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This mini creamed spinach uses frozen spinach to create a quick, elegant side dish that’s perfect for one or two. It takes the rich, velvety goodness of classic creamed spinach from a fancy steakhouse and transforms it into a comforting, easy-to-make dish at home.
Looking for other small batch sides that are ideal for serving one or two people? Take a look at our creamy Green Bean Casserole, cheesy Squash Casserole, or rich Mashed Potatoes. If you’d like to explore side dishes for your holiday table, browse through our Thanksgiving Recipes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Made with Several Shortcuts: Simplifying traditional steps, this recipe ensures that you can enjoy steakhouse-quality creamed spinach at home without the fuss.
- No Need to Make a Béchamel Sauce: Cream cheese replaces the need for a flour and milk sauce, delivering a rich and creamy texture with less effort.
- A Small Batch Recipe: Perfectly portioned for one or two, this recipe ensures no waste, yet is easily doubled if needed.
- A Crunchy Topping: Breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese add an appealing crunch, elevating the texture of the dish.
Creamed spinach is a rich, satisfying side dish made with spinach, cream cheese, butter, and a blend of cheeses. It’s a wonderful pairing with dishes like Beef Tenderloin or Baked Chicken Tenders and has a lovely creamy texture when baked. While this dish can be made on the stovetop, I find baking it adds a perfect casserole-like consistency to the traditional creamed spinach.
In this recipe, we use a 9 or 10-ounce package of frozen spinach along with cream cheese to create a flavorful, well-balanced dish. If you’d like to use fresh spinach, substitute with about 1 pound, steamed, drained, and roughly chopped.
To prepare, simply mix the spinach with cream cheese, butter, cheddar, and seasonings. Sprinkle breadcrumbs and Parmesan on top, then bake for 25 minutes until it’s warm, creamy, and ready to enjoy.
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this easy creamed spinach recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Spinach: This recipe calls for frozen, thawed spinach, which is both convenient and easy to work with.
- Cream Cheese: I prefer using full-fat cream cheese for richness, but light cream cheese or neufchâtel can work too. To help it blend smoothly with the spinach, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using. For a different texture, try mascarpone or ricotta. If you have leftover cream cheese, consider using it in a small batch of Hot Spinach Dip or a single serving Cheesecake.
- Butter: Salted butter works best here.
- Cheeses: Shredded cheddar is mixed into the spinach, and Parmesan tops the dish. I recommend shredding the cheeses yourself since pre-shredded cheese often has a coating that can affect melting.
- Seasonings: A touch of salt, black pepper, and ground nutmeg enhances the flavor. Nutmeg might seem unusual, but it complements spinach beautifully, adding a subtle warmth. Feel free to leave it out or swap with a pinch of allspice if you prefer.
- Breadcrumbs: Use store-bought seasoned breadcrumbs or use our small batch homemade breadcrumbs recipe. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Recipe Variations
Get creative with your creamed spinach by trying one of these variations:
- Spinach Madeline: Give your creamed spinach a Louisiana-inspired twist with Spinach Madeline, a 1950s recipe that brings a bit of heat to the table. This variation adds bold, spicy flavors for a unique take on the classic.
- Add Toppings: Try sprinkling sun-dried tomatoes, crumbled bacon, fried onions, or sautéed mushrooms on top. Each option adds new textures and flavors to the dish.
- Use Different Seasonings: Customize the flavor profile by adding smoked paprika, Creole seasoning, or fresh basil. Each brings its own unique twist to the creamed spinach.
- Experiment with Cheeses: Swap the cheddar for pepper jack for a spicy kick, or use gruyere or fontina for a rich, creamy texture.
- Low-Carb Spinach Casserole: For a gluten-free, low-carb option, simply skip the breadcrumb topping. You’ll still have a wonderfully creamy, flavorful dish.
- Spinach and Pasta Casserole: Make it a main course by mixing the baked spinach with buttered noodles. This turns it into a satisfying meal for one or two!
How To Make Creamed Spinach
These step-by-step photos and instructions help you visualize how to make Creamed Spinach For Two. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- Heat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Thaw the frozen spinach: Thaw the spinach in a strainer or colander under warm running water. Continually turn the leaves to ensure all the ice melts. Press or squeeze the thawed spinach to remove excess water.
Here are two other ways to thaw frozen spinach:
Refrigerator: Leave the frozen spinach in the refrigerator overnight to thaw completely.
Microwave: Place the frozen spinach in a microwave-safe bowl and use the defrost setting until it’s thawed.
- Add the other ingredients: After you’ve squeezed all of the excess water out of the spinach, place the spinach in a medium-sized bowl. Add softened cream cheese and stir well to combine.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, melted butter, ground nutmeg, salt, and black pepper.
- Transfer the spinach mixture to a lightly buttered small baking dish.
Pro Tip: Use a 4×6-inch baking dish with a base area of 24 square inches. Alternatively, you can use a 5×5-inch dish (25 square inches) or a 6×6-inch dish, which will result in a thinner casserole and may cook a bit faster. A 6.5-inch cast iron skillet also works well.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs and shredded Parmesan cheese over the top.
Pro Tip: Place the baking dish on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any possible spills.
- Bake: Bake the spinach casserole for 20-25 minutes, until the topping is golden. Cool for 5 minutes before eating.
Expert Tips
- Read the Entire Recipe First: This creamed spinach recipe is quick and easy to make. Make sure to read through the entire recipe and the Ingredient Notes, and gather all your ingredients before you start.
- Choose the Right Baking Dish: The success of this creamed spinach depends on using the correct baking dish. I recommend a 4×6-inch dish with a 24 square inch base. You can also use a 5×5-inch dish (25 square inches) or a 6×6-inch dish for a thinner casserole that might cook faster. A 6.5-inch cast iron skillet is another great option.
- Thaw and Drain the Spinach Well: Properly thawing and squeezing out as much water as possible from the spinach is essential to prevent your dish from becoming soggy. This step ensures your creamed spinach stays rich and creamy.
- Use Softened Cream Cheese for Smooth Mixing: Let the cream cheese soften at room temperature before mixing. Softened cream cheese blends more easily with the other ingredients, resulting in a smooth and creamy texture. If the cream cheese is too firm, it can create lumps or mix unevenly.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with Protein: Baked creamed spinach pairs wonderfully with Steak and Potatoes, Jerk Chicken, or Roasted Salmon.
- Vegetarian Main: Serve it alongside Stuffed Bell Peppers or Ratatouille.
- Holiday Side: Elevate your holiday table with this rich and delicious creamed spinach.
Holiday Sides For Small Gatherings
Looking to make a memorable holiday meal without the stress of leftovers? These single serving and small batch holiday side dishes are perfect for smaller gatherings or enjoying a great meal on your own. Pair them with our easy turkey recipes and wrap it all up with a delicious mini dessert to complete your holiday feast.
Side Dishes:
- Cornbread Dressing: Bring some southern charm to your table with this single serving cornbread dressing.
- Green Bean Casserole: A creamy classic served in an individual portion that always hits the spot.
- Carrot Soufflé: Light, airy, and a great way to elevate your holiday meal.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes without the excess.
- Corn Casserole: A small batch corn casserole that adds a touch of sweetness to your plate.
- Buttery Sautéed Green Beans: These fresh green beans are quick to prepare and add a nice crunch.
- Sweet Potato Casserole: A small-sized version of this holiday favorite, perfect for a small gathering.
Complete Your Meal with Our Easy Turkey Recipes
- Turkey Tenderloin: A flavorful and juicy option, perfect for a smaller meal.
- Turkey Cutlet: Quick, delicious, and ideal for one or two servings.
- Roast Turkey Breast: The traditional taste of turkey in a perfect portion.
- Turkey Roast: Savor all the holiday flavors with a manageable turkey roast.
Finish with Dessert
- Pecan Pie For One: The classic pecan pie in a personal-sized serving.
- Pumpkin Pie For One: A single serving pumpkin pie that satisfies without the leftovers.
- Mini Dutch Apple Pie: A fun twist on a classic, perfect for one or two people to enjoy.
- Sweet Potato Pie For One: Rich, flavorful, and just the right size to finish your holiday meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s really important to use the right size baking dish. We recommend a 4×6-inch dish with a base area of 24 square inches. Alternatively, you can use a 5×5-inch baking dish (25 square inches) or a 6×6-inch dish. Keep in mind that the 6×6-inch dish will create a thinner creamed spinach casserole, which may cook more quickly.
Yes, you can make creamed spinach a day ahead. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.
It’s best to thaw and drain frozen spinach to avoid excess moisture in the dish, which can make the sauce watery.
Store leftover creamed spinach in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
If you’ve tried this mini creamed spinach recipe or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
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Small Batch Creamed Spinach
Equipment
- 5-inch baking dish , or use a 4×6-inch baking dish
Ingredients
- 1 (10-ounce) package of frozen spinach
- 2 ounces cream cheese -softened
- 3 tablespoons salted butter -melted
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons seasoned breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons grated or shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Place the frozen spinach in a strainer or colander under warm running water. Continuously turn the leaves to ensure all the ice melts. Once thawed, press or squeeze out any excess water.
- After removing all the excess water, transfer the spinach to a medium-sized bowl. Add the softened cream cheese and stir until well combined.
- Stir in 3 tablespoons of melted butter, shredded cheddar cheese, ground nutmeg, salt, and black pepper until everything is evenly mixed.
- Lightly butter a small baking dish and transfer the spinach mixture into it.Pro Tip: Use a 4×6-inch baking dish that has a base area of 24 square inches, or use a 5×5-inch baking dish with a base area of 25 square inches, or a 6×6-inch dish which will yield a thinner spinach casserole (and may cook more quickly). You can even use a 6.5-inch cast iron skillet.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs and shredded Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the spinach mixture. Place the baking dish on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any potential spills.
- Bake the casserole in a preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown. Allow it to cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Read the Entire Recipe First: This creamed spinach recipe is quick and easy to make. Make sure to read through the entire recipe and the Ingredient Notes, and gather all your ingredients before you start.
- Choose the Right Baking Dish: The success of this creamed spinach depends on using the correct baking dish. I recommend a 4×6-inch dish with a 24 square inch base. You can also use a 5×5-inch dish (25 square inches) or a 6×6-inch dish for a thinner casserole that might cook faster. A 6.5-inch cast iron skillet is another great option.
- Thaw and Drain the Spinach Well: Properly thawing and squeezing out as much water as possible from the spinach is essential to prevent your dish from becoming soggy. This step ensures your creamed spinach stays rich and creamy.
- Use Softened Cream Cheese for Smooth Mixing: Let the cream cheese soften at room temperature before mixing. Softened cream cheese blends more easily with the other ingredients, resulting in a smooth and creamy texture. If the cream cheese is too firm, it can create lumps or mix unevenly.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Good recipe.