Creamed Spinach
There is no better way to eat your greens than smothered in rich and cheesy bechamel.
Prep
Preheat the Oven to Broil
If your oven doesn't have a broil option, set the oven to 500°F/260°C.
Cooking Steps
1. Add the Butter to a Preheated Pan
Preheat the pan to 325°F/160°C (medium) and melt the butter completely.
- Unsalted Butter1 Tbsp.
2. Add Half of the Spinach and Wilt
Wilt the spinach for 1 minute, stirring continuously. Lightly season.
- Spinach½ lb.
- Kosher Salt1 tsp.
3. Add the Remaining Spinach and Continue Wilting
Finish wilting all of the spinach for 2 minutes and 30 seconds, stirring continuously. Lightly season.
- Spinach½ lb.
4. Remove and Press the Spinach
Transfer the cooked spinach to a colander and place in the sink or a bowl. Using a rubber spatula press the spinach to remove excess moisture. Set aside to drain. Carefully wipe the pot before proceeding.
5. Add the Butter and Melt to Make the Sauce
Lower the temperature to 300°F/150°C (medium-low) and melt the butter completely.
- Unsalted Butter(diced)1 ½ Tbsps.
6. Add and Cook the Shallots
Cook the shallots for 1 minute, stirring frequently until lightly colored.
- Shallot(finely chopped)2 Tbsps.
7. Add and Cook the Garlic
Continue cooking for 30 seconds, stirring frequently until the garlic is fragrant.
- Garlic Clove(finely chopped)1
8. Add and Cook the Flour
Add the flour and stir to combine. Cooking for 1 minute.
- All Purpose Flour1 ½ Tbsps.
9. Add the Milk and Thicken the Sauce
Reduce the temperature to 215°F/100°C and cook at a low simmer for 5 minutes to thicken the sauce. Whisk frequently to avoid lumps.
- Whole Milk(cold)1 cup
10. Add the Gruyere and Kosher Salt
Whisk to combine.
- Gruyere Cheese(grated)½ cup
- Kosher Salt½ tsp.
11. Add the Cooked Spinach and Finish Cooking
Reduce the temperature to 205°F/95°C (low) and stir the cooked spinach into the sauce. Season with a few turns of black pepper and cook for 5 minutes and 30 seconds until thoroughly heated. Once finished remove the pot from the heat.
- Cooked Spinachall
- Black Pepper(freshly cracked)as needed
12. Transfer to a Casserole Dish
Transfer the creamed spinach to a casserole dish and top with additional gruyere cheese.
- Gruyere Cheese(grated)½ cup
13. Bake the Creamed Spinach
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake until the surface begins to bubble and the cheese lightly browns, approximately 5 minutes.
14. Serve as Desired
Serve hot with toasted bread or let cool to thicken and enjoy with chips.
Let’s Get Cooking!
Get the latest recipes, tips and tricks from the Cue test kitchen!