Easy Homemade Creamed Spinach

Homemade creamed spinach is a favorite of mine going way back to when I used to work at Boston Market. It was actually called Boston Chicken then. Remember that?? O.M.G. Am I old?

What makes Boston Market’s creamed spinach so good?

Boston Market’s creamed spinach is very rich and there’s a lot of spinach. Not too much cream which seems healthier and also better tasting.

Boston Market uses a blend of cream cheese and Parmesan cheese. However, if you don’t have Parmesan cheese on hand or don’t want to buy an extra ingredient, this creamed spinach recipe tastes just fine without it. I’ve made it both way.

If you’re looking to replicate Boston’s Market’s recipe at home, you’ll find adding a little Parmesan cheese will give you that familiar flavor.

What exactly makes this recipe for creamed spinach recipe better than others?

The secret ingredient that everyone is always surprised by and loves is the water chestnuts. The water chestnuts are very tiny but give an otherwise very creamy dish, a subtle crunch. They’re the perfect, refreshing complement to the rich flavor of the cream cheese too.

I’ve noticed even family members who don’t typically like spinach, usually go back for seconds. 😉

What if you don’t have a shallot?

What I love about shallots is that you get the flavor of onion and garlic all in one shot. It makes this dish quick and easy to prep. However, if you don’t have a shallot handy or can’t easily find them at your grocery store, you can substitute chopped onions and minced garlic in place of the shallot.

How to make this creamed spinach — it’s quick and easy!

Watch this step-by-step video showing you how it’s done:

Creamed spinach is an easy holiday or pot luck side dish.

I love creamed spinach because it’s super easy to make and is a great alternative to green bean casserole for holiday get-togethers which, for us, typically happens for birthdays and other holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas or Easter.

Creamed spinach freezes well.

It’s also easy enough to whip up as a side dish for a weeknight meal. Just cut the recipe down according to your family size or make a big batch and freeze the leftovers for another day. Just reheat using the microwave or in a small pot on the stove, stirring while you reheat.

Want a creamier texture?

Add a little extra milk or creamer if it looks too dry. Sometimes the milk evaporates during the cooking process so, simply add some back in if that happens. You can add more milk at any time during the cooking process just give it a little time to heat up if you add it at the end.

Pin this creamed spinach recipe now so you can make it later!

Need more side dish ideas?

I have a few for you! Browse all my side dish recipes.

Some things you may need to make this creamed spinach

Dutch Oven – This allows you to cook and keep this dish warm in the oven without dirtying dishes.
Oven Safe Casserole Dish – If you don’t want to invest in a dutch oven, a big casserole dish is perfect for transporting and reheating this side dish.
Silicon Whisk – Silicon so you don’t scratch or mark non-stick or ceramic surfaces.
Ceramic Knife – Why? Because things don’t stick to it and then roll away! Love mine.
Cutting board – A no brainier but maybe it’s time to upgrade yours or get a back up?
Silicon Spatula – Mine has a scoop and it is so useful for scraping sides while also stirring and flipping
Butter Dish with Lid – Room temperature butter is easier to work with.
Vintage Salt and Pepper Shakers – Okay, you don’t need these but I’m obsessed with mine. It literally makes me happy to shake salt.

While you’re here, check out my other popular recipes.

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This Boston-Market style easy creamed spinach recipe was featured on Wow Me Wednesday and Hearth & Soul!