Crockpot Creamed Spinach

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Crockpot Creamed Spinach is the ultimate side dish to elevate your holiday meal, offering a creamy and comforting twist on a classic favorite. Whether you’re preparing for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a cozy family dinner, this recipe provides the perfect balance of rich flavors with minimal effort. By using a slow cooker, you can save time and enjoy the holiday festivities without being stuck in the kitchen. In this article, we will walk you through how to make Crockpot Creamed Spinach, including variations to suit different dietary preferences, such as keto, gluten-free, and vegan optio

A close-up of creamy spinach topped with shredded Parmesan cheese in a decorative bowl, with a rich green color and a smooth texture.

Ingredients for Crockpot Creamed Spinach

For a perfect Crockpot Creamed Spinach, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients. Here’s a list of what you’ll need to make this creamy spinach dish in your slow cooker:

Frozen chopped spinach (you can also use fresh spinach if preferred)
Butter
Sweet onion, finely chopped
Garlic, minced
Flour (for thickening; use rice flour for a gluten-free version)
Whole milk or heavy cream (for extra creaminess)
Parmesan cheese (for a rich, savory finish)
Spices: Salt, nutmeg, white pepper, cayenne pepper (optional for extra flavor)

These ingredients combine to create a dish that’s savory, creamy, and indulgent. You can also experiment with substitutions to fit your dietary needs.

How to Make Crockpot Creamed Spinach

Making Crockpot Creamed Spinach is simple and straightforward. Follow these steps to create this delicious holiday side dish.

Slow Cooker Instructions

Sauté the onions and garlic: In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat and sauté the onions and garlic until they are soft and fragrant (about 5 minutes).
Prepare the slow cooker: Add the sautéed onions and garlic to the Crockpot. Then, dump in the frozen chopped spinach along with salt, white pepper, nutmeg, cayenne pepper (if using), and flour. Mix well.
Add milk or cream: Pour in the milk (or heavy cream) and stir until everything is well combined. This creates the creamy base for your spinach.
Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, stirring occasionally for the best results. If you’re in a rush, you can also cook it on high for 4-5 hours, but low and slow produces the best texture.
Finish with Parmesan: Once the creamed spinach is cooked to your desired consistency, stir in Parmesan cheese for a final layer of flavor. Serve and enjoy!

Stovetop Instructions (Alternative Method)

If you prefer to cook on the stovetop, here’s a quicker version of the recipe:

Sauté onions and garlic: As above, melt butter in a large skillet and sauté the onions and garlic until softened.
Add spinach and seasonings: Add the frozen spinach and cook until it’s heated through. Stir in the flour, salt, nutmeg, white pepper, and cayenne pepper.
Add milk or cream: Pour in the milk or heavy cream, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens (about 15-20 minutes).
Finish with Parmesan: Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese before serving.

Both methods are delicious, but the slow cooker option is perfect for busy days or holiday gatherings when you need to free up stove space.

Variations of Crockpot Creamed Spinach

One of the best things about Crockpot Creamed Spinach is how adaptable it is. Below are some variations to suit different dietary preferences:

Gluten-Free Version

To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the regular flour with rice flour. This will help thicken the creamed spinach without the need for wheat-based products.

Vegan/Dairy-Free Version

If you’re following a vegan or dairy-free diet, swap out the butter for vegan butter and use coconut milk (or another plant-based milk) instead of regular milk. Vegan Parmesan cheese can also replace the traditional Parmesan for a fully plant-based version.

Keto-Friendly Version

For those on a keto diet, you can leave out the flour entirely and use extra heavy cream to make the dish rich and creamy. This will give you a low-carb version that’s still deliciously indulgent.

Nutty Creamed Spinach

If you’re a fan of a little crunch, add some chopped walnuts or almonds to your Crockpot Creamed Spinach. These nuts add a nutty depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy spinach.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Crockpot Creamed Spinach can be made ahead of time, which makes it an excellent choice for busy holiday meals. Here’s how to store it:

Refrigerating: You can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stove before serving.
Freezing: This dish freezes well for up to 4 months. Allow the spinach to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to eat, defrost it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

This makes it a great dish to prepare in advance, saving you time on the big day.

FAQs

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh spinach. If using fresh, you’ll need about 3-4 cups of fresh spinach to equal 1 package of frozen spinach. Be sure to cook it down before adding it to the slow cooker to reduce excess moisture.

How do I make this dish keto or low-carb?

To make this a keto-friendly recipe, omit the flour and add more cream for extra richness. You can also use shredded mozzarella or a similar cheese in place of Parmesan for a slightly different flavor profile.

Is this recipe vegan?

Yes, with a few simple substitutions, such as using vegan butter, plant-based milk (like coconut or almond milk), and dairy-free Parmesan cheese, this recipe can easily be made vegan.

Can I prepare Crockpot Creamed Spinach in advance?

Absolutely! Crockpot Creamed Spinach is perfect for make-ahead meals. You can prepare it up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator, or freeze it for up to 4 months.

What can I serve with Crockpot Creamed Spinach?

This creamy side dish pairs wonderfully with many holiday main courses such as roast turkey, glazed ham, or even a vegetarian feast. It also goes well with other sides like mashed potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and corn.

Crockpot Creamed Spinach makes a fantastic side dish, and there are plenty of other delicious recipes on Virilerecipes that complement it perfectly.

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