Ina Garten’s Dreamy Creamed Spinach Recipe Everyone Loves

Creamy, indulgent creamed spinach elevates any dinner table with its luxurious texture and rich flavors.

Green leafy vegetables transform into a decadent masterpiece through careful preparation and smart ingredient combinations.

Butter and cream create a silky base that perfectly complements the slightly earthy spinach.

Home cooks appreciate how simple techniques can turn humble ingredients into something extraordinary.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this recipe brings restaurant-quality magic to your own kitchen.

You will love how quickly this dish comes together with minimal effort: bon appétit!

Why Ina Garten Creamed Spinach Recipe Is So Rich

• Create a Luxurious Side Dish: This creamed spinach elevates a simple vegetable into a decadent, restaurant-quality experience with its rich cream base and multiple cheese layers.
• Masterful Texture Combination: The recipe delivers a perfect balance between silky smooth cream sauce and tender spinach, creating a mouthwatering contrast that makes each bite exciting and comforting.
• Quick and Easy Gourmet Cooking: Despite looking impressive, this dish comes together in under an hour with straightforward techniques that even beginner cooks can confidently execute, making gourmet cooking accessible to everyone.

Ingredients in Ina Garten Creamed Spinach

Main Ingredients:

• Butter: Rich, creamy base that adds depth and helps create smooth sauce.
• Onions: Provides sweet, aromatic foundation for the dish.
• All-Purpose Flour: Essential thickening agent for creating smooth cream sauce.
• Nutmeg: Warm, subtle spice that enhances overall flavor profile.

• Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, rich texture in the sauce.
• Whole Milk: Adds additional creaminess and helps balance sauce consistency.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides sharp, salty flavor and helps bind ingredients.
• Gruyere Cheese: Adds complex, nutty cheese flavor and melts beautifully.

• Spinach: Tender green vegetable that adds nutritional value and vibrant color.

• Salt: Enhances and balances overall flavor of the dish.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complements other ingredients.

How to Cook Spinach That’s Silky and Satisfying

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Crank up your oven to a toasty 425°F (220°C) and get ready for some creamy spinach magic.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions

Grab a large pan and melt butter over medium heat. Toss in the onions and let them dance around until they turn soft and translucent, which takes about 15 minutes.

Step 3: Create a Creamy Base

• Flour
• Nutmeg

• Cream
• Milk

Keep stirring until the mixture thickens into a smooth, velvety sauce.

Step 4: Mix in the Spinach

• Parmesan cheese
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir everything until well combined.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

• Remaining Parmesan cheese
• Gruyere cheese

Spread the cheese evenly across the top.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. Look for a hot, bubbly top with golden cheese edges.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Pull out the creamy spinach and serve it warm, straight from the oven. Watch your guests’ eyes light up with delight!

Smart Tips for Smooth Creamed Texture

• Rescue Wilted Spinach: Revive slightly droopy spinach by soaking in ice water for 10 minutes before cooking to restore crispness.
• Master the Squeeze Technique: After blanching, use a clean kitchen towel to thoroughly press out excess water, ensuring a thick and creamy final dish.
• Elevate with Cheese: Incorporate a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan or gruyère for an extra depth of flavor and luxurious texture.
• Control Consistency: Adjust the amount of cream to achieve your desired thickness, from light and silky to rich and indulgent.
• Prep Ahead Smartly: Blanch and drain spinach earlier in the day, then quickly finish the dish just before serving to save time during meal preparation.

Best Storage Methods for Spinach Lovers

Storage Tips:

Freezing Method: Lock in freshness by transferring cooled creamed spinach to freezer-safe containers. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and label with date. Store for maximum of 3 months to maintain optimal flavor and texture.

Refrigeration Method: Cool spinach completely at room temperature before storing. Place in airtight container and refrigerate for 3-4 days. Keep container sealed to prevent absorption of other food odors and maintain quality.

Reheating Method: Restore creamy consistency by gently warming in oven, microwave, or skillet. Choose oven at 350°F for even heating, covering with foil to prevent drying. Microwave works fastest at 2-3 minutes, stirring midway. Skillet option allows controlled heating with optional milk splash to restore creaminess.

Ways to Make It Your Own with Spinach

• Garlic Parmesan Spinach Boost: Roast 3-4 minced garlic cloves with onions for an intense flavor profile. Add extra garlic powder and increase Parmesan cheese by 1/4 cup for a more robust taste sensation.
• Mediterranean Spinach Fusion: Replace regular milk with Greek yogurt for tangy creaminess. Mix in crumbled feta cheese and sprinkle dried oregano before baking. Add sun-dried tomatoes for a vibrant Mediterranean touch.
• Smoky Bacon Spinach Casserole: Crisp 4-5 bacon slices and crumble them into the spinach mixture. Use smoked Gouda instead of Gruyere for deeper smokiness. Garnish with crispy bacon bits on top before serving.
• Vegan Creamy Spinach Alternative: Substitute dairy ingredients with cashew cream and nutritional yeast. Use plant-based butter and almond milk. Add nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor without actual cheese. Top with breadcrumbs for extra crunch.

Final Forkful of Ina’s Creamed Spinach

Garten’s creamed spinach elevates humble greens into a luxurious side dish that sparkles with rich flavors and sophisticated textures.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients dance together, creating a harmonious culinary symphony on your plate.

Parmesan and Gruyere cheeses provide deep, complex notes that complement the spinach’s earthy undertones.

Nutmeg’s subtle warmth adds an unexpected dimension to this classic comfort dish.

Friends and family gathered around the table will savor each creamy, cheesy bite.

Low Carb Keto Air Fryer Chicken Legs Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Louisiana-inspired keto chicken legs bring bold Cajun spices to your air fryer with minimal effort. Crispy, zesty drumsticks deliver maximum flavor while keeping carbs low, making you feel like a culinary champion without complex cooking techniques.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 6 medium chicken drumsticks (680 grams / 1 ½ pounds)

Herbs and Spices:

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¾ teaspoon sea salt (divided)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Fat:

• 60 grams / ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the air fryer by heating it to 380°F (193°C) and allowing it to warm up for 5 minutes. Thoroughly blot the chicken drumsticks with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2. Create a flavor-packed compound butter by combining softened butter, minced garlic, finely chopped fresh parsley, and of sea salt in a small mixing bowl. Use a fork to blend the ingredients until smooth and well-incorporated.
3. Carefully loosen the skin from each chicken drumstick by gently sliding your hand underneath, creating a pocket between the skin and meat. Distribute a generous portion of the prepared compound butter evenly under the skin, massaging it gently to ensure complete coverage.
4. Season the exterior of the chicken drumsticks by sprinkling smoked paprika, freshly ground black pepper, and the remaining of salt across the skin surface, ensuring an even coating.
5. Arrange the seasoned drumsticks in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, positioning them skin-side down. Cook for 10 minutes, then carefully flip the drumsticks and continue air frying for an additional 8-10 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.

Notes

• Create a barrier between skin and raw meat by patting drumsticks completely dry with paper towels to maximize crispy exterior texture.
• Gently slide softened butter underneath chicken skin for deep moisture and rich flavor penetration during air frying.
• Arrange drumsticks with generous spacing to allow hot air circulation, preventing steaming and promoting golden-brown crunchiness.
• Rotate chicken pieces midway through cooking cycle to guarantee uniform browning and consistent heat distribution.
• Verify internal temperature reaches safe 165°F using instant-read meat thermometer at thickest part of drumstick for perfect doneness.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 191
• Sugar: 0.1g
• Sodium: 2016mg
• Fat: 14.7g
• Saturated Fat: 47.6g
• Carbohydrates: 0.6g
• Fiber: 0.1g
• Protein: 13.5g
• Cholesterol: 707mg