There’s nothing quite like the creamy richness of Lawry’s Creamed Spinach to elevate any meal. I remember the first time I enjoyed it at a family dinner—it was an instant favorite. Determined to recreate that delicious side dish at home, I embarked on a quest to develop the perfect copycat recipe.
After some tinkering, I finally nailed a version that captures all the original flavors. This homemade creamed spinach is smooth, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re serving it alongside a holiday feast or adding a gourmet touch to a weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound fresh spinach leaves, thoroughly washed and chopped
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Follow these steps to create a creamy, flavorful creamed spinach just like Lawry’s.
Prepare the Spinach
- Wash the Spinach: Rinse 2 pounds of fresh spinach leaves thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or grit.
- Blanch the Spinach: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spinach and cook for 2 minutes until wilted.
- Drain and Cool: Transfer the spinach to a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Remove Excess Water: Gently squeeze the spinach to remove as much water as possible. Chop the spinach roughly and set aside.
Make the Cream Sauce
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup of finely chopped yellow onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute.
- Add Flour: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the onions and garlic. Stir continuously for 2 minutes to cook the flour.
- Pour in Half-and-Half: Gradually whisk in 1 cup of half-and-half, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
- Incorporate Cheese and Seasonings: Stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Combine and Cook
- Add Spinach to Sauce: Gently fold the prepared spinach into the cream sauce, ensuring it is evenly coated.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Transfer the creamed spinach to a serving dish and enjoy it hot as a delicious side to your favorite main course.
Tools and Equipment
Creating the perfect Lawry’s Creamed Spinach copycat recipe requires the right tools to ensure each step is executed flawlessly. Here’s what you’ll need in your kitchen:
- Large Pot: Essential for blanching the fresh spinach quickly and evenly.
- Colander: Perfect for draining the spinach thoroughly after blanching, removing excess water.
- Large Skillet or Saucepan: Ideal for preparing the rich and creamy sauce without overcrowding.
- Whisk: Helps blend the half-and-half smoothly into the sauce, preventing lumps and ensuring a silky texture.
- Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: Necessary for finely chopping the yellow onion and mincing the garlic uniformly.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensure precise measurements of ingredients like butter, half-and-half, and seasonings for balanced flavors.
- Grater: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese enhances the dish with superior flavor and texture.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring the ingredients seamlessly while cooking the sauce and folding in the spinach.
- Serving Spoon: Allows you to transfer the creamed spinach into a serving dish without losing its creamy consistency.
Having these tools at hand will make the cooking process smoother and help you achieve that restaurant-quality creamed spinach right in your home kitchen.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Preparing Lawry’s Creamed Spinach ahead of time ensures you can enjoy this rich and creamy side dish without last-minute stress. Here’s how I master the art of make-ahead creamed spinach:
Preparation and Storage
- Prepare the Creamed Spinach
- Follow the recipe steps to blanch the spinach, sauté the onions and garlic, and create the creamy sauce. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
- Portioning
- Divide the cooled creamed spinach into airtight containers. I typically use smaller portions for easy reheating and serving.
- Refrigeration
- Store the containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen as the dish sits, enhancing its creamy richness.
- Freezing
- For longer storage, transfer the creamed spinach to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Lay the bags flat in the freezer to save space and ensure even thawing. It keeps well for up to two months.
Reheating
- Thawing (if frozen)
- Move the frozen creamed spinach to the refrigerator the night before you plan to serve it. This gradual thawing preserves the texture and flavor.
- Stovetop Method
- Place the desired portion of creamed spinach in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir gently as it warms, adding a splash of half-and-half if the mixture is too thick.
- Microwave Method
- Transfer the creamed spinach to a microwave-safe dish. Cover loosely and heat on medium power in one-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through.
- Finishing Touches
- Once heated, stir in a bit more grated Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. This refreshes the flavors and restores the creamy texture.
Storage Tips
| Storage Method | Duration | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 3 days | Use airtight containers |
| Freezer | Up to 2 months | Freeze flat for easy thawing |
By following these make-ahead instructions, you can enjoy the sumptuous taste of creamed spinach with minimal preparation on the day of serving.
Serving Suggestions
Elevating your Lawry’s Creamed Spinach copycat recipe starts with pairing it perfectly with your favorite dishes. Here are some of my top serving ideas to make your meal unforgettable:
Classic Pairings
Creamed spinach complements a variety of main courses. I love serving it alongside:
- Grilled Steaks: The rich, creamy texture contrasts beautifully with a perfectly grilled ribeye or filet mignon.
- Roast Chicken: Add a touch of elegance to a simple roast chicken dinner with a side of creamed spinach.
- Baked Salmon: The creamy spinach enhances the flaky texture and delicate flavor of baked salmon.
Elegant Dinner Parties
For a sophisticated touch at your next dinner party, consider these ideas:
- Plated Presentation: Spoon a generous portion of creamed spinach onto each plate, arranging it beside the main protein for a restaurant-style presentation.
- Garnishes: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan or a dash of paprika to add color and extra flavor.
- Bread Selection: Serve with warm, crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Casual Gatherings
Creamed spinach isn’t just for formal meals. It also shines at casual get-togethers:
- Buffet Style: Place a large bowl of creamed spinach on the buffet table, allowing guests to help themselves.
- Dip Option: Pair with a variety of dips and appetizers, offering a creamy complement to crunchy snacks.
- Family Favorites: Include it as a side dish for family favorites like meatloaf, mashed potatoes, or mac and cheese.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Preparing creamed spinach ahead of time can save you effort on busy days. Here’s how to make it work:
| Storage Method | Duration | Reheating Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 3 days | Reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring frequently until warmed through. |
| Freezer | Up to 2 months | Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of half-and-half for creaminess. |
Enhancing Flavors
Boost the flavor profile of your creamed spinach with these simple additions:
- Garlic: Sauté extra minced garlic for a more robust taste.
- Cheese Varieties: Mix in different cheeses like Gruyère or cheddar for a unique twist.
- Herbs and Spices: Freshly chopped herbs such as parsley or thyme can add a fresh, vibrant note.
Presentation Ideas
Make your creamed spinach visually appealing with these presentation tips:
- Individual Servings: Use small ramekins or bowls for individual servings, perfect for elegant dining.
- Layered Dishes: Create a layered dish with creamed spinach and other vegetables for a colorful side.
- Herb Garnish: Top with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a light drizzle of olive oil to enhance the dish’s appearance.
By integrating these serving suggestions, you can transform your Lawry’s Creamed Spinach copycat recipe into a versatile and impressive addition to any meal. Enjoy experimenting with different pairings and presentations to find what best suits your culinary style.
Conclusion
Recreating Lawry’s Creamed Spinach has been a fun journey for me. Seeing the creamy texture and rich flavors come together in my own kitchen is incredibly rewarding. It’s amazing how a simple side dish can elevate any meal.
I hope you enjoy making this copycat recipe as much as I do. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner this creamed spinach is sure to impress your family and friends. Happy cooking!
