I can’t help but smile when I think about the first time I made Steakhouse Creamed Spinach. It was a chilly winter evening, and I had invited friends over for a hearty steak dinner. As I cooked, the aroma of sautéed onions and garlic wafted through my kitchen, reminding me of those fancy steakhouses where the sides are just as indulgent as the main course. Let me tell you, this creamed spinach stole the show that night! It was creamy, luscious, and the perfect compliment to the juicy steaks on our plates. Ever since then, it’s become my go-to side dish for any meat-centric meal.
Why do I love this recipe so much? Well, it combines the nutritious goodness of spinach with decadent dairy ingredients, creating a dish that feels both indulgent and wholesome at the same time. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to whip up! So, if you’re ready to impress your family or friends with a dish that tastes like it came straight from a steakhouse but is made right in your own kitchen, let’s dive in!
What’s in Steakhouse Creamed Spinach?
Fresh Spinach: You can’t really have creamed spinach without spinach! I prefer using fresh spinach for that bright flavor and beautiful vibrant color. But if you’re short on time, frozen chopped spinach works perfectly as well!
Unsalted Butter: Butter adds a rich, savory flavor that complements the creaminess of the dish. Don’t worry; it won’t hurt your waistline too much, especially considering how much nutrients we’re packing in with the spinach!
Onion: A finely chopped onion sautéed until soft provides a wonderful base for flavoring the dish. It’s that comforting smell of home cooking that always brings back memories.
Garlic: I am a firm believer that garlic makes everything better! It adds an aromatic kick that truly elevates the dish.
Heavy Cream: This is where the magic of creaminess comes from! Heavy cream gives that silky, luxurious texture we all crave in a good creamed spinach.
Cream Cheese: Cream cheese adds an extra layer of richness and helps bind the mixture to perfection. It also makes it super smooth—trust me, you’ll want to spoon it right off the skillet.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of Parmesan adds a wonderful nutty flavor that complements the spinach beautifully.
Salt and Pepper: Simple seasoning is crucial for enhancing the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Nutmeg (optional): A pinch of nutmeg adds a warm, earthy depth to the dish, making it taste even more restaurant-worthy. I love using this secret ingredient!
Is Steakhouse Creamed Spinach Good for You?
Let’s be real; creamed spinach isn’t exactly a health food, but it does have its perks! The base of this dish is **spinach**, which is loaded with iron, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants. This green powerhouse helps improve your overall health and keeps those pesky cravings at bay.
On the flip side, we are using some heavy cream and cream cheese here, which adds calories and fat. So, I recommend enjoying it as an occasional treat rather than a daily staple. If you’re looking to lighten it up, you could always try substituting half-and-half or low-fat cream cheese—although I promise you, nothing quite beats the original!
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh spinach (or 10 ounces frozen chopped spinach)
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
This recipe serves about 4 people, making it perfect for dinner gatherings or cozy family meals.
How to Make Steakhouse Creamed Spinach?
1. If you’re using fresh spinach, rinse it thoroughly and remove any tough stems. In a large pot, bring water to a boil and toss in the spinach. Cook it for about 2-3 minutes until it wilts, then drain and rinse it with cold water. Squeeze out all the excess water and roughly chop the spinach. If you’re using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw and drain it well so you don’t end up with a watery dish!
2. Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Once it’s bubbling away, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it softens and becomes a lovely translucent color.
3. Next, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for an additional minute until your kitchen starts smelling amazing.
4. Pour the heavy cream into the skillet, stirring to combine. Let this delightful mixture come to a gentle simmer.
5. Add the cream cheese to the skillet, stirring until it’s fully incorporated and oh-so-smooth.
6. Now it’s time to bring in that chopped spinach and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir it all together and let it cook for 2-3 minutes, just until it’s heated through.
7. Season the dish with salt, pepper, and a little nutmeg (if you want that extra flavor punch) to your liking.
8. Serve this warm and creamy delight as a side dish with your steak or any main course. Bask in the oohs and aahs as your guests dive in!
Side Dish Magic: Serve it Up!
While Steakhouse Creamed Spinach pairs perfectly with steak, it’s also fantastic alongside roasted chicken or grilled fish. If you want to take it up a notch, consider topping it with some crispy bacon bits or toasted pine nuts for a delightful crunch!
Well, friends, I truly hope this recipe brings a little bit of steakhouse magic into your home like it has mine. Get in the kitchen, make this dish, and let me know how it turns out! I can almost guarantee it’ll become a new family favorite. Happy cooking and bon appétit!
