This Alton Brown Creamed Spinach recipe is a rich and indulgent side dish that complements any meal beautifully.
I’ve experimented with different cheeses over the years, and I’ve found that a blend of Gruyere and Parmesan gives the best flavor!
I always blanch the spinach quickly in boiling water and then shock it in ice water to retain its vibrant green color.
You can add a pinch of nutmeg for an extra layer of flavor, but you can also experiment with other spices like garlic powder or a touch of red pepper flakes.
What makes this recipe special to me is its balance of creaminess and the fresh taste of spinach!
How to Make Alton Brown Creamed Spinach
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Butter
- 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1/4 cup Onion (chopped)
- 1 clove Garlic (minced)
- 2 lbs. Spinach
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat.
Once melted, sprinkle in the flour gradually while whisking until you get a smooth mixture.
Step 2:
Continue to whisk the butter-flour mixture for about 5 minutes until it turns a light golden brown.
This step is critical to avoid that raw flour taste.
Step 3:
Slowly add the heavy cream while whisking the mixture.
Keep stirring for a couple of minutes until it thickens slightly.
Step 4:
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic.
Cook for another minute to allow the flavors to blend well.
Step 5:
Finally, add the spinach, salt, and pepper.
Stir everything together and cook on low heat until the spinach is completely wilted and coated in the sauce.
Details:
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Butter and Flour Consistency:
Keep an eye on the color when cooking the butter and flour; a light golden tone is the goal for ideal flavor.
Make sure you’re constantly whisking to prevent lumps from forming.
Cream Addition:
Adding the cream slowly while whisking helps to achieve a smooth texture and prevents the sauce from becoming too thick or lumpy.
You’ll want to aim for a consistency that coats the back of a spoon nicely.
Onion and Garlic Flavoring:
Sauté the onion and garlic just briefly to ensure they don’t overpower the subtle taste of the spinach.
Adding them at the right moment ensures you get that lovely aroma without any bitterness.
Spinach Softness:
Cooking the spinach only until it’s wilted keeps it tender yet vibrant, preserving its nutrition and taste.
Don’t overcook, or it may become too soggy!
Taste Testing:
Always taste before serving!
Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste if needed.
What to Serve with Alton Brown Creamed Spinach
Roasted Potatoes
You can’t go wrong with roasted potatoes on the side!
The crispy texture pairs beautifully with the creamy richness of your spinach.
Season them with rosemary and garlic for an extra flavor punch.
Grilled Chicken
Lean and flavorful, grilled chicken complements the creaminess perfectly.
Marinate your chicken in a bit of lemon juice and herbs for a zesty touch!
This protein-rich option won’t overpower your main dish.
Garlic Bread
Garlic bread with herb butter is always a winner!
A lil’ crunch with the dip is what it’s all about ya’ll.
Be generous with the butter and herbs here.
Sautéed Mushrooms
Add an earthy depth with sautéed mushrooms.
A bit of olive oil, garlic, and thyme can work wonders here.
Mushrooms bring a touch of umami that elevates the meal nicely.
Bacon-Wrapped Dates
For something unique, try bacon-wrapped dates!
Sweet dates and savory bacon offer a surprising contrast to your spinach.
This appetizer dances between sweet and salty in the best way.
Variations and Substitutions
Cream Cheese and Spinach
You can substitute cream cheese for flour to make the creamed spinach even richer.
Just add a few spoonfuls of cream cheese and stir it in while cooking.
Frozen Spinach
If fresh spinach isn’t available, frozen spinach works beautifully as well.
Make sure to thaw it and squeeze out the excess water before cooking.
Cheese Options
For extra flavor, try adding a handful of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese.
It melts nicely and adds a delicious twist to the classic recipe.
Lighter Ingredient Swaps
Using olive oil instead of butter is a fantastic way to cut down on fat.
Opt for low-fat milk in place of cream for a lighter touch while maintaining creaminess.
How to Store Leftover Alton Brown Creamed Spinach
Store your leftover Alton Brown creamed spinach in an airtight container to keep it fresh longer.
Container Storage in the Refrigerator
Airtight containers are excellent for locking in flavors and preventing unwanted odors from the fridge from seeping in.
Place the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume it within a couple of days.
Freezer Storage
For longer storage, freeze the spinach in freezer-safe containers.
Divide it into smaller portions before freezing so that you only defrost what you need each time you enjoy it.
Label each container with the date so you can keep track of how long it has been stored.
Creamed spinach can last in the freezer for up to three months with optimal taste.
When packing, try to fill the containers as much as possible without overflowing.
This helps minimize air exposure that could lead to freezer burn.
Make sure the spinach has completely cooled before sealing and storing it.
By following these simple steps, you can savor your leftover creamed spinach without worrying about spoilage.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using Too Much Liquid
You might be tempted to add extra cream to your creamed spinach for that lush, creamy texture.
Resist the urge!
Spinach releases water during cooking, which can lead to a soupy mess if there’s already too much liquid.
Not Wilting Spinach Properly
Wilting spinach evenly can be tricky, but it’s important to avoid overcooking it into a slimy heap!
Cook spinach just until it’s wilted, and then quickly move it to an ice bath to keep that vibrant green color.
Skipping Seasoning
Spinach by itself can taste pretty bland, so don’t hold back on seasoning generously!
You’ll want to salt and pepper to taste, and maybe even add a pinch of nutmeg for an extra layer of flavor.

Alton Brown Creamed Spinach
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Butter
- 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1/4 cup Onion chopped
- 1 clove Garlic minced
- 2 lbs. Spinach
- 1/2 tsp Salt
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Once melted, sprinkle in the flour gradually while whisking until you get a smooth mixture.
- Continue to whisk the butter-flour mixture for about 5 minutes until it turns a light golden brown.
- This step is critical to avoid that raw flour taste.
- Slowly add the heavy cream while whisking the mixture.
- Keep stirring for a couple of minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic.
- Cook for another minute to allow the flavors to blend well.
- Finally, add the spinach, salt, and pepper.
- Stir everything together and cook on low heat until the spinach is completely wilted and coated in the sauce.