Made with frozen spinach, this small batch creamed spinach is an elegant side dish that's extra creamy and cooks quickly. It's the ideal size for one or two people to enjoy.
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.Pro Tip: There are a few other ways to thaw frozen spinach: You can thaw it in the microwave oven by placing the frozen spinach in a microwave-safe bowl, and use the defrost setting to thaw the frozen spinach. You can also leave the frozen spinach in the refrigerator overnight to thaw completely.
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 3 tablespoons of melted butter, shredded cheddar cheese, ground nutmeg, salt, and black pepper.
Transfer the spinach mixture to a lightly buttered small baking dish.Pro Tip: Use a 4x6-inch baking dish that has a base area of 24 square inches. You can also use a 5x5-inch baking dish with a base area of 25 square inches or a 6x6-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 over the top. Place the baking dish on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any possible spills.
Bake the spinach casserole for 20-25 minutes, until the topping is golden. Cool for 5 minutes before eating.
Notes
Expert Tips
Read through the entire recipe before beginning. This easy creamed spinach recipe comes together quickly. Be sure to read through the recipe and the Ingredient Notes and gather your ingredients before starting.
Use the correct baking dish: The success of this recipe depends on using the right baking dish. We recommend using a 4x6-inch baking dish that has a base area of 24 square inches. You can also use a 5x5-inch baking dish with a base area of 25 square inches or a 6x6-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.
Thaw and squeeze out as much water from the spinach to prevent sogginess: Ensuring that the spinach is properly thawed and drained will help maintain the perfect texture in your creamed spinach dish. Sogginess can ruin the rich and creamy consistency you're aiming for, so this step is crucial.
Use softened cream cheese for easy mixing: Softened cream cheese will blend more smoothly with the other ingredients, creating a uniform and creamy texture throughout the dish. If the cream cheese is too firm, it may result in lumps or uneven mixing. Allowing it to soften at room temperature before mixing is a small step that makes a big difference in the final product.