounds delicious! Thank you for your review.
Emily
This looks great! Do you think it would also work with kale?
Kate
Hi Emily, I’m not sure how it will turnout with kale. You could try it. Let me know!
Tracy
I’ve made creamed kale before!! Amazing!!! I am trying your recipe for the first time tonight and will be sure to test out with a kale substitute
larry
Hi Kate,
I give you a 5 star rating for the truly delicious awesome Creamed Spinach. I happen to be a spinach freak eating spinach daily for either breakfast or dinner. So good for the body. Thanks for such a tasty and different spinach recipe for me to have and to make use of.
You offer many great recipes which I have enjoyed. I thank you.
Larry
★★★★★
Kate
I’m glad you are looking forward to this recipe, Larry!
Terry K.
Great recipe. I creamed spinach. The only difference is I use plant based cheese + the same w/the cream cheese. I love Kite-Hill plant based products.
★★★★★
Kate
Thank you for sharing, Terry!
Julie Sardeson
I’m going to make the creamed spinach but to make it whole-food plant-based I’m going to sauté the onion in Lil water and use Kite Hill Almond “cream cheese” instead. And no Parmesan. I know it’ll turn out great. I’m very excited!
Kate
I hope you love it, Julie!
Jen D
I love this recipe. thanks!
I don’t like when people suggest modifications if they haven’t made something as the recipe author recommends. So I made this as described and also made it with a few additions to taste test it for my Thanksgiving meal. It was great both ways but I recommend considering the addition of arugula, chopped parsley,and chopped dill in amounts that appeal to you. Instead of Parmesan cheese, consider using feta. This gives the recipe a spanikopita flavor that is absolutely delicious. Thanks for another healthy recipe!!
Kate
I’m glad you loved it!
Detrice
I had NO idea what to make for dinner, and then this recipe arrived in my inbox, sounding delicious, so thank you! I love how simple and easy it is, and the fam scarfed it down. I used olive oil instead of butter, for my cholesterol’s sake, and added about half a can of artichoke hearts. Was awesome!
★★★★★
Kate
You’re welcome, Detrice!
Karen Hunken
How about a vegan version?
Thanks.
Karen Hunkenkaren
Kate
Sorry, I don’t have a great alternative right now.
Heather
I just made this for lunch and served it over roasted baby potatoes. Instead of Parmesan cheese, I used nutritional yeast because that’s what I had. Thanks for another exceptional recipe, Kate!
★★★★★
Kate
You’re welcome, Heather!
Monika
Hi!
I want to prepare spinach in you way! I’m just curious what kind of cream cheese have you used? Some like Philadelphia or other, maybe you could write the brand?
Kate
Hi! I used Whole Foods 365 brand. I hope you love it!
Sage
Could I cook this the day before Thanksgiving…. store in fridge and then reheat in oven (or stovetop?) on the day of? Love your thoughts. Trying to do as much ahead as possible.
Kate
Hi Sage! I find it is best served right away. But, you could try it.
Kelly
This was soooo good, easy, and flavorful! I will definitely cook this again. Thank you!
★★★★★
Kate
Hooray! Thank you, Kelly!
Helena
This was delicious! I’ve never made creamed spinach before and this was easy and quick. I used a 20once bag of frozen spinach and it was great. Thank you!
★★★★★
Kate
So glad to hear it, Helena! Thank you for letting me know.
Ali
I made this for Thanksgiving and it was delicious. Even a relative who claimed shebdoes not like spinach devoured it with gusto.
★★★★★
Kate
Hooray! Glad to hear it. Thank you for reporting back, Ali, and happy holidays!
Mary Pat
Easy and YUMMY!
Kate
Thank you, Mary!
jill
Hi could I sub vegan cream cheese?
Kate
I haven’t tried it, so I can’t say for sure. Let me know if you do!
Tina Aviles
Hi Kate! I just made your hummus recipe, not the Green Goddess one the other one! However I think next time I will only use 1/4 cup of Tahini, as in your Green Goddess recipe as I thought it was a bit overpowering. Also I added more lemon juice.
I’m looking forward to making the Green Goddess Hummus soon!
Thanks!
Tina Aviles
Austinmer, NSW, Australia
Lacey
I’ve made numerous Cookie & Kate recipes and they never disappoint! Tonight was no exception. I made creamed spinach this evening and it was fantastic! Next time I’ll add more spinach and less cream cheese so it’s not as rich but it was absolutely delicious! Thanks again for giving us yet another family favorite, Kate.
★★★★★
Kate
Thank you, Lacey! I’m glad you enjoyed this one too.
Ilona
Just had this for dinner with some boiled baby potatoes with a coating of salted butter and grilled chicken for my husband and two fried eggs for me. The two of us devoured this delicious spinach dish in a matter of minutes, although it should have been enough for 4 to 6 people, according to the recipe. Oops! :D Anyway, yum! Love from the Netherlands!
★★★★★
Kate
Thank you for sharing! I’m glad you loved it, IIona.
craig
Wow, I loved this! Made exactly as written except I could only find a 16oz spinach/kale/chard blend in the store. I figure it’s even healthier that way!
★★★★★
Kate
Hi Craig! I’m glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for your review!
Lorna
Delicious. I didn’t both with the onion and my cayenne got away from me, but it was so good. Thank you.
★★★★★
Kate
You’re welcome, Lorna! I appreciate your review.
Anne Remington
A great quick vegi for a weeknight. Trying to stay away from flour so appreciated the creamy texture without a béchamel sauce. Definitely putting this one I to regular rotation.
★★★★★
Kate
Hooray! I’m glad you loved it, Anne.
Melissa V
Hi! Can you use Nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan?
Kate
Hi! I haven’t tried it. I don’t think you will get the results you are expecting. You could try to sprinkle some one top for serving?
Elaine Arballo
I love this recipe for creamed spinach. It came out tasting really yummy! Thanks for the recipe. I will be making this more often for sure…it’s so simple to make : )
★★★★★
Kate
I’m glad you enjoyed it! I appreciate your review.
Kathy
Hi Kate, I’ve never made creamed spinach and want to make itfor Christmas, but the fresh spinach has been recalled so . . . I noticed someone made it with frozen. Do I need to thaw and squeeze out the water? Kathy
Lisa Segelquist
I made this for Thanksgiving and it was a huge family hit! I quadrupled the recipe and it was perfect! Hardly any left when the meal was over. I’m making it for Christmas tomorrow with our prime rib! I think it’s a new tradition!
★★★★★
Kate
That’s great, Lisa! Thank you for sharing.
Anne Murphy
You’re right. BEST SPINACH EVER!!! Used this to make salmon en crote (from how sweets eats) and it was amazing. This is a keeper.
★★★★★
Kate
Hooray! I’m delighted you loved it, Anne.
Helena
This recipe is delicious! I’ve never had creamed spinach and I absolutely love this. Very easy and flavorful. I used a bag of frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach because that’s what I had. Try it!
★★★★★
Kate
Thank you for your feedback! I’m glad it turned out, Helena.
Darryl
I made this for tonight’s dinner. It was fantastic, I loved it it tasted great. Thank you
★★★★★
Kate
You’re welcome, Darryl!
Susan
Took this to a small potluck gathering last night. Everyone really enjoyed. Who-d thought spinach would be a hit!! Easy to make and great on keto!! Thank you!
★★★★★
Kate
You’re welcome, Susan! I’m excited you enjoyed it.
Marie
Hi Kate
I am making this now Awesome, however may not be much left for dinner. I added some fresh nutmeg Very Gooda Thanks for sharing
Marie
KARLA JOHNSON
Rainy cold day in Florida and I wanted comfort food. This is so awesome! I followed the directions exactly and it gave me just what I needed on this cold rainy day. Made some hamburger steaks and mushroom gravy to go along with. Perfection! I will be making this for many more years to come!
Sue
This was easy and amazing. I forgot the parmesan but it will still be my go to recipe for spinach with the parmesan.
Kate
Thank you for sharing, Sue! When you make it again, let me know what you think.
Wendy
The only change I made to your recipe was that I added in a bit of heavy cream for additional creaminess and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. We like it a little extra spicy around here! Thanks for a great recipe!!
★★★★
Shelley
Great recipe!
The only thing I did differently is I added about a half a teaspoon of nutmeg, because that’s how my grandmother used to make it. Just lovely!
★★★★★
Kate
Thank you for sharing, Shelley!
Mona Moser
I made this with smoked Gouda instead of Parmesan. It was delicious!
★★★★★
Kate
That sounds delicious, Mona! Thank you for sharing.
Bradley
With grilled shrimp and crusty bread this was delicious. No way I’m waiting for Thanksgiving to make it again. This method is faster, easier, and tastier than making a roux, thawing and draining frozen spinach, and washing 17 pots and pans. Pick your battles, right? I wonder if kale or chard would work well as a substitute for spinach.
★★★★★
Lisa
OMG This is delicious! I will make this again and again. Thank you for sharing
★★★★★
Kate
Wonderful to hear, Lisa! Thank you for your review.
Martha
My husband said this was the best creamed spinach he has ever had! I have to agree. Saving for the holidays!
★★★★★
Kim Allison
Can you use frozen spinach? Any tips? BTW- I made this and topped it with a scrambled egg and tomatoes and it is fantastic- great for any meal of the day. I only had gruyere cheese- very yummy.
Thanks so much!
★★★★★
Kate
Hi Kim, fresh spinach is superior in flavor and texture in this case. But, you could try it here.
Karen Marie
Loved this idea for spinach. I changed a few things. I used olive oil instead of butter, did not add cayenne pepper, and topped the spinach with Parmesan cheese instead of mixing it into the dish. It turned out to be excellent tasting. Thanks Kate!
★★★★★
Kate
I’m happy you enjoyed it, Karen! Thank you for your review.
Elizabeth
I am usually a traditionalist when it comes to creamed spinach, starting with a roux and creating the sauce before adding the spinach. I am now a convert. This is delicious and the pinch of cayenne (I also added a little nutmeg) adds something really special!
★★★★★
Kate
Thank you, Elizabeth! I’m glad you loved it.
CT
Okay I am still trying regain my composure. Before today… if you said “creamed spinach”, I would be like, “I pass”. Don’t get me wrong, I looooovvvve spinach on all of it’s forms. But maaaaannnn THIS recipe is almost obscenely good. Recently my dad has been put on a puréed diet, so we being southern foodies, are constantly searching for recipes that my dad can physically tolerate but also please the palate – and trust: he is fussy about his food. Replacing the heavy cream with cream cheese is genius. Still uncurling my toes. :-)
★★★★★
Kate
I’m glad this was just what he needed! Thank you for sharing, CT.
Samy
Love this! I have renamed this my “Get in my belly” creamed spinach recipe. While I love creamed spinach made traditionally with a roux, half and half, cooked/squeezed/chopped spinach etc., that recipe is time and labor intensive. I like to eat creamed spinach a lot (like every other meal) and I need it because I give blood frequently. Now all I have to do is think of creamed spinach and this recipe delivers in just a few minutes. Thank you!!!!!!
★★★★★
Kate
You’re welcome, Samy! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Lauretta
Absolutely divine! Made with my garden leeks, spinach and garlic. Fit for a Queen!
★★★★★
Kate
I’m glad you loved it, Lauretta! I appreciate your review.
Lisa
My first time ever making creamed spinach. Absolutely delicious and so easy!
★★★★★
Kate
I’m glad you loved it, Lisa! I appreciate your review.
Angela Smoley
Love this recipe – thanks!
★★★★★
Kate
You’re welcome, Angela! Thank you for your review.
Patricia Fox
Just made this creamed spinach. Delicious!!!
★★★★
Andy
Very good. I would use a little less salt. Also didn’t have enough spinach so I added some chopped artichoke hearts and it was delicious.
★★★★★
Kate
That’s great to hear, Andy! Thank you for your review.
Eric
I made this last night with grilled, marinated flank steak. I rarely make something for the first time when we’re hosting company, but the recipe looked interesting and the reviews were great. Add this to the latter. It was fantastic and got rave reviews from our guests! Highly recommend to anyone who enjoys Creamed Spinach.
★★★★★
Janice Kirsh
Great i never had creamed spinach before. The cream cheese sounded good and so was the Cayenne pepper .
I was wondering how I can save the recipes?❣️
★★★★★
Kate
Hi Janice! I’m glad you loved it. You can save recipes by creating a Relish account or save them on Pinterest.
P Lazenby
OMG !!! Absolutely No Words are adequate !!! Super Easy, Super Tasty !! I followed the recipe, to the letter. I usually do this the 1st time around…then try different things, the next time. THIS Does Not need Adjustments !!! PERFECT, As Is !!
Kate
Thank you!
GG MOM
This was delicious!! Though the recipe says 6 servings, there was barely enough for 3 people. My grandson threatened to eat the whole dish by himself! I will definitely be making this again. Also, I used regular spinach as that was what I had in the fridge. We like spicy, so also added more than a pinch of cayenne. Thank you for this special recipe.
★★★★★
Kate
Thank you for sharing, GG!
Susan Ragsdale
I always add a dash of nutmeg. Yum!
Debbie
I made this last night. It was the best Creamed Spinach that I have has. I used fresh baby spinach. I can’t wait to try it again.
★★★★★
Kate
Wonderful to hear, Debbie! Thank you for your review.
Sandra
Excellent!!! Love this recipe anf so easy to make
Brenda Kraeger
This creamed spinach was so good. I made for dinner tonight and it was very easy. Printed and will be saved in our favorites file.
★★★★★
Kate
Hooray! Thank you for your review, Brenda.
Tanesha
So delicious! I even added kale. Thanks
for sharing Kate!
★★★★★
Kate
You’re welcome, Tanesha! I appreciate your review.
Roland
Decided to make the bag spinach into creamed spinach at the last minute and I had everything on hand. It is really good, but I would leave the salt out until the final taste since the cream cheese can add some saltiness. Also might try a pinch of nutmeg next time. Overall, very good. Also, I made it in a 12 inch skillet, and it worked fine.
★★★★
Kate
Thank you for sharing your feedback, Roland! I appreciate you taking the time to review.
Jen D in NC
I love how light it tastes compared to restaurant or pre-bagged versions. Will add to my holiday greens list this year as it will be great for my dad who has to eat GF (though this is a great side any time really once a chill hits the air)
★★★★★
Kristin
I made this on a whim to use up a bunch of spinach, and it was SO GOOD! Better than any I’ve had in a restaurant.
★★★★★
Oliver
Made this last night for a dinner side. OMG!! Followed this recipe to the T. Amazing. Thank you!
Kate
You’re welcome, Oliver! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Kate
I am making cream spinach for the first time as I was asked to for Thanksgiving dinner. It’s going to be 11 to 15 people. How many people does this serve?
Kate
Hi! This yields 6 side serverings.
Dixieq
My granddaughter made this spinach dish for Thanksgiving. It was deeelishous! I had two helpings! I’d give it five stars!
Kathy Miller
Yummy! Great flavor
★★★★
Kate
I’m excited you enjoyed it, Kathy! Thank you for your review.
Carlotta Pini
So easy and yummy. Thank you.
★★★★★
Laura
This is great but I did not have enough spinach! Made the mistake of using a regular 5 ounce pack of baby spinach and it shrunk… I reduced the amount of cream cheese when I caught my mistake and used it as a “garnish”for our grilled pork chops… was just two of us so not a disaster! 16 ounces is ALOT raw I will know next time :-)
Linda
Simply easy to prepare. No fussy prep & grocery list. I LOVE cooked spinach. Thanks cookieandkate
★★★★★
Kate
You’re welcome, Linda! Thank you for your review.
Kay
Awesome! My family scraped their plates and asked for seconds! Easy and very flavorful. Fine matchsticks of water chestnuts gave a little texture to the recipe. Thank you for this fine new addition to my side dish repertoire.
★★★★★
Kate
I’m glad you loved it, Kay! Thank you or your review.
Maria
Why was my ‘sauce’ too runny?.I followed the instructions. I used fresh spinach
★★★★
Kate
Hi Maria! It sounds like you may have not cooked out enough of the moisture form the spinach.
Tom
Great recipe, I used Gruyere – that’s what I had.
Cut it in half for wifey and I.
We loved it, thanks!
★★★★★
Kate
Great to hear, Tom!