Creamed spinach is a timeless side dish that brings a touch of elegance to any meal. While Bobby Flay’s specific recipe isn’t available, this version captures the essence of the classic dish, combining tender spinach leaves with a rich, creamy sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This creamed spinach recipe is a perfect blend of simplicity and indulgence. It’s easy to prepare, requiring just a handful of ingredients, yet delivers a luxurious texture and depth of flavor that complements a variety of main courses. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or seeking a comforting side for a family meal, this dish is sure to impress.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Fresh baby spinach
- Unsalted butter
- OnionFood Network
- Garlic
- Heavy cream
- Freshly grated nutmeg
- Sea saltFood Network+1Food Network+1
- Freshly ground black pepper
Directions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced onion and garlic, cooking until softened and translucent.
- Wilt Spinach: Gradually add the fresh baby spinach to the pot, stirring continuously until all the spinach is wilted and any excess moisture has evaporated.
- Add Cream and Seasonings: Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir in the freshly grated nutmeg, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Simmer: Allow the mixture to cook gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cream has thickened slightly and the flavors are well combined.
- Serve: Transfer the creamed spinach to a serving dish and enjoy warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4 to 6 servings.Food Network
- Preparation Time: About 5 minutes.
- Cooking Time: Approximately 15 minutes.Food Network+1Food Network+1
Variations
- Cheesy Twist: Stir in grated Parmesan or Gruyère cheese during the final minutes of cooking for a richer flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic for a subtle heat.
- Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or parsley to introduce additional layers of flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Gently reheat the creamed spinach in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the mixture appears too thick, add a splash of cream or milk to achieve the desired consistency.
FAQs
How do I prevent the creamed spinach from becoming too watery?
Ensure that the spinach is cooked until most of its moisture has evaporated before adding the cream. This helps achieve a thicker, creamier consistency.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Thaw and drain it thoroughly to remove excess water before adding it to the pot.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for this recipe?
You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative to make the dish dairy-free.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare creamed spinach a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.
What main courses pair well with creamed spinach?
Creamed spinach complements a variety of dishes, including grilled steaks, roasted chicken, and baked salmon.
How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?
If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce, or add a small amount of cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to thicken it.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely. Mushrooms, onions, or leeks can be sautéed along with the garlic to add more depth to the dish.
Is nutmeg essential in this recipe?
Nutmeg adds a subtle warmth and depth to the flavor, but if you don’t have it on hand, the dish will still be delicious without it.
How do I keep the spinach vibrant green?
Avoid overcooking the spinach. Cooking it just until wilted helps maintain its bright green color.
Can I freeze creamed spinach?
It’s not recommended to freeze creamed spinach, as the texture may become watery upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the refrigerator for a couple of days.
Conclusion
This creamed spinach recipe offers a delightful balance of simplicity and richness, making it a versatile side dish suitable for various occasions. Its creamy texture and savory flavor profile are sure to make it a favorite addition to your culinary repertoire.
PrintBobby Flay Creamed Spinach
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamed spinach recipe, inspired by Bobby Flay, is rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. It’s the perfect steakhouse-style side dish with butter, garlic, shallots, and nutmeg blended into velvety spinach and cream. Great for holidays or an easy weeknight dinner side.
Ingredients
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 small shallot, finely chopped
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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1 cup whole milk
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1/2 cup heavy cream
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2 (10-ounce) packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
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In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter with the olive oil.
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Add the chopped shallot and garlic. Cook until softened, about 2 minutes.
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Stir in the nutmeg and flour. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, to make a light roux.
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Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 3–4 minutes.
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Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for another 3–4 minutes until heated through.
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Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.
Notes
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Fresh spinach can be used instead of frozen; sauté it first and squeeze out any liquid before adding.
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Adjust cream or milk for desired consistency—thinner or thicker.
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This pairs great with steak, roasted chicken, or even as a holiday side dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
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