Let’s be real: no one goes to a high-end steakhouse just for the meat. We go for the sides. Specifically, that velvety, rich, and slightly decadent creamed spinach that somehow tastes better than any vegetable has a right to.
Whether you’re trying to replicate the Ruth’s Chris creamed spinach recipe, chasing that Boston Market nostalgia, or looking for a healthy creamed spinach recipe that doesn’t skimp on flavor, you’ve come to the right place. Today, we’re breaking down how to make the best creamed spinach recipe—from frozen shortcuts to fresh-leafed luxury.
Why This is the Only Recipe You Need
Most people think you need a culinary degree to get that steakhouse creamed spinach recipe texture. The truth? It’s all about the base. While some purists use a heavy cream reduction (the Peter Luger way), many of our favorites—including the recipe for creamed spinach from Ruth’s Chris—rely on a perfect roux or a touch of cream cheese for that "cling-to-your-fork" consistency.
The "Better Than Ruth’s" Creamed Spinach Recipe
Prep time: 10 mins | Cook time: 15 mins | Serves: 4
The Ingredients:
- Spinach: 2 lbs fresh spinach (or 20 oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry).
- The Cream Base: 1 cup heavy cream and 2 oz cream cheese (the secret to an easy creamed spinach recipe).
- Aromatics: 2 tbsp butter, ½ yellow onion (finely minced), and 3 cloves garlic.
- The "Steakhouse" Kick: A pinch of nutmeg, salt, and black pepper.
- Optional: ¼ cup grated Parmesan for that Morton’s style finish.
The Method:
- Sauté: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, cooking until translucent.
- Wilt: If using fresh creamed spinach, add leaves in batches until wilted. If using frozen spinach, ensure every drop of water is squeezed out first!
- Thicken: Pour in the heavy cream and drop in the cream cheese. Stir constantly until the cream cheese spinach recipe becomes a smooth, cohesive sauce.
- Season: Add your nutmeg (don't skip this!), salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes until thick and glossy.
Pro-Tips for Different Vibes
- The Keto King: This is naturally a keto creamed spinach recipe! Just skip any added flour and stick to the heavy cream and cream cheese.
- The Dip Pivot: Got leftovers? Stir in more Monterey Jack and sour cream for a world-class spinach dip recipe with cream cheese.
- The Soup Shift: Thin the leftovers with chicken broth for a 5-minute cream of spinach soup recipe.
Blogger Note: If you're looking for chicken and spinach recipes (no cream), try a lemon-garlic sauté instead! But for tonight? We’re embracing the butter.
🛒 The "Steakhouse at Home" Amazon Shopping List
To get that professional consistency, you need the right gear and the "secret" pantry staples. Here are my top picks:
- Organic Ground Nutmeg – The essential "hidden" flavor in every Lawry's or Ruth's Chris copycat recipe.
- All-Clad Stainless Steel Sauté Pan – You need a wide surface area to wilt fresh spinach quickly without steaming it into mush.
- Professional Grade Cheesecloth – The absolute best way to squeeze the water out of frozen spinach so your sauce isn't watery.
- Lodge Cast Iron Skillet – For serving your creamed spinach table-side, just like a high-end steakhouse.
