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Creamed spinach is one of those love-it-or-hate-it foods. I actually always thought I fell into the latter category. But, with Thanksgiving around the corner (tomorrow!), I thought I’d sneak in one more low carb side dish for your holiday table. And, when I figured out how to make creamed spinach with cream cheese, I discovered it tastes absolutely delicious. If you or one of your family members is on the fence about it, I hope this low carb keto creamed spinach recipe will convert you, too!
What Is Creamed Spinach?
Creamed spinach is a classic side dish popular for the holidays and at steakhouses.
The basic ingredients to make easy creamed spinach are – not surprisingly! – spinach and either milk or cream. Other popular additions to creamed spinach include garlic, Parmesan or other cheeses, nutmeg and various herbs.
What Does Creamed Spinach Taste Like?
The best creamed spinach recipe should taste rich, creamy and cheesy! Even if you are not a huge fan of spinach, these aspects make it totally delicious.
My Other Low Carb Recipes:
My Other Low Carb Recipes:
Is Creamed Spinach Keto? Healthy?
Sometimes creamed spinach is thickened with flour, but this is actually unnecessary. It’s really easy to make naturally gluten-free, low carb creamed spinach.
My version of creamed spinach with cream cheese gets thick simply from simmering the heavy cream. The cream cheese also acts as a thickener.
So, this is a keto creamed spinach recipe without any specialty ingredients. And, the whole family will enjoy it whether they are following a special diet or not.
The natural ingredients make it a healthy dish in my book, though it’s definitely not low fat if that’s what you are looking for.
How To Make Creamed Spinach with Cream Cheese (without Flour!)
As a holiday dish, it may sound like the method for how to make creamed spinach should be complicated. That couldn’t be further from the truth!
It only takes 15 minutes to make this low carb creamed spinach recipe. And, it’s a great side dish to add to your table that won’t require turning on your oven.
To make this easy creamed spinach, simply saute the garlic, then the spinach. Add the cream, cream cheese, salt, pepper and Italian seasoning. Stir and cook for a few minutes to thicken. Sprinkle with Parmesan to serve and you’re done!
This is one of the quickest side dishes you could ever make, so it’s actually perfect for a weeknight, too.
Do I Have To Use Baby Spinach?
No, any fresh spinach will work. But, baby spinach will have a more mild flavor and is less bitter than full grown spinach.
Can I Use Frozen Spinach?
Yes, you can! Feel free to substitute 10 oz fresh spinach with 10 oz chopped frozen spinach instead.
If you use frozen spinach, thaw and drain well first. Squeeze it to get rid of extra water.
After that, the saute time after adding the spinach will be shorter, but the time after adding cream will be the same.
Can I Make Creamed Spinach in Advance?
Yes, you can! Low carb creamed spinach does taste slightly better fresh, but making it ahead is doable.
The process for how to make creamed spinach in advance is super simple. Prepare it as directed and cool completely. After that, refrigerate for a day or two.
When you are ready to serve your keto creamed spinach, just reheat in a pan over low heat, stirring occasionally.
How Long Does Creamed Spinach Last?
The instructions for making this easy creamed spinach recipe ahead say to make it 1 to 2 days ahead. If you are serving it for guests, this is best.
However, if you just want to store leftovers for your family, you can get away with a bit longer.
In an airtight container, creamed spinach with cream cheese will last about 3 to 5 days. The reheating process is the same as above, but don’t be surprised if the color isn’t as bright as when it’s fresh.
What Does Creamed Spinach Go With?
The great thing about easy creamed spinach is it goes with just about anything! Here are a few ideas, both holiday and not:
- Garlic herb butter turkey for Thanksgiving
- Filet mignon for a special meal
- Crispy baked chicken thighs for weeknight dinners
- Slow cooker chicken wings for an effortless dinner
- Slow cooker pot roast for a classic pairing
Tools To Make Low Carb Creamed Spinach:
Click the links below to see the items used to make this recipe.
- Wood saute spatula – So cute and perfect for creamed spinach!
- Large wok – Either a wok or saute pan will work, but a large wok will make it easier to fit all the spinach in there. This one also heats up evenly, which is a big plus.
RECIPE CARD
Easy Low Carb Keto Creamed Spinach Recipe
How to make creamed spinach in 15 minutes! This easy, low carb keto creamed spinach recipe with cream cheese needs just a few common ingredients.
PrintIngredients
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- 3 tbsp Butter
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 10 oz Baby spinach (chopped; about 16 cups)
- 1/2 cup Heavy cream
- 3 oz Cream cheese (cut into small pieces)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp Sea salt
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
- Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions
More TIPS about this recipe in the post above!
VIDEO + NUTRITION INFO + RECIPE NOTES below!
Heat butter in a large saute pan or wok over medium heat. Add minced garlic and saute until fragrant.
Add spinach. Saute for 2 to 4 minutes, until wilted. If the pan is too full to stir at first, cover it for a minute or two, which will let the spinach at the bottom wilt. Then you can start to stir in a folding motion.
Add heavy cream, cream cheese, sea salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir constantly until the cream cheese melts, then cook a few minutes until thickened.
If desired, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese for serving.
SIMILAR KETO LOW CARB RECIPES
Recipe Notes
Serving size: 1/2 cup
Video Showing How To Make Keto Creamed Spinach:
Click or tap on the image below to play the video. It's the easiest way to learn how to make Keto Creamed Spinach!
NUTRITION INFORMATION PER SERVING
Where does nutrition info come from? Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy, sourced from the USDA Food Database. You can find individual ingredient carb counts we use in the Low Carb & Keto Food List. Carb count excludes sugar alcohols. Net carb count excludes both fiber and sugar alcohols, because these do not affect blood sugar in most people. We try to be accurate, but feel free to make your own calculations.
More Low Carb & Keto Support!
If you want to know more about how to start a low carb diet, want to substitute sweeteners, need a food list, or need support, check these guides:
Low Carb & Keto Diet Plan
Starter Guide 
Sweetener Conversion Calculator 
Keto Low Carb Macro Calculator 
Low Carb Keto Food List
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9 Comments
Nicole
This is so good, love it. So easy and tasty.
Angela K
This is so good! I’m bringing it to Christmas dinner, but made it for the first time today as a trial run. It is creamy and delicious and I love the addition of the Italian spice. I have a feeling this will work it’s way into my regular rotation!
Patricia Swenson
I honestly think the reason I LOVE Keto is getting to have creamed spinach! This is a delicious recipe and is made at least 3 times a month. I even use it in my spinach quiche!
Jessica Seitz
Just WOW! I love this recipe. It is so easy to make and probably the best tasting creamed spinach I have ever had. Way to go!
Jo
Super yummy!
Bonnie Loftspring
You will love this idea for vegs that need to be squeezed. I thaw frozen spinach in microwave, pour off what I can, put in French Coffee Press, and press. Voila, nicely separated.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Love this! Thank you for sharing, Bonnie!
Denay DeGuzman
This creamed-spinach recipe is super scrumptious!!! It’ll be enjoyed by the whole family tomorrow evening. Happy USA Thanksgiving to you and your family!
Abeer Rizvi
This looks so rich and creamy without all the guilt!