Name: Keto Creamed Spinach Recipe
Prep time: 3 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 9 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 20 oz baby spinach; 1/2 medium onion (finely chopped); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 2 tablespoons butter; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup milk; 4 oz cream cheese (softened); 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 85 reviews

If you love rich, velvety greens that pair perfectly with almost any meal, you have to try this Keto Creamed Spinach Recipe. It’s a luscious, low-carb take on a classic side dish that’s creamy without any flour or carbs sneaking in. With every bite, you’ll enjoy the freshness of tender baby spinach wrapped in a dreamy blend of cream cheese, parmesan, and a hint of garlic—all coming together quickly in under 10 minutes. This Keto Creamed Spinach Recipe is truly a game-changer for those following a low-carb lifestyle, or anyone craving that indulgent, comforting vegetable side.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with creamy white sauce that has a smooth texture, topped with two separate piles: one of bright green cooked spinach on the left and another of pale yellow shredded cheese on the bottom left side. A wooden spoon is resting inside the bowl on the right side with its handle pointing outward. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a white and dark striped cloth partially visible under it near the bottom. In the top right corner, there is a small white bowl filled with more shredded pale yellow cheese. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Keto Creamed Spinach Recipe starts with a handful of simple yet powerhouse ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, whether it’s building the creamy texture, adding depth of flavor, or giving you that beautiful, vibrant green color that makes you eager to dig in.

20 oz baby spinach: Fresh and tender, baby spinach is the main star providing that bright, leafy base.
2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps soften the onions and garlic for a perfect flavor foundation.
1/2 medium onion (finely chopped): Brings a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth to the dish.
2 cloves garlic (minced): Offers a fragrant punch that complements spinach beautifully.
1/2 cup heavy cream: Creates that luxuriously creamy texture essential to this recipe.
1/4 cup milk: Thins the cream slightly so the sauce isn’t too thick but still rich.
4 oz cream cheese (softened): Melts into the sauce providing tang and velvety consistency.
1/2 cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated): Adds salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce naturally.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors to their fullest potential.
1/4 teaspoon pepper: Offers just a touch of spice to balance the creaminess.

How to Make Keto Creamed Spinach Recipe

Step 1: Blanch the Spinach

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the baby spinach and blanch it for about 30 seconds. This quick cooking helps the spinach wilt just enough, brightens its color, and takes off any raw edge. Immediately drain the spinach and transfer it to a bowl of tap water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, squeeze out all the excess moisture—this step is key to preventing watery creamed spinach.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Add in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking them until they become fragrant and translucent. This not only softens their texture but also releases their savory sweetness, which infuses the whole dish with amazing flavor.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour the heavy cream and milk into the skillet and add the softened cream cheese. Let everything simmer gently, stirring occasionally until the cream cheese melts completely into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper for balanced flavor. This step transforms simple dairy ingredients into a silky, luscious sauce that clings to the spinach perfectly.

Step 4: Combine Spinach and Cheese

Fold in the blanched spinach and freshly grated parmesan cheese. Stir well to ensure every leaf is coated in that irresistible creamy, cheesy sauce. Heat just enough to warm everything through before removing from the heat. You’ll instantly notice the inviting aroma and rich texture that makes this Keto Creamed Spinach Recipe so beloved.

How to Serve Keto Creamed Spinach Recipe

A white round bowl filled with creamy spinach dip that has a thick white sauce mixed with bright green spinach leaves folded throughout. Thin white shredded cheese is lightly sprinkled on top, adding texture to the smooth dip. The bowl rests on a wooden surface next to a whole garlic bulb, a pile of shredded cheese, and a wooden spoon covered with some of the creamy dip. A white cloth with black stripes is partially visible beneath the bowl. The overall mix looks rich and fresh with a contrast between the creamy white and dark green colors. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle a bit more freshly grated parmesan or some crispy bacon bits on top for a delightful crunch and extra flavor boost. A light dusting of freshly ground black pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes can also add a playful kick that wakes up the creaminess.

Side Dishes

This creamed spinach is a dream next to grilled steaks, roasted chicken, or even juicy pork chops. It also pairs beautifully with keto-friendly cauliflower mash or creamy mashed radishes for an entirely low-carb feast that feels indulgent without the carbs.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd-pleaser, try serving the creamed spinach stuffed inside Portobello mushrooms or rolled up inside slices of smoked salmon. You can even dollop it over keto-friendly pizza crust for a decadent appetizer. The versatility of this Keto Creamed Spinach Recipe means you can get creative with every meal occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover creamed spinach keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it is cooled completely before sealing the container to keep it fresh and prevent condensation from making the spinach watery.

Freezing

If you want to keep this delicious Keto Creamed Spinach Recipe on hand for longer, you can freeze it. Store in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the best texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the dairy from separating. You can add a splash of milk or cream if the sauce thickens too much. Avoid using the microwave for best results, as it can cause uneven heating and a grainy texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh baby spinach?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach, but make sure to thaw and squeeze out all excess moisture before cooking so your creamed spinach doesn’t turn out watery.

Is this Keto Creamed Spinach Recipe dairy-free?

No, this recipe relies on dairy ingredients like cream cheese, heavy cream, and parmesan. For a dairy-free version, you’d need to substitute with keto-friendly non-dairy alternatives, though the texture and flavor will differ.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes while sautéing the onion and garlic or stir in some cayenne pepper toward the end for a spicy twist that pairs well with the creamy sauce.

Can this be made vegan or vegetarian?

This Keto Creamed Spinach Recipe is vegetarian-friendly but not vegan due to dairy. For a vegan option, replace the dairy with plant-based cream cheese, coconut cream, and nutritional yeast instead of parmesan.

What other cheeses can I use besides parmesan?

Sharp cheddar or Gruyère can work well if you want a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that parmesan adds a salty, nutty taste that complements the dish uniquely.

Final Thoughts

I honestly cannot recommend this Keto Creamed Spinach Recipe enough if you want a simple, quick, and incredibly satisfying side dish. It’s creamy, flavorful, and such a crowd-pleaser—perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike. Give it a try and see how this humble vegetable transforms into pure comfort food that fits your keto lifestyle beautifully.