Real butter and whole milk build the roux-based sauce that actually clings, and a handful of aged parmesan gives it that steakhouse depth. Wring the cooked spinach bone-dry before it goes in; any water left in the leaves thins the sauce right back out.
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep15 min
Cook20 min
Makes6 servings
CuisineAmerican
Cost$
VegetarianGluten-free
Contains dairy
Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy.
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for6servings
Butter
Real butter builds the roux; it's the base of the whole sauce.
Wilt and wringWilt the spinach, then wring it out hard in a towel until barely any liquid drips. Dry spinach is the single thing that keeps this from being soup.
Make the rouxMelt butter, whisk in flour, and cook the paste a minute until it smells nutty. Cooking the flour kills the raw taste.
Build the sauceWhisk in warm milk slowly until it thickens into a smooth bechamel, then stir in parmesan and nutmeg. Add milk in stages to dodge lumps.
Fold and finishFold the dry chopped spinach into the sauce and simmer 3 minutes. Season, and loosen with a splash of milk if it tightens up.
Can you make Creamed Spinach in an air fryer? — Yes, with an insert
Not on its own — an air fryer can’t hold a pool of liquid. You can simmer it in an oven-safe dish or a silicone insert made to fit the basket, but the broth won’t reduce or brown the way it does on the stove, and that insert comes out scorching, so use oven mitts. For real depth, a pot on the stove wins.
Can you freeze Creamed Spinach? — Yes
Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.
Can you make Creamed Spinach ahead of time? — Yes
Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.
Is Creamed Spinach gluten-free? — Yes
Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.
Is Creamed Spinach vegan? — Vegetarian, not vegan
It’s vegetarian but not vegan as written — it has dairy. Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy.
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