Ina Garten’s creamed spinach is a delightful and rich side dish that perfectly complements a variety of main courses. This recipe is an elegant twist on the classic spinach dish, bringing a luxurious and creamy texture that will elevate any meal.

What is Ina Garten Creamed Spinach?

Ina Garten, also known as the Barefoot Contessa, is renowned for her delicious and straightforward recipes. Her creamed spinach is a creamy, cheesy, and velvety dish that makes even the most spinach-averse person fall in love with leafy greens.

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Why You Should Try This Recipe

Irresistible Flavor: The combination of fresh spinach with creamy sauce and cheese creates a dish that’s hard to resist.
Elegant Side Dish: Perfect for holiday meals or dinner parties, adding a touch of sophistication to your table.
Easy to Prepare: Despite its luxurious taste, this recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require extensive cooking skills.

Nutrient-Rich: Spinach is packed with vitamins and minerals, making this dish as healthy as it is tasty.
Versatile: Pairs well with a variety of main courses, from roast chicken to grilled steak.

Ingredients Needed for Ina Garten Creamed Spinach

2 pounds fresh spinach, washed and trimmed

1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup grated Gruyere cheese

1/2 cup finely chopped onion
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions to Make Ina Garten Creamed Spinach

Prep the Spinach: Blanch the spinach in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then immediately transfer it to an ice bath. Drain well and chop.

Cook the Onions: In a large pan, melt butter and sauté the onions until soft and translucent.
Make the Roux: Add flour to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
Add Cream: Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and cook until the mixture thickens.

Incorporate Spinach: Stir in the chopped spinach, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
Add Cheese: Mix in the Parmesan and Gruyere cheese until melted and well combined.
Simmer: Allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes to let the flavors meld together.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Creamed Spinach

Roast Chicken: The creamy texture complements the savory and crispy skin of roast chicken.
Grilled Steak: Provides a rich contrast to the hearty, smoky flavor of grilled steak.
Baked Salmon: Pairs beautifully with the delicate, buttery taste of baked salmon.

Pork Chops: Balances the robustness of pork chops with its creamy smoothness.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Enhances the comforting aspect of mashed potatoes with a creamy sidekick.
Mushroom Risotto: Adds an extra layer of decadence to the already rich risotto.

Essential Tips for Perfecting Ina Garten Creamed Spinach

Fresh Spinach: Always use fresh spinach for the best flavor and texture.
Proper Blanching: Ensure the spinach is properly blanched and drained to avoid a watery dish.
Onion Sautéing: Sauté onions until fully softened for a sweeter, more subtle flavor.

Thickened Cream: Make sure the cream mixture is thickened before adding spinach.
Cheese Choice: Use high-quality cheeses for a richer taste.
Nutmeg: Don’t skip the nutmeg; it adds a unique depth to the flavor.

Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning before serving to ensure a perfect balance.

Variations of Ina Garten Creamed Spinach

Bacon-Infused: Add crispy bacon bits for a smoky twist.
Garlic-Enhanced: Include minced garlic for a more robust flavor.

Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
Mushroom Mix: Incorporate sautéed mushrooms for added earthiness.
Lemon Zest: Stir in lemon zest for a fresh, citrusy note.

Herb Addition: Mix in fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a burst of freshness.

Storing Ina Garten Creamed Spinach: Best Practices

Cool Properly: Allow the spinach to cool completely before storing.
Airtight Container: Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Refrigerate: Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Label: Always label with the date to keep track of its freshness.
Small Portions: Store in smaller portions for easier reheating.

Freeze: For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container.

Reheating Ina Garten Creamed Spinach: Best Practices

Slow Heat: Reheat slowly on the stove to avoid curdling.
Microwave: Use the microwave for convenience, stirring occasionally.

Add Cream: If needed, add a splash of cream to restore its creamy texture.
Stir Frequently: Stir frequently to ensure even heating.
Low Heat: Use low heat to prevent burning or overcooking.

Oven Reheat: For a larger batch, reheat in the oven at a low temperature.

Nutrition Value (per serving)

Calories: 220
Protein: 7g

Carbohydrates: 8g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g

Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 250mg

Calcium: 150mg

FAQs

How do you make Ina Garten’s creamed spinach from scratch?

To make Ina Garten’s creamed spinach from scratch, blanch fresh spinach, sauté onions, create a roux with butter and flour, then add heavy cream to thicken. Stir in chopped spinach, nutmeg, salt, pepper, and cheese until well combined and creamy.

Can I use frozen spinach for Ina Garten’s creamed spinach?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach for Ina Garten’s creamed spinach. Thaw and drain the spinach thoroughly before using it to avoid excess water in the dish.

What type of cheese is best for creamed spinach?

The best cheeses for creamed spinach are Parmesan and Gruyere. Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty flavor, while Gruyere provides a creamy, slightly sweet taste that enhances the dish.

How do you store leftover creamed spinach?

Store leftover creamed spinach in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place in a freezer-safe container and freeze. Reheat slowly on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream if needed to restore its creamy texture.

Final Words

Ina Garten’s creamed spinach is a classic, indulgent side dish that brings elegance and flavor to any meal. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or enjoying it with a simple weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to impress. Follow these steps and tips to create a dish that’s creamy, rich, and absolutely delicious.

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