When I think of special occasions, my mind immediately jumps to the memory of my dad meticulously preparing a steak dinner. It always felt so fancy, especially since he’d insist on making creamed spinach to go with it. He’d spend what felt like hours in the kitchen, and the aroma that filled the house was pure comfort.
It wasn’t just about the food; it was about the effort and love he poured into every dish. Though I didn’t always appreciate spinach as a kid, I knew how much it meant to him, and how much he wanted us all to enjoy it. It’s funny how tastes change, because now that creamed spinach recipe is one of my absolute favorites.
That’s why I’m so excited to share this copycat version with you! It brings back all those wonderful memories, and it’s surprisingly easy to make. The richness and creaminess are simply divine, and it elevates any meal from ordinary to extraordinary. If you’re in the mood for another rich side dish, try this Chinese coconut shrimp recipe; it will pair perfectly with this spinach.
Why you’ll love this Creamed Spinach (Ruth’s Chris Copycat) with Creamed Spinach Recipe
- This creamed spinach recipe is incredibly rich and decadent, making it a perfect indulgence.
- It’s a great way to get your greens in while still enjoying a comforting and flavorful dish.
- This recipe is easy to make at home, so you can enjoy a restaurant-quality side without the restaurant price.
- It pairs well with a variety of main courses, from steak and chicken to vegetarian options.
- The velvety texture and balanced flavors of this creamed spinach will have everyone asking for seconds.
- With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that’s both elegant and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds fresh spinach, washed and chopped
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Romano cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Directions
Step 1
Creamed spinach recipe makes every moment feel velvety. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Step 2
In a large skillet or pot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. The roux is the base of the sauce, so be sure to cook it long enough to eliminate any raw flour taste.
Step 3
Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream, ensuring no lumps form. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Patience is key here—stir continuously to prevent scorching and ensure a smooth, creamy sauce.
Step 4
Stir in nutmeg, white pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your preference. A little extra garlic powder never hurt anyone!
Step 5
Add the chopped spinach to the sauce, a handful at a time, stirring until wilted before adding more. Continue until all the spinach is incorporated and heated through. It may seem like a lot of spinach at first, but it will quickly wilt down as it cooks.
Step 6
Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan and Romano cheeses until melted and smooth. The cheeses add a wonderful depth of flavor and richness to the creamed spinach.
Step 7
Pour the creamed spinach into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until bubbly and lightly golden on top. Baking the creamed spinach helps to meld the flavors together and create a beautiful presentation.
Step 8
Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy! A brief cooling period allows the creamed spinach to thicken slightly and prevents burning your mouth.
Variations, pairings, and serving ideas
Variations
For a richer, more complex flavor, try using a combination of cheeses. Gruyere and Parmesan are a fantastic pairing that adds a nutty, savory note to the creamed spinach. Feel free to experiment with different cheese blends to find your favorite combination.
If you enjoy a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce along with the other seasonings. This will provide a subtle kick that complements the richness of the cream and cheese. Start with a small pinch and add more to taste.
Consider adding other vegetables to the creamed spinach for extra nutrition and flavor. Sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or roasted garlic would all be delicious additions. Be sure to cook the vegetables before adding them to the spinach to ensure they are tender.
Pairings
This creamed spinach is the perfect accompaniment to grilled steak or roast chicken. The richness of the creamed spinach balances the savory flavors of the meat, creating a satisfying and well-rounded meal. Serve alongside your favorite cut of steak or a perfectly roasted chicken for a truly memorable dinner.
For a vegetarian option, pair the creamed spinach with a hearty lentil loaf or a baked tofu dish. The creaminess of the spinach adds a luxurious touch to plant-based meals, making them feel extra special. A sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs on top adds a nice textural contrast.
Creamed spinach also goes well with seafood, such as baked salmon or grilled shrimp. The delicate flavors of the seafood are enhanced by the rich and creamy spinach. A squeeze of lemon juice over the seafood and spinach brightens the dish and adds a touch of acidity.
Serving ideas
Serve the creamed spinach in a decorative serving dish to elevate the presentation. A classic white ceramic dish or a rustic cast-iron skillet would both be excellent choices. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dusting of Parmesan cheese for a pop of color and flavor.
For a more elegant presentation, spoon the creamed spinach into individual ramekins and bake until bubbly and golden brown. This is a great option for dinner parties or special occasions. Serve the ramekins hot from the oven with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
Use creamed spinach as a filling for omelets or quiches for a delicious and nutritious breakfast or brunch. The creaminess of the spinach adds a luxurious touch to these classic dishes. Top with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh chives for extra flavor.
Storage and make-ahead tips
Storage
Store leftover creamed spinach in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to let the spinach cool completely before storing it to prevent condensation from forming.
To reheat, you can use the oven or microwave. In the oven, bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. In the microwave, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Add a splash of milk or cream if the spinach seems dry.
While freezing is not recommended due to the dairy content, you can freeze it, but the texture may change upon thawing. If you do freeze it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and drain any excess liquid before reheating.
Make-ahead
You can prepare the creamed spinach up to 2 days in advance. Simply follow the recipe instructions up to the point of baking. Store the unbaked creamed spinach in the refrigerator in a covered dish.
When ready to serve, bake as directed until bubbly and lightly golden on top. Adding a few extra minutes to the baking time may be necessary since it’s starting from a cold temperature.
Another option is to chop the spinach and prepare the sauce separately ahead of time. When ready to cook, simply combine the spinach and sauce, heat through, and bake as directed. This can save you time on the day of serving.
Common mistakes when making Creamed Spinach (Ruth’s Chris Copycat)
- Not cooking the roux properly: Make sure to cook the butter and flour mixture for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. A properly cooked roux is essential for a smooth and flavorful sauce.
- Adding the milk and cream too quickly: Whisk the milk and cream in gradually to prevent lumps from forming. Adding the liquids too quickly can result in a lumpy sauce.
- Overcooking the spinach: Cook the spinach just until it’s wilted to prevent it from becoming mushy. Overcooked spinach can have a bitter taste and unpleasant texture.
- Not seasoning properly: Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder are essential for a balanced flavor, but feel free to add other spices to your liking.
- Using pre-shredded cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan and Romano cheeses melt more smoothly and have a better flavor. Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting properly.
Final notes
This creamed spinach recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, and I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do. It’s a versatile dish that can be served as a side, a filling, or even a topping. The possibilities are endless!
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to make it your own. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick, or try different cheeses for a unique flavor profile. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process.
So, gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to create a dish that will impress your family and friends. I promise, they’ll be begging you for the recipe!
Loved this Creamed Spinach (Ruth’s Chris Copycat)? Try these next
- Chinese coconut shrimp recipe
- Houstons spinach artichoke dip
- Coconut snowball cake recipe
- Orange juice cookies
- Homemade candied pecans
Creamed Spinach (Ruth’s Chris Copycat)
Indulge in this rich and creamy copycat version of Ruth’s Chris Steak House’s famous creamed spinach. It’s the perfect side dish to elevate any meal, with a velvety texture and irresistible flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 pounds fresh spinach, washed and chopped
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Romano cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet or pot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream, ensuring no lumps form. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in nutmeg, white pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Add the chopped spinach to the sauce, a handful at a time, stirring until wilted before adding more. Continue until all the spinach is incorporated and heated through.
- Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan and Romano cheeses until melted and smooth.
- Pour the creamed spinach into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until bubbly and lightly golden on top.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
For a richer flavor, use a combination of Gruyere and Parmesan cheese. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop & Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 60mg