Creamed Spinach with Caramelized Onions

Easy Creamed Spinach with Caramelized Onions is a delicious side dish recipe is that’s perfect for holiday dinners or special occasions.

It’s cold outside and the holidays are coming up. What better way to warm up than with a delicious spinach dish? This Creamed Spinach with Caramelized Onions is easy to make, healthy, and most importantly: DELICIOUS!

Creamed spinach is a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with steak or roasted chicken. This version of creamed spinach uses caramelized onions to add an extra layer of flavor. The resulting creamy, rich side dish will have everyone asking for seconds!

This will definitely be the perfect addition to your holiday menu this year!

The Best Spinach for Creamed Spinach

I love using fresh baby spinach in my creamed spinach because it’s more tender and less bitter than full grown.

If only have full grown spinach leaves, feel free to use them – just be sure they’re chopped up first! You will want to blanch fresh spinach too so that it doesn’t end up bitter.

If using full grown spinach, cook the spinach in a pot of boiling water for just one minute; then immerse in a cold water bath to stop the cooking process. Squeeze out any excess water from the leaves before proceeding.

Can You Use Frozen Spinach Instead of Fresh?

Yes, but you will need to thaw it out, and drain it very well first. You will want to make the cream sauce and then add the drained spinach and cook until just heated through.

How to Serve Creamed Spinach

Creamed Spinach is a great side dish often served with strip steak, braised pork roast, roast chicken or even turkey. It’s a delicious side dish that goes with so many main dishes. I think it is perfect for holiday dinners!

Try tossing any leftovers with pasta and bake it for an easy spinach casserole.

How to Store Creamed Spinach

If you have left over creamed spinach or want to make it ahead of time, cool the spinach to room temperature before storing. Press plastic wrap directly onto the spinach to help prevent a skin from forming. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

When ready to serve you can reheat the creamed spinach over low heat until just warmed through.

About the Ingredients for Creamed Spinach & Caramelized Onions

Oil – Any neutral flavoured oil is fine.

Onions – White or yellow onions.

Spinach – Fresh baby spinach is best for making creamed spinach.

Garlic – Fresh only and don’t overdo it.

Butter – I always use salted butter but unsalted if you use salted, you will want to add about 1/2 teaspoon of salt.

Cream cheese – Use full fat cream cheese for the best flavour.

Heavy Cream – You can swap with half and half if necessary but heavy cream will give the best flavour and texture.

Parmesan cheese – Fresh grated is best, don’t use the store-bought grated kind unless you have no other options.

Salt and pepper – Season to taste!

Looking for More Easy Side Dish Recipes?

Check out some of my favourite easy side dishes!

Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes with Rosemary & Garlic come together for a quick and flavourful side dish.

This savory mashed sweet potatoes recipe is lightly spiced and creamy, making them the perfect side dish to complete any fall meal.

If you are looking for a tasty holiday side dish look no further than this Portobello & Sage Stuffed Acorn Squash.

How to Make Creamed Spinach with Caramelized Onions

Yields: 4 Servings | Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 40 minutes

Ingredients:

2 T extra virgin olive oil
2 large onions, halved and thinly sliced
2 lbs. spinach, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 T butter
8 oz. cream cheese
½ c heavy cream
¼ c parmesan cheese, freshly grated
salt and black pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Reduce heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions become nicely golden brown and caramelized, approximately 30 minutes.
2. Transfer onions to a plate and set aside.
3. In the same skillet you used to caramelize the onions, add the garlic and the spinach, a few handfuls at a time, stirring to wilt to fit it all in the pan. Season  with salt and pepper to taste. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the spinach is completely wilted and cooked down. Stir in butter, cream cheese, and heavy cream. Continue cooking until the cream cheese melts into the spinach and everything becomes nice and creamy.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasonings.
5. Transfer the creamed spinach into a serving bowl and top with caramelized onions. Garnish with a little fresh chopped parsley for color and freshness. Enjoy!