Creamy Spinach Recipe: The Perfect Side Dish for Any Meal
There’s just something so comforting about the creamy texture and the way it complements almost any main dish. Whether it’s served alongside juicy roasts, grilled chicken, or even a perfectly seared steak, this dish is always a winner.
This recipe is simple, quick, and always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s made with everyday ingredients, so you can whip it up any time. Trust me, this creamy spinach will earn its spot as your favourite side dish too!
Ingredients
- 800 g spinach
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 teaspoons diced garlic
- 1 diced onion
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup grated cheese Gouda or Cheddar
- ½ cup cake wheat flour
- 2 –3 cups milk
Instructions
- Steam the Spinach
- Start by adding a little water to a large pot and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add the washed and chopped spinach, a handful at a time, letting it steam down before adding more. Cover the pot with a lid to speed up the wilting process. Once all the spinach is soft and wilted, remove it from the pot, drain any excess liquid, and set it aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce Base
- In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced garlic and onion, and let them sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. This will form the flavour base for your sauce.
- Create the Roux
- Sprinkle the flour over the butter, garlic, and onion mixture. Stir it continuously to form a roux, cooking for about 2–3 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. At this stage, turn off the heat to prevent the roux from burning.
- Whisk in the Milk
- Gradually pour in the milk, a little at a time, whisking constantly to ensure there are no lumps. Once all the milk is added and the mixture is smooth, turn the heat back on to medium. Stir until the sauce begins to thicken and coat the back of a spoon.
- Add the Cheese
- Stir in 1 cup of grated cheese (Gouda or Cheddar works beautifully here) until it’s fully melted and the sauce is silky smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. You can adjust the consistency of the sauce by adding a little more milk if needed.
- Combine the Spinach and Sauce
- Add the wilted spinach to the cheese sauce and mix everything together until the spinach is evenly coated. Sprinkle in an additional ½ cup of grated cheese, stir gently, and cover the pot. Let it cook on low heat for a couple of minutes to allow the flavours to meld together.
- Serve and Enjoy
- Once the cheese is melted and everything is perfectly creamy, your spinach is ready to serve! Plate it up as a side dish and enjoy it with your favourite mains.
Notes
Tips for the Perfect Creamy Spinach
- Cheese Choices: Gouda and Cheddar are great options, but feel free to experiment with your favourite cheeses. A bit of Parmesan adds a nutty flavour that’s divine.
- Consistency: If your sauce gets too thick, just add a splash of milk to loosen it up.
- Versatility: While it’s a great side for roasts and meats, creamy spinach is also amazing over baked potatoes or stirred into pasta for a quick meal.