Name: Creamed Spinach (Spinach Maria) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 24 oz fresh spinach (or 12 oz frozen spinach, thawed and drained); ⅓ cup unsalted butter; ½ yellow onion, diced; 2 cups heavy cream (substitute with half-and-half or whole milk); 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes, divided (½ teaspoon for garnish); 4 oz shredded Mozzarella cheese; 6 oz shredded Cheddar Jack cheese (use half Monterey Jack and half Sharp Cheddar if buying separate); 1 teaspoon black pepper, for garnish

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This Creamed Spinach recipe, inspired by Spinach Maria from Tennessee, is a rich, cheesy, and slightly spicy dish that’s perfect for any meal. With three types of cheese, Dijon mustard, and a hint of red pepper flakes, it’s a comforting and flavorful twist on the classic creamed spinach. Whether served as a side or a main dish, this creamy, cheesy spinach will quickly become a family favorite!

Creamed Spinach (Spinach Maria) Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This version of creamed spinach is a little more indulgent with the combination of mozzarella, Cheddar Jack, and heavy cream. The Dijon mustard adds a nice tang, while the red pepper flakes give it a spicy kick. The rich, gooey cheese sauce is perfectly balanced with the spinach, creating a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. Plus, it’s ready in just 30 minutes—making it an easy side dish for any dinner or holiday meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

24 oz fresh spinach (or 12 oz frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
⅓ cup unsalted butter
½ yellow onion, diced
2 cups heavy cream (substitute with half-and-half or whole milk)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes, divided (½ teaspoon for garnish)
4 oz shredded Mozzarella cheese
6 oz shredded Cheddar Jack cheese (use half Monterey Jack and half Sharp Cheddar if buying separate)
1 teaspoon black pepper, for garnish

Directions

Prepare the spinach:
- If using fresh spinach, blanch it in a pot of hot water, then drain and set it aside. You can use an ice bath to preserve the color. If desired, chop the spinach for smaller bites.
- If using frozen spinach, thaw it completely and drain excess water.
Preheat the oven (optional):
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) if you’re planning to bake the creamed spinach at the end.
Sauté the onions:
In a cast-iron skillet (or any oven-safe skillet), melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until they’re fully softened and translucent.
Make the cream sauce:
Add the heavy cream to the skillet and stir to combine. Once the cream starts to bubble, reduce the heat to low. Add the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Let it simmer for a minute or two to combine the flavors.
Add the cheese:
Stir in the Mozzarella cheese and 4 oz of the Cheddar Jack cheese, whisking to create a thick, gooey cheese sauce. If you’re not planning to bake the dish, you can add all of the cheese at this step.
Add the spinach:
Squeeze out as much excess water from the spinach as possible and add it to the cheese sauce. Stir everything together until the spinach is well incorporated into the sauce.
Optional baking step:
If you’re baking the dish, sprinkle the remaining 2 oz of Cheddar Jack cheese on top of the spinach mixture. Bake in the preheated oven for 3-4 minutes until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and serve:
Garnish with the remaining red pepper flakes and a sprinkle of black pepper. Serve hot and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Cheese substitutions: You can swap the Cheddar Jack for just Cheddar or use a mix of cheeses you prefer.
Vegan option: Use vegan butter, plant-based cream, and dairy-free cheeses to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
Extra vegetables: Add sautéed mushrooms or roasted garlic for an extra layer of flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little extra cream or milk to restore the creamy texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain all excess water before adding it to the cream sauce.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, reheat it on the stovetop or in the oven. If you plan to bake it, you can skip the final baking step and bake it when you’re ready to serve.

3. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute the cheeses for others such as Parmesan, Gruyère, or Fontina, depending on your preference.

4. Is this recipe spicy?

It has a mild spice from the red pepper flakes, but you can adjust the amount to make it as mild or spicy as you like.

5. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes, you can use half-and-half or whole milk as a substitute for heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy.

6. How do I prevent the spinach from becoming soggy?

Make sure to thoroughly drain the spinach before adding it to the sauce to avoid excess water in the dish.

7. Can I make this recipe without baking?

Yes, you can skip the baking step. After mixing the spinach into the cheese sauce, simply serve it right away for a stovetop version.

8. Can I add other ingredients to this dish?

Yes, you can add sautéed mushrooms, roasted garlic, or even crispy bacon for extra flavor and texture.

9. Can I freeze this creamed spinach?

Yes, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator and warm on the stovetop.

10. How do I keep the spinach from being too watery?

Make sure to drain both fresh and frozen spinach thoroughly before adding it to the sauce. Squeezing out excess water from the spinach is key.

Conclusion

This Creamed Spinach (Spinach Maria) is a decadent, cheesy side dish that’s full of flavor and texture. Whether you serve it as a side for a holiday feast or a weeknight meal, it’s sure to impress. With its creamy, cheesy sauce and just the right amount of heat, this dish will become a favorite in your recipe collection.