Quick & Easy Alton Brown Creamed Spinach Recipe You’ll Love

Creamed spinach transforms ordinary leafy greens into a luxurious side dish that elevates any meal with its rich, velvety texture.

Sophisticated yet surprisingly simple, this recipe marries tender spinach leaves with a dreamy, smooth sauce that whispers comfort and indulgence.

Professional chefs and home cooks appreciate how quickly the ingredients meld into a harmonious ensemble of flavors.

The magic happens when butter, cream, and carefully seasoned spinach dance together in a culinary symphony.

Subtle hints of garlic and subtle aromatics create depth that makes this dish more than just a vegetable side.

Nutritious and decadent, the creamed spinach promises to surprise you with its complex yet approachable character.

Each spoonful delivers a creamy embrace that transforms an ordinary vegetable into something extraordinary: a must-try for anyone seeking culinary delight.

Why Alton Brown’s Creamed Spinach is the Ultimate Comfort Side Dish

• Whip Up a Creamy Classic: Alton Brown's creamed spinach transforms a simple vegetable into a luxurious side dish that elevates any meal with its rich, velvety texture and sophisticated flavor profile.
• Master Quick Gourmet Cooking: This recipe proves that restaurant-quality dishes can be prepared in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for home cooks who want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Nail Professional Cooking Techniques: The recipe teaches essential culinary skills like making a perfect roux, sautéing vegetables, and creating a smooth cream sauce, helping home chefs build confidence in their cooking abilities.
• Enjoy Nutritious Comfort Food: Packed with nutrients from spinach and featuring a decadent cream sauce, this dish offers a delightful balance of health and indulgence that satisfies both taste buds and nutritional needs.

What You Need for Alton Brown’s Creamed Spinach

• Butter: Rich, creamy base for roux and adding luxurious flavor to the dish. Prefer unsalted butter for better control of seasoning.
• Milk: Creates smooth, silky texture for the cream sauce. Whole milk recommended for best richness.

• Spinach: Fresh, tender green that provides nutritional value and classic creamed spinach texture. Choose fresh, vibrant leaves without wilting or yellowing.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds depth and sharp flavor. Fresh garlic cloves preferred over pre-minced for more intense taste.
• Onion: Provides subtle sweetness and foundational flavor to the cream sauce. Yellow or white onions work best.

• Flour: Thickening agent for creating a smooth, velvety roux. All-purpose flour is standard for this recipe.
• Nutmeg: Warm, slightly sweet spice that complements the creamy spinach. Ground nutmeg preferred, freshly grated if possible.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile. Kosher or sea salt recommended.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity to the dish. Freshly ground pepper provides the best flavor.

How to Prepare Alton Brown’s Creamed Spinach

Step 1: Prepare Roux Base

Melt butter in a pot. Gradually whisk in flour, creating a smooth mixture. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes until the roux turns a light golden color, stirring constantly.

Step 2: Develop Flavor Foundation

• Minced garlic
• Diced onion

Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in milk and whisk continuously for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Step 3: Cook Spinach Perfectly

In a separate pot, melt butter. Add spinach and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Ensure spinach wilts but maintains a vibrant green color and tender texture.

Step 4: Combine and Season

• Freshly grated nutmeg
• Ground black pepper
• Kosher salt

Gently fold spinach into the creamy sauce, ensuring even distribution. Serve immediately while hot and luscious.

Pro Tips for Alton Brown’s Creamed Spinach

• Master Heat Control: Low and steady prevents burning or separating dairy.
• Select Fresh Greens: Baby spinach offers tender, vibrant flavor compared to mature leaves.
• Chop Consistently: Uniform cuts ensure even cooking and appealing presentation.
• Drain Thoroughly: Remove excess moisture to concentrate creamy sauce's richness.
• Quick Final Fold: Minimal stirring preserves bright green color and delicate leaves.

How to Store Alton Brown’s Creamed Spinach

• Freezer Storage: Seal cooled creamed spinach in premium freezer-safe glass containers with tight-fitting lids. Freeze flat to maximize space and preserve texture, lasting up to 3 months. Label containers with date and contents for easy tracking.
• Refrigerator Storage: Transfer leftover spinach to shallow airtight containers, preventing moisture buildup and flavor absorption. Store immediately after cooling, keeping fresh for 2-3 days. Position containers on upper shelves away from raw meats.
• Reheating Method: Thaw frozen creamed spinach overnight in refrigerator for best results. Gently warm in microwave or stovetop, stirring occasionally to restore creamy consistency. Add small splash of cream or milk if mixture appears dry during reheating.

Delicious Variations of Alton Brown’s Creamed Spinach

• Cheesy Spinach Upgrade: Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar or gruyère cheese into the cream sauce for a rich, melty version that adds extra depth and flavor.
• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh chopped basil, oregano, and a sprinkle of feta cheese to transform the classic recipe with bright Mediterranean-inspired notes.
• Bacon-Enhanced Spinach: Crisp up 4-5 bacon strips and crumble them into the final dish, adding a smoky and savory dimension that complements the creamy spinach perfectly.
• Vegan Cream Alternative: Replace butter and milk with cashew cream and coconut milk, using nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor and keeping the recipe plant-based while maintaining a luxurious texture.

A Rich and Creamy Side with Alton Brown’s Creamed Spinach

Creamy spinach perfection emerges from Alton Brown’s culinary magic, transforming simple ingredients into an elegant side dish.

Rich butter-based sauce embraces tender spinach leaves with luxurious complexity.

Nutmeg whispers subtle warmth through each delectable bite.

Kitchen enthusiasts discover profound satisfaction in mastering this classic recipe.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this creamed spinach elevates any dining experience with minimal effort.

Dare to savor this remarkable creation – share the deliciousness, spark conversations, and inspire fellow cooking enthusiasts to explore Brown’s remarkable technique.

Alton Brown Creamed Spinach Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Alton Brown’s creamed spinach elevates this classic side dish with a rich, velvety texture and complex flavor profile. Garlic, nutmeg, and cream merge seamlessly, creating a luxurious accompaniment that enhances any main course you serve.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 24 ounces (680 grams) baby spinach
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) milk
• 8 tablespoons (120 grams) flour

Aromatic Ingredients:

• ½ medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 pinch ground nutmeg

Seasoning and Fat:

• ½ cup (120 milliliters) plus 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) butter, divided
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Gently melt 113 grams (1/2 cup) of unsalted butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, creating a smooth base for the cream sauce.
2. Gradually whisk in the flour, stirring continuously to prevent lumps and create a roux. Cook the mixture for 4-5 minutes until it develops a light golden color and releases a subtle nutty aroma.
3. Incorporate finely minced garlic and diced onions into the roux, sautéing for 60-90 seconds until the aromatics become fragrant and translucent.
4. Slowly stream in the milk, whisking constantly to ensure a silky smooth consistency. Continue cooking for 5-6 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and develop a rich, creamy texture.
5. In a separate pan, melt the remaining 43 grams (3 tablespoons) of butter. Add the fresh spinach leaves gradually, cooking for 3-4 minutes until they wilt but retain a vibrant green color and slight texture.
6. Season the cream sauce with freshly grated nutmeg, ground black pepper, and kosher salt, adjusting the flavors to taste.
7. Gently fold the wilted spinach into the cream sauce, ensuring even distribution and a harmonious blend of flavors. Serve immediately while the sauce is warm and creamy.

Notes

• Whisk flour smoothly to create a silky, golden foundation that enriches the entire dish’s depth.
• Introduce spinach leaves in small batches, preventing water accumulation and maintaining crisp vegetable integrity.
• Sprinkle nutmeg, salt, and pepper with a light hand, ensuring each ingredient complements the others without overwhelming.
• Handle baby spinach delicately during mixing, preserving its tender structure and vibrant green color.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 155
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 160 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg