Easy Creamed Spinach
Easy homemade creamed spinach recipe with Greek yogurt and fresh thyme. Ready in 25 minutes—healthy, vegetarian, and gluten-free side dish.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, plain
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 2 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- 1
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, allowing it to foam gently for about one minute.
- 2
Add the diced onion to the hot butter and sauté for three to four minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and soft.
- 3
Stir in the minced garlic and fresh thyme sprigs, cooking for an additional 60 seconds while stirring constantly until the mixture becomes fragrant.
- 4
Add the chopped spinach in batches to the skillet, stirring and folding it down with a wooden spoon as each batch wilts, taking about three to four minutes total.
- 5
Pour in the heavy cream and milk, then whisk in the Greek yogurt until fully combined and smooth, approximately two minutes of gentle stirring.
- 6
Reduce the heat to medium and allow the mixture to simmer gently for two to three minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- 7
Remove the thyme sprigs carefully and discard them, then stir in the grated cheddar cheese until completely melted and incorporated.
- 8
Season the creamed spinach with sea salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and fresh lemon juice, tasting as you go and adjusting seasonings to your preference.
- 9
Transfer the finished spinach to a serving dish and garnish with Parmesan cheese just before bringing to the table.
- 10
Serve warm as a side dish alongside your favorite protein, or spoon over baked potatoes for added substance.
Variations & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| heavy cream | additional Greek yogurt mixed with a splash of milk | Greek yogurt provides creaminess and protein while reducing saturated fat and calories significantly |
| unsalted butter | extra virgin olive oil | Olive oil contains heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and offers anti-inflammatory benefits compared to saturated butter fat |
| sharp cheddar cheese | aged gouda or gruyère cheese | These cheeses provide complex flavor with smaller quantities needed, reducing sodium and fat per serving |
| whole milk | unsweetened almond milk or vegetable broth | These alternatives reduce lactose and calories while almond milk adds subtle richness without dairy |
| fresh thyme | fresh sage or a combination of thyme and tarragon | Sage and tarragon offer different herbal complexity while maintaining the dish's aromatic appeal and anti-inflammatory properties |
Recommended Equipment
Tools that make this recipe easier
Nutrition Information
Per serving (serves 4)
| Calories | 235 |
| Total Fat | 16g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g |
| Cholesterol | 42mg |
| Sodium | 480mg |
| Carbohydrates | 9g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 1g |
| Protein | 14g |
This recipe was extracted from the original video source using AI. Nutritional information is estimated and may vary. Not a substitute for professional dietary advice. As an Amazon Associate, AlmostChefs earns from qualifying purchases. Product links are affiliate links — they cost you nothing extra but help support the site. Read full disclaimer
