Ina Garten’s Heavenly Creamed Spinach Recipe: Garden-Fresh Magic

Creamy, rich side dishes often steal the spotlight at dinner, and this Ina Garten creamed spinach recipe delivers pure culinary magic.

Decadent spinach leaves swim in a luxurious, velvety sauce that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

Fresh ingredients blend seamlessly to create a sophisticated accompaniment that elevates any main course.

The classic recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor directly to your table with minimal effort.

Elegant yet simple, this dish turns humble spinach into a show-stopping side that feels indulgent and comforting.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike adore the straightforward technique that guarantees delicious results every single time.

You’ll want to add this creamed spinach to your regular dinner rotation and impress everyone at the table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 330 kcal

Servings: 8

Ingredients in Ina Garten Creamed Spinach Recipe

• Butter: Provides rich, creamy foundation for the sauce and adds luxurious depth to the dish.
• Onions: Delivers sweet, aromatic base that softens and creates delicate flavor complexity.

• Flour: Helps create smooth, velvety sauce texture and prevents separation of cream.
• Nutmeg: Adds warm, subtle earthy note that beautifully complements spinach's natural taste.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the overall flavor profile.

• Cream: Creates luscious, silky consistency and adds indulgent richness to the dish.
• Milk: Lightens the sauce while maintaining a creamy texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Brings sharp, tangy salty notes and helps create delightful golden crust.
• Gruyere Cheese: Offers nutty, complex flavor and contributes to beautiful melted topping.
• Spinach: Star ingredient packed with nutrients, providing vibrant green color and earthy taste. Choose fresh or high-quality frozen spinach for best results, ensuring thorough water removal.

Cooking Tools for Ina Garten Creamed Spinach Recipe

• Large Pan: Essential for sautéing onions and creating the creamy base.
• Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Baking Dish: Needed to transfer spinach mixture and bake in the oven.
• Cheese Grater: Helpful for grating Parmesan and Gruyere cheeses.
• Measuring Cups: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.
• Colander or Strainer: Useful for draining excess water from thawed spinach.

How to Make Ina Garten Creamed Spinach Recipe

Creamy Spinach Comfort

• Kitchen Preparation Warm up your cooking space and get your oven ready at a toasty 425°F.
• Onion Foundation Gently sauté chopped onions in butter until they become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet aroma.
• Sauce Creation Dust the onions with flour and a whisper of nutmeg, then pour in cream and milk. Stir until the mixture transforms into a luxurious, velvety sauce.
• Spinach Magic Squeeze out excess moisture from the spinach, then fold it into the creamy base. Sprinkle in Parmesan for a salty, rich flavor. Season with salt and pepper to make your taste buds dance.
• Cheese Finale Transfer the spinach mixture to a baking dish. Crown it with a generous layer of Parmesan and Gruyere, creating a golden, bubbly top that promises deliciousness.
• Serving Moment Bring this decadent side dish straight from the oven to the table, letting its warmth and aroma welcome everyone to the meal.

Tips to Adjust Ina Garten Creamed Spinach Recipe

• Swap half the cream with low-fat Greek yogurt for a healthier twist without losing rich flavor.
• Add red pepper flakes or a dash of garlic powder to create a more complex, zesty profile that wakes up the taste buds.
• Prepare the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake just before serving for maximum convenience.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar or fontina to personalize the recipe and match your taste preferences.

Serve Ina Garten Creamed Spinach Recipe with Ease

• Pair with Protein Partners: Serve alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked salmon for a complete and satisfying meal that balances the creamy spinach's rich texture.
• Elevate Holiday Spreads: Make this dish a standout side for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or special family gatherings where comfort food takes center stage.
• Create Brunch Brilliance: Complement egg dishes like frittatas, quiches, or eggs Benedict with this decadent spinach recipe for a luxurious weekend breakfast experience.
• Transform Leftovers Magic: Repurpose any remaining creamed spinach by spreading it on toasted bread, mixing into pasta, or using as a delicious filling for stuffed mushrooms.

How to Store Ina Garten Creamed Spinach Recipe

• Refrigerate Smartly: Store leftover creamed spinach in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Freeze for Later: Transfer cooled spinach to freezer-safe containers, leaving a small space at the top. Freeze for maximum 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in the oven to maintain its creamy texture.
• Reheat with Care: Warm the dish in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and restore the original creamy consistency.
• Portion and Plan: Divide the creamed spinach into individual serving sizes before storing. This method makes reheating easier and helps control portion sizes for quick, convenient meals throughout the week.