Creamed Spinach
Rich, velvety creamed spinach with garlic, cream cheese, and parmesan. A steakhouse-style side that is naturally low in carbs and comes together in one pan.
The steakhouse side that is secretly keto
Creamed spinach has been quietly living on steakhouse menus for decades, and it turns out to be a nearly perfect keto side. Spinach is one of the lowest-carb vegetables there is, and drowning it in cream, butter, and cheese only makes it more suited to a high-fat way of eating. It is indulgent, comforting, and comes together in a single pan in about 15 minutes.
The main thing to manage is water. Spinach releases an astonishing amount of liquid as it wilts, so you want to cook it down and drain it before building the cream sauce. Do that, and you get a thick, luxurious side that clings to a fork instead of a watery puddle on the plate.
- Cook down the spinach and squeeze out the excess water
- Melt the cream cheese fully for a smooth, thick sauce
- Grate fresh nutmeg over the top for that classic flavor
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Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds fresh spinach (or 20 ounces frozen, thawed) (net carbs →)
- 3 tablespoons butter (net carbs →)
- 1/2 cup diced onion (net carbs →)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (net carbs →)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, cubed (net carbs →)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (net carbs →)
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (net carbs →)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (net carbs →)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- 1If using fresh spinach, wilt it in a dry pan or with a splash of water over medium heat until collapsed, then drain and squeeze out the liquid. Roughly chop.
- 2In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and cook the onion for 3 minutes until soft. Add the garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
- 3Stir in the cream cheese and heavy cream, whisking until smooth and melted.
- 4Add the parmesan, nutmeg, salt, and pepper, and stir until the sauce is thick and creamy.
- 5Fold in the drained spinach and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until everything is heated through and coated in the sauce.
- 6Taste for seasoning and serve hot alongside steak, chicken, or fish.
Nutrition (per serving)
Recipe FAQ
Is spinach good for keto?
Yes, spinach is one of the best keto vegetables. A cup of raw spinach has less than 1 gram of net carbs, and it is loaded with magnesium and potassium, two electrolytes that matter a lot in the early days of keto. Cooked down in cream, it makes a rich, low-carb side.
Can I use frozen spinach?
Absolutely, and it is often more convenient. Thaw the frozen spinach completely, then squeeze it very dry in a towel before adding it to the sauce. Frozen spinach carries even more water than fresh, so wringing it out is essential to avoid a thin, watery result.
How do I make creamed spinach thicker?
Make sure the spinach is well drained, and let the sauce simmer a couple of extra minutes to reduce. Cream cheese and parmesan naturally thicken it, but if you want it even richer, stir in an extra ounce of cream cheese or a small handful of shredded mozzarella.
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What should I eat today?
Turn the ingredients you like or already have into a keto breakfast, lunch & dinner — net carbs counted.