Why You’ll Love This Creamed Spinach

Finding easy side dishes is never a problem. But easy *and* fancy side dishes? That’s a different story! This creamed spinach recipe is both simple to prepare and guaranteed to impress.

• Ultra-creamy texture: A combination of cashews and plant-based milk creates a silky smooth sauce so rich, you won’t believe it’s dairy-free. It’s the perfect texture for a creamed spinach.
• Effortless preparation: Using frozen spinach simplifies prep work and reduces cooking time! If you like easy creamed dishes, you may also want to try my Vegan Creamed Corn and Creamed Onions.
• Highly adaptable: Whether you need a stunning make-ahead holiday side dish or a quick weeknight accompaniment, this recipe easily scales to suit any occasion.

Key Ingredients for Vegan Creamed Spinach

Here’s a closer look at the ingredients you’ll need to make this delightful creamed spinach. Scroll down to the recipe card for specific ingredient quantities and detailed instructions.

• Vegan butter: I prefer my Homemade Vegan Butter, but store-bought vegan butter works perfectly well. Look for a high-quality vegan butter for the best flavor.
• Onion and garlic: These aromatics create a savory and flavorful base. Want to change things up? Substitute the fresh garlic with a head of Roasted Garlic for a deeper, sweeter garlic flavor.
• Spinach: The star of the show! You can use either frozen or fresh spinach (instructions for both are included below).
• Raw cashews: Be sure to use raw, unsalted cashews. They blend much more smoothly than roasted cashews, giving you that perfect creamy texture.
• Plant-based milk: Opt for unsweetened and unflavored plant-based milk. (Vanilla spinach? No, thank you!) Almond, soy, and oat milk all work great.
• Vegan Parmesan cheese: While I love my homemade Vegan Parmesan Cheese, store-bought vegan Parmesan that you can grate off a block melts seamlessly into the sauce in this recipe. For a budget-friendly alternative, nutritional yeast also works.
• Seasonings: A touch of nutmeg, salt, and black pepper enhances all the flavors. Don’t skip the nutmeg, as it adds a distinctive and delicious warmth.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Vegan Creamed Spinach

This recipe is incredibly simple! Let’s break it down step by step. (If you’re using fresh spinach, you’ll find those instructions in the printable recipe card.)

• Prepare the cashew cream: Blend the soaked cashews with the plant milk until completely smooth. A high-speed blender will give you the best results.
• Cook the aromatics: Sauté the onion in the vegan butter for 3 to 4 minutes, then add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
• Incorporate the spinach: Stir in the spinach and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until heated through. Make sure you squeeze out as much water as possible.
• Make it creamy: Pour in the cashew cream and simmer until thickened, stirring occasionally. This should take just a few minutes.

• Season to perfection: Add the nutmeg, salt, black pepper, and vegan Parmesan and stir until the cheese melts into the sauce.
• Serve and enjoy: Season to taste and serve immediately. Garnish with extra vegan Parmesan, if desired.

Tips and Creative Variations

• Spice it up: If you enjoy a little heat, add a pinch or two of crushed red pepper flakes along with the garlic.
• Kale substitution: For a heartier texture, use chopped lacinato kale instead of spinach. It will need a slightly longer cooking time to soften.
• Drain, drain, drain: Thoroughly draining the spinach is crucial! Excess moisture will lead to a watery sauce.
• Make ahead magic: Creamed spinach makes a wonderful make-ahead holiday side dish as it reheats easily. Be aware that the sauce may thicken in the refrigerator, so you might need to add a splash of plant-based milk when reheating.
• Add some artichoke: Chopped artichoke hearts add a nice texture and flavor to this dish. Add them in when you add the spinach.
• Swap the parmesan: Try using a different vegan cheese such as cheddar or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
• Add a lemon: A squeeze of lemon juice at the end will brighten up all the flavors of the dish.

Serving Suggestions

We love serving this creamed spinach over Vegan Mashed Potatoes instead of gravy for a comforting and satisfying meal! It also complements sides like Cornbread Stuffing and Baked Vegan Mac and Cheese. For a holiday feast, pair it with a main course like Vegan Wellington or Tourtière.

It’s also a delicious and healthy addition to baked potatoes, scrambled tofu, or even as a topping for your favorite pasta dish. The creamy texture and rich flavor make it a versatile ingredient that can be used in countless ways.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

• Storage: Store any leftover creamed spinach in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freezing is not recommended, as the cashew cream may become grainy upon thawing.
• Reheating: Gently warm the creamed spinach on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce becomes too thick, simply add a splash of plant milk to restore its creamy consistency. You can also microwave it, but be sure to stir it every 30 seconds to prevent it from splattering.

More Delicious Vegan Side Dish Recipes

• Corn Soufflé
• Grilled Maple Mustard Brussels Sprouts
• Balsamic Roasted Vegetables
• Garlic Roasted Potatoes
• Vegan Scalloped Potatoes
• Roasted Asparagus

These recipes are all delicious, easy to make, and sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re looking for a side dish for a weeknight meal or a holiday feast, these recipes are sure to deliver. Enjoy!