Easy 3 Ingredient Creamed Spinach Recipe

Name: Easy 3-Ingredient Creamed Spinach
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 3 cups Fresh spinach (or 10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and drained); 2 tbsp Butter (salted or unsalted); 4 oz Cream cheese (softened for easy melting); 1 pinch Salt & black pepper (to taste)

Are you looking for a breakfast side dish that's both nutritious and incredibly easy to make? This 3 Ingredient Creamed Spinach recipe is exactly what you need! With just butter, fresh spinach, and cream cheese, you'll have a rich, creamy side that pairs beautifully with eggs, toast, or any breakfast protein.

What makes this 3 Ingredient Creamed Spinach so special is its simplicity. Whether you're cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, this 3 Ingredient Creamed Spinach comes together in under 10 minutes and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Homemade 3 Ingredient Creamed Spinach served in a simple white bowl on a kitchen counter, shot from above.

Why This Simple 3 Ingredient Creamed Spinach Works Every Time

This 3 Ingredient Creamed Spinach has become a breakfast favorite for good reason. It's packed with nutrients from the leafy greens while delivering that rich, satisfying creaminess everyone loves. Unlike traditional recipes that require heavy cream, flour, and multiple steps, this version keeps things beautifully simple. The cream cheese melts into the wilted spinach, creating a naturally thick and silky texture that clings to every leaf.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can enjoy this 3 Ingredient Creamed Spinach alongside scrambled eggs and bacon for a complete breakfast, spread it on toast for a quick bite, or serve it as a side dish for any meal throughout the day. It's also incredibly forgiving; even beginner cooks will nail it on the first try. The minimal ingredients mean there's less to measure, less to clean up, and more time to enjoy your meal.

Jump to:

Ingredients
Instructions
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
Equipment Recommendations
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
The Secret to Restaurant-Quality Results
FAQ
Wrapping Up This Simple Side Dish
Related
Pairing
Easy 3-Ingredient Creamed Spinach

Ingredients

What You'll Need

Fresh spinach (or frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
Butter
Cream cheese

Substitutions & Variations

Plant-based butter and cashew cream cheese for a dairy-free version
Greek yogurt as a lighter, tangier alternative to cream cheese
A splash of milk for a thinner consistency
Frozen spinach (well drained) as an easy substitute for fresh

Fresh spinach, butter, and cream cheese arranged casually on a white kitchen counter, photographed from above

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

If using fresh spinach, rinse it thoroughly under cold water and shake off excess moisture
Cut the cream cheese into small cubes so it melts faster and more evenly
Have your butter ready at room temperature for easier melting
If using frozen spinach, thaw completely and squeeze out as much water as possible using a clean kitchen towel

Step 2: Sauté the Spinach

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the butter
Once the butter melts and starts to foam, add all the fresh spinach at once
Use tongs or a wooden spoon to turn the spinach constantly as it wilts down
This should take about 2-3 minutes; the spinach will reduce to about one-third of its original volume
If using frozen spinach, simply warm it through in the butter for about 1 minute

Step 3: Add the Cream Cheese

Reduce the heat to low and add the cubed cream cheese directly to the wilted spinach
Stir continuously as the cream cheese melts into the spinach
Keep stirring for about 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined and creamy
If the mixture seems too thick, add a tablespoon of milk or pasta water to thin it out
Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer your 3 Ingredient Creamed Spinach to a serving dish while it's still hot
Garnish with a small pat of butter on top for extra richness if desired
Serve immediately alongside your favorite breakfast items
This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated gently on the stovetop

Expert Cooking Tips

Getting the Perfect Texture

The key to amazing creamed spinach is managing moisture. If you're using frozen spinach, squeeze it really well; excess water will make your dish watery instead of creamy.

Temperature Control Matters

Always add your cream cheese on low heat. If the pan is too hot, the cream cheese can separate and become grainy instead of smooth.

Make It Your Own

Add a minced garlic clove to the butter before adding spinach
Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for a gentle kick
Stir in a tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens everything

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

Dietary Modifications

Keto & Low Carb: This recipe is already keto-friendly and low carb. Each serving contains less than 4g net carbs, making it perfect for your breakfast rotation. The high fat content from butter and cream cheese keeps you satisfied for hours.
Dairy-Free Option: Swap regular butter for vegan butter and use dairy-free cream cheese made from cashews or almonds. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
Lighter Version: Replace half the cream cheese with Greek yogurt for fewer calories while maintaining creaminess. You can also use reduced-fat cream cheese without sacrificing much flavor.

Creative Twists

Garlic Lovers: Sauté 2-3 minced garlic cloves in the butter before adding spinach
Cheesy Upgrade: Stir in ¼ cup shredded mozzarella or Parmesan for extra richness
Herbaceous: Add fresh dill, basil, or parsley at the end for a bright herb flavor
Nutty Variation: Toast some pine nuts or sliced almonds to sprinkle on top
Spicy Version: Mix in some diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper

This 3 Ingredient Creamed Spinach adapts beautifully to whatever flavors you love, so don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own signature dish.

Equipment Recommendations

Large skillet or sauté pan (10-12 inches); A wider pan allows the spinach to wilt evenly without steaming. Non-stick or cast iron both work beautifully
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula; Essential for stirring and preventing the cream cheese from sticking to the pan
Kitchen tongs (optional); Makes tossing fresh spinach much easier while it wilts
Cutting board and knife; For cubing the cream cheese into smaller pieces
Measuring spoons; Ensures you get the butter ratio just right

You don't need any fancy equipment for this recipe. A basic skillet and something to stir with are all you really need to make amazing 3 Ingredient Creamed Spinach at home.

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover 3 Ingredient Creamed Spinach in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cream cheese may thicken as it cools, which is completely normal. When reheating, add a splash of milk or water to bring back that creamy consistency.

Reheating Instructions:

Stovetop: Warm gently over low heat, stirring frequently and adding liquid as needed
Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each one
Add a small pat of butter when reheating to refresh the flavor

Freezing Guidelines

While you can freeze this dish, the texture of the cream cheese may change slightly upon thawing. If you do freeze it, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream to restore smoothness.

Meal Prep Strategy

This recipe works wonderfully for meal prep. Make a double batch on Sunday and portion it into individual containers. Pair each serving with hard-boiled eggs and cherry tomatoes for an easy grab-and-go breakfast throughout the week.

Pro tip: If meal prepping, slightly undercook the spinach so it doesn't become mushy when reheated. The residual heat will finish cooking it perfectly when you warm it up later.

The Secret to Restaurant-Quality Results

Here's what separates good creamed spinach from absolutely incredible: room temperature cream cheese and proper seasoning. When your cream cheese is cold straight from the fridge, it takes longer to melt and can create lumps in your sauce. Let it sit on the counter for about 15 minutes before cooking, or microwave it for 10 seconds to soften.

The second secret is seasoning at the right moment. Don't add salt until after the cream cheese is fully incorporated. Cream cheese already contains salt, so taste first, then adjust. A tiny pinch of nutmeg (just a small grating) is a classic addition that elevates this 3 Ingredient Creamed Spinach to steakhouse quality. You won't taste the nutmeg directly, but it adds a subtle warmth that makes people ask, "What's in this?" Finally, finish with freshly cracked black pepper right before serving for the most aromatic punch.

FAQ

How to make simple cream spinach?

Melt butter, add spinach, then stir in cream cheese until smooth. This 3 Ingredient Creamed Spinach takes just 10 minutes.

How to make creamy spinach with flour and milk?

This 3 Ingredient Creamed Spinach uses cream cheese instead, skipping flour and milk entirely for easier preparation.

How do you make Rachael Ray creamed spinach?

This simplified 3 Ingredient Creamed Spinach captures similar creamy results with just butter, spinach, and cream cheese.

How to do creamy spinach without cream?

Use cream cheese instead of heavy cream. This 3 Ingredient Creamed Spinach method creates the same rich texture.

Wrapping Up This Simple Side Dish

This 3 Ingredient Creamed Spinach recipe proves that incredible flavor doesn't require a long ingredient list. In just 10 minutes, you can create a nutritious side dish that works perfectly for breakfast and beyond.

Try it with our Spinach Sandwich Recipe or pair it with our Spinach and Feta Quesadilla Recipe for a complete meal. Once you see how easy it is to make this 3 ingredient creamed spinach, it'll become a regular on your breakfast rotation!

Keep your mornings simple and delicious! 🍳
— Viola

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Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with this 3 Ingredient Creamed Spinach recipe: