Name: Ruth Chris Creamed Spinach Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 lb. frozen chopped spinach; ½ cup yellow onion, chopped; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 3 tbsp. butter; 3 tbsp. flour; 2 cups whole milk; ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated; ½ tsp. ground nutmeg; ½ tsp. ground cayenne pepper; Salt and pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 67 reviews

If you're craving a creamy, flavorful side that elevates any meal effortlessly, look no further than this Ruth Chris Creamed Spinach Recipe. Rich yet light, with a perfect balance of garlic, nutmeg, and just a hint of cayenne, this dish transforms humble spinach into a luscious companion that pairs beautifully with steaks, seafood, or even a simple weeknight dinner. It’s a dish that’s as satisfying as it is easy to prepare, promising to become your go-to comfort vegetable side in no time.

Ingredients You'll Need

A black frying pan holds a creamy white sauce mixed with small bits of ingredients, lightly swirled with dark red spices scattered across the surface. A wooden spoon rests inside the pan, partially submerged in the sauce, showing a smooth yet slightly chunky texture. Nearby, a white bowl is filled with grated light yellow cheese, sitting next to another white bowl full of fresh green spinach leaves. The items are arranged on a white marbled surface, and a glass jar with a label is also visible in the upper right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward but essential for achieving the perfect texture and flavor in your Ruth Chris Creamed Spinach Recipe. Each one plays a crucial role, whether it’s the butter adding richness, the parmesan bringing umami, or the nutmeg and cayenne delivering subtle warmth and spice.

½ lb. spinach, frozen and chopped: Convenient and packed with nutrients, using frozen spinach saves time without sacrificing flavor.
3 tbsp. butter: Adds creaminess and helps soften the aromatics for depth.
½ cup yellow onion, chopped: Provides a mild sweetness to balance the earthiness of spinach.
4 garlic cloves, minced: Delivers a warm, savory kick that infuses the dish.
3 tbsp. flour: Acts as a thickening agent to create that classic creamy sauce texture.
2 cups whole milk: Creates the rich, smooth base needed for the sauce.
½ tsp. ground nutmeg: Brings a subtle hint of warmth that complements spinach perfectly.
½ tsp. ground cayenne pepper: Adds just the right touch of spice to keep things interesting.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing flavors and enhancing every bite.
½ cup parmesan cheese, grated: Introduces a savory depth and creamy finish you’ll adore.

How to Make Ruth Chris Creamed Spinach Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Spinach

First, microwave the frozen chopped spinach until thawed and fully cooked. Then, squeeze out all the excess liquid patiently—this step is key to avoiding a watery final dish and ensures your creamed spinach stays rich and thick.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Melt the butter in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking while stirring occasionally for about 2 to 3 minutes until they soften and release their beautiful aroma. This creates the flavorful foundation that sets this recipe apart.

Step 3: Make the Roux

Sprinkle in the flour and cook for one minute, stirring constantly until the mixture becomes foamy. This cooking process removes the raw flour taste and helps thicken the sauce beautifully.

Step 4: Add Milk and Seasonings

Pour in the whole milk gradually while stirring vigorously to dissolve the flour into a smooth sauce. Then add the nutmeg, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for five minutes, allowing it to thicken to that perfect creamy consistency.

Step 5: Combine Spinach and Cheese

Finally, stir in the well-drained spinach and grated parmesan cheese. Cook everything together for another minute just to warm through and let the cheese melt into the sauce. And just like that, your Ruth Chris Creamed Spinach Recipe is ready to shine!

How to Serve Ruth Chris Creamed Spinach Recipe

A white pot with a blue rim filled with creamy cooked spinach mixed with small pieces of onion, showing a mix of dark green and light cream colors, sits on a wooden board. Behind the pot, there is a clear glass bottle full of white cream and two stacked white plates with a light speckled rim. To the left, a small white bowl holds light beige grated cheese, and fresh spinach leaves are partially visible. The scene is set on a white marbled surface with soft natural lighting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a little extra flair, top your creamed spinach with a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan or a pinch of cracked black pepper. A few toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of good olive oil can also add a delightful texture and shine that will impress your guests.

Side Dishes

This Ruth Chris Creamed Spinach Recipe is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with hearty grilled steaks, succulent roasted chicken, or simply alongside your favorite baked fish. It also works as a decadent addition to mashed potatoes or creamy risottos for an indulgent meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to jazz things up? Serve the creamed spinach in individual ramekins or little cast-iron skillets for a rustic touch. It also makes a fantastic topping over toasted baguette slices or as a filling for savory crepes, bringing a delightful twist to your usual menus.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your meal, place any leftover creamed spinach in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days, making it perfect for quick lunches or to complement another dinner with minimal effort.

Freezing

You can freeze this delicious Ruth Chris Creamed Spinach Recipe, but keep in mind that dairy-based sauces sometimes separate upon thawing. Use a freezer-safe container and consume within one month for best taste. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

Reheat over low heat on the stove, stirring frequently to maintain smoothness. If the sauce seems too thick or separated, whisk in a splash of milk to bring back that creamy texture you fell in love with initially.

FAQs

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh spinach can be used, but you'll want to wilt it down in a pan and squeeze out the excess moisture thoroughly to avoid a watery creamed spinach. The flavor will be just as vibrant.

Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with olive oil or dairy-free margarine and use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. Keep in mind the texture and flavor might differ slightly but will still be delicious.

How spicy is the cayenne pepper in this recipe?

The ½ teaspoon of cayenne adds just a subtle background heat that enhances the flavors without overwhelming the dish. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can reduce the amount or omit it entirely.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

With a few tweaks, yes! Swap out butter for vegan butter, use a non-dairy milk, and replace parmesan cheese with a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast. The sauce will remain creamy with a different but lovely flavor profile.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without losing creaminess?

Reheat gently on low heat, stirring frequently. Adding a little milk or cream helps restore the smooth texture if it starts to separate or thicken too much.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the comfort and rich flavor of this Ruth Chris Creamed Spinach Recipe to brighten up your table. Simple ingredients come together in a way that tastes luxurious but is easy enough for any night of the week. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just find that it becomes an instant favorite everyone asks for again and again.