Description
Alton Brown’s creamed spinach elevates this classic side dish with rich, tangy flavors. Sautéed spinach melds with cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and a hint of nutmeg, creating a luxurious accompaniment you’ll crave at every meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 24 oz (680 g) baby spinach
- 2 cups (480 ml) milk
- 8 tbsps (120 g) flour
- ½ medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 pinch ground nutmeg
- ½ cup (120 ml) plus 3 tbsps (45 ml) butter, divided
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Roux Creation: Melt butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, then gradually whisk in flour. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the mixture turns light golden and develops a nutty fragrance, stirring continuously to prevent lumping.
- Aromatic Infusion: Introduce minced garlic and diced onions to the roux, sautéing for 60-90 seconds until the aromatics become translucent and release their fragrant essence.
- Sauce Development: Gradually stream milk into the roux, whisking constantly to achieve a velvety smooth base. Simmer for 5-6 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and develop a luxurious, creamy consistency.
- Spinach Preparation: In a separate pan, melt remaining butter and add spinach leaves. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the leaves wilt while maintaining their vibrant green color and delicate texture.
- Seasoning and Finishing: Enhance the cream sauce with freshly grated nutmeg, ground black pepper, and kosher salt. Gently fold the wilted spinach into the sauce, ensuring uniform distribution of flavors. Serve immediately while the creamed spinach remains warm and indulgently creamy.
Notes
- Butter Quality Matters: Use high-quality unsalted butter for the richest, most authentic flavor profile in your cream sauce.
- Roux Technique: Continuously whisk flour and butter to prevent lumps and develop a golden, nutty base that enhances the overall sauce texture.
- Spinach Selection: Choose fresh, crisp spinach leaves for maximum color, nutrition, and a vibrant green appearance in the final dish.
- Temperature Control: Maintain medium heat throughout cooking to prevent burning and ensure smooth, consistent sauce development.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 209
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 530 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg