You better make a double batch because this keto-approved creamed spinach is sure to be a party hit! It’s rich and decadent AND bursting with flavor. Healthy never tasted so good!
Now I know I’m not the only one claiming to have the BEST creamed spinach recipe. But seriously— I challenge you to find a better rendition— especially one that’s keto-friendly.
Yea, aren’t ALL creamed spinach recipes keto-friendly?
Not necessarily, many creamed recipes call for Half-and-Half and a thickening agent such as flour or cornstarch.
What’s wrong with Half-and-Half?
There’s not anything wrong with Half-and-Half. Heavy whipping cream is just the better ketogenic option. The reason being, Half-and-Half contains half whole milk and half heavy whipping cream. Which means, it’s going to have more lactose (therefore more sugar and carbs) than heavy whipping cream.
What’s more, if you’re using heavy whipping cream you can skip out on the thickening agent, because the cream (and cheese) will be all you need for award-winning consistency.
Can You Use Frozen Spinach?
The short answer: you can. And in a pinch, I’ve done it.
However, I wouldn’t boldly claim this recipe to be the BEST if I was using frozen spinach. The bottom line, frozen just isn’t as good as fresh. Freezing spinach (or anything for that matter) alters its flavor and texture. It basically waters down the product.
If you’re committed to using fresh, the first thing you’ll need to do is to blanch the spinach.
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Blanched Spinach
Yield: 2 pounds | Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 7 | Fat: 0g | Carb: 1g | Protein: 1g | Sugar: 0g | Fiber: 1g
Spinach is an excellent source of potassium and magnesium, as well as vitamin A, K, and C. The great thing about blanching vegetables is that it actually locks in flavor while preserving their nutrient content.
INGREDIENTS
- 2 pounds of raw baby spinach
- 14 cups of water
INSTRUCTIONS
- Pour the water into a large saucepan and bring to a rolling boil (7-8 minutes on high-heat).
- Wash and trim spinach in a cold water bath (option to add a splash of white vinegar to remove impurities). You can skip this step if you’ve purchased pre-washed and trimmed spinach.
- Once water is boiling, add the spinach. Gently smoosh the spinach with a spoon until it’s fully immersed in water.
- Boil for 2-3 minutes.
- Remove spinach with a slotted spoon or ladle and immediately plunge into an iced water bath. This will halt the cooking process, preserving the color, texture, and nutrient content.
- Using your hands, carefully squeeze the spinach until all excess water has been removed.
Use spinach immediately (as the recipe calls for) or store in the freezer for 3-6 months.
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The BEST Creamed Spinach
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 3 Cups 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
You better make a double batch because this keto-approved creamed spinach is sure to be a party hit! It’s rich and decadent AND bursting with flavor. Health has never tasted SO good!
Ingredients
- 2lbs raw baby spinach
- 1/2 cup organic heavy whipping cream
- 2 Tablespoons grass-fed butter
- 1 container (5.2oz) Boursin Cheese (Garlic + Fine Herbs)
- 1/2 cup raw Parmigiano Reggiano, grated
- 2 shallots, finely diced
- 1 Tablespoon finely chopped fresh sage
- 1 Tablespoon finely chopped fresh thyme
- 1 Tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 clove fresh garlic, minced
- 1/2 lemon squeeze
- 1 teaspoon Himalayan sea salt (more or less to taste)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Blanched Spinach
- Pour the water into a large saucepan and bring to a rolling boil (7-8 minutes on high-heat).
- Wash and trim spinach in a cold water bath.* You can skip this step if you’ve purchased pre-washed and trimmed spinach (if you’re comfortable doing so).
- Once water is boiling, add the spinach. Gently smoosh the spinach with a spoon until it’s fully immersed in water. Boil for 2-3 minutes.
- Remove spinach with a slotted spoon or ladle and immediately plunge into an iced water bath. This will halt the cooking process, preserving the color, texture, and nutrient content.
- Using your hands, carefully squeeze the spinach until all excess water has been removed. Set aside.
Creamed Spinach
- Place a large cast-iron skillet or sauté pan* on high heat. Add butter.
- Once butter has melted, add the shallot, sage, thyme, rosemary, and salt. Sauté until onions are lightly browned.
- Add garlic and stir until aromatic (1-2 minutes).
- Add heavy whipping cream and spinach. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add 1/4 cup of Parmigiano Reggiano, 3/4 container Boursin, and lemon juice. Stir for another 1-2 minutes.
- Once the cheese has fully melted, remove from heat.
Baked Topping
- Place 1/4 cup Parmigiano Reggiano and remaining Boursin (approximately 2 Tablespoons) in a small bowl.
- Mix until crumbly.* Sprinkle the crumbled cheese over spinach and place in the oven. Bake for 5 minutes at 400°F.*
Notes
Option to add a splash of white vinegar to remove impurities.
If using a sauté pan, you may need to transfer the spinach mix to a baking dish before placing in oven.
The consistency will be clumpy. Don’t worry, that’s exactly what you want.
This recipe can be prepared 1-2 days in advance and baked when ready to consume, making it a perfect party dish!
- Prep Time: 25 Min
- Cook Time: 12 Min
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Sauté
- Cuisine: Keto
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 Cup
- Calories: 313
- Sugar: 2g
- Fat: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 4g
Keywords: Keto Thanksgiving, Keto side dish, Spinach Dip, Ketogenic diet, Creamy, Best, Keto recipes
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Medical Disclaimer
This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician. All readers/viewers of this content are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions. Neither Katie Rodriguez nor the publisher of this content takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. All viewers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement or lifestyle program.
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