If you’re looking for the perfect side dish that’s creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor, you’ve found it! This Best Ever Steakhouse Creamed Spinach with Gruyere Cheese recipe is a family favorite that pairs perfectly with weeknight meals and it's great for special occasions.
Steakhouse creamed spinach is a classic side dish often served in high-end restaurants. It’s known for its rich, creamy texture and the delightful combination of fresh spinach with a creamy, cheesy sauce. This dish can transform a simple meal into a gourmet experience, making it a favorite among families and food lovers.
Why We Love This Recipe:
- Rich and Creamy: The blend of Gruyere and Parmigiano Reggiano cheeses creates an irresistibly creamy texture.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthy Spinach: Packed with nutrients, this dish adds a healthy touch to any meal.
- Versatile Side Dish: Pairs well with various main courses, from steak to chicken.
If you like this side dish recipe, you may also love our Cheesy Roasted Asparagus with Gruyere or our Creamy Lemon Risotto with Parmesan and White Wine.
Jump to:
What Ingredients Will You Need?
- Fresh Spinach: Use fresh spinach for the best flavor and texture.
- Butter: Unsalted butter helps control the salt level in the dish.
- All-Purpose Flour: Acts as a thickening agent for the creamy sauce.
- Whole Milk: Adds a rich, creamy base to the sauce.
- Heavy Cream: Improves the creaminess and richness of the dish.
- Gruyere Cheese: Provides a smooth, nutty flavor.
- Parmigiano Reggiano: Adds a sharp, savory note.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic adds depth and aroma.
- Nutmeg: A touch of nutmeg brings warmth and complexity.
- Cayenne Pepper: Adds a subtle kick.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning.
Note: Refer to the recipe card below for exact quantities.
Instructions
How to Make Best Ever Steakhouse Creamed Spinach with Gruyere
STEP ONE: Prepare the Spinach
Wash the spinach thoroughly. In a large pot, bring water to a boil and blanch the spinach for 1-2 minutes until wilted. Drain and squeeze out excess water. Chop finely and set aside.
STEP TWO: Sauté Garlic
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
STEP THREE: Make the Roux
Add the flour to the skillet and stir continuously for about 2 minutes to create a roux. The mixture should be slightly bubbly and golden.
STEP FOUR: Add Liquids and Spinach
Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the Gruyere and Parmigiano Reggiano cheeses until melted and fully incorporated. Add the ground nutmeg, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
Add the chopped spinach and stir until evenly coated and heated through, about 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot.
What Are Some Good Substitutions?
- Spinach: You can use frozen spinach if fresh is not available. Thaw and drain it thoroughly before using.
- Gruyere Cheese: Swap with Swiss cheese for a similar flavor.
How Can You Change This Recipe Up?
- Diet-Friendly: Use low-fat milk and reduce the amount of cheese for a lighter version.
- Spicy: Add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Kid-Friendly: Top with a breadcrumb crust and bake for a crunchy finish that kids will love.
What Kitchen Equipment Is Best?
This post shows some of our kitchen essentials. Please visit our shop if you would like to see more of our favorites. These are Amazon affiliate links and we earn commission from qualifying purchases.
- Large pot
- Large skillet
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
How Should You Store This?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing is not recommended.
Note: Refer to Top Tips below for more storage and reheating tips.
What Are Some Expert Tips?
For the best texture, squeeze out as much water as possible from the spinach after blanching. This prevents the dish from becoming too watery.
To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to maintain the creamy consistency.
More Recipes You'll Love ♥️
Have Leftover Ingredients?
- Use extra spinach in this Copycat Panera Spinach and Bacon Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing.
- Make a spinach and cheese omelette for breakfast.
- Add spinach to a Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip without Mayo.
Need Something To Pair This With?
- Pairs well with a Medium Rare Filet Mignon.
- Great alongside roasted chicken for a balanced meal.
- Complements grilled salmon beautifully.
In The Mood For a Similar Dish?
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Instant Pot Baby Red Potatoes with Garlic Butter
- Creamy Mushroom Risotto with Truffle Oil
- Parmesan Roasted Broccoli
- Broccoli Orzo
Related
More side dish recipes you will love:
FAQ
Steakhouse Creamed Spinach is a rich and creamy side dish commonly served in steakhouses. It features fresh spinach cooked in a creamy béchamel sauce made with butter, flour, milk, and often includes garlic, onions, and nutmeg. Sometimes cheese, such as Parmesan, is added for extra flavor.
Yes, you can prepare steakhouse creamed spinach a day in advance. After making the dish, let it cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat before serving.
Steakhouse creamed spinach pairs well with a variety of main dishes. Serve it with a juicy ribeye steak, roasted chicken, or grilled salmon.
📖 Recipe
Best Ever Steakhouse Creamed Spinach with Gruyere Cheese
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Large skillet
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 2 lbs fresh spinach
- 2 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Gruyere cheese grated
- ¼ cup Parmigiano Reggiano grated
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- pinch of cayenne pepper
- salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the spinach thoroughly. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, blanch the spinach for 1-2 minutes until wilted. Drain and squeeze out excess water. Chop finely and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the flour to the skillet and stir continuously for about 2 minutes to create a roux. The mixture should be slightly bubbly and golden.
- Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the Gruyere and Parmigiano Reggiano cheeses until melted and fully incorporated.
- Add the ground nutmeg, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Add the chopped spinach to the skillet. Stir until the spinach is evenly coated with the creamy cheese mixture and heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, black pepper, or nutmeg if needed.
Notes
- Spinach: You can use frozen spinach if fresh is not available. Thaw and drain it thoroughly before using.
- Gruyere Cheese: Swap with Swiss cheese for a similar flavor.
Nutrition
This Best Ever Steakhouse Creamed Spinach is sure to become a family favorite. Easy to make and incredibly delicious, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.
Try it out and share your results with us! Don't forget to check out our other recipes for more inspiration.
Important Food Safety Tips
Always wash your hands before and after handling raw spinach.
- Wash hands and create a clean work area.
- Rinse fresh produce thoroughly.
- Do not use the same cutting board or utensils on cooked food or produce, that previously touched raw meat or seafood.
- Do not leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods.
See more guidelines at USDA.gov
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