An ultra creamy and cheesy low-carb keto creamed spinach recipe! It’s packed with so much cheesy flavor, even the kids will be asking for seconds!
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There’s a very good reason this recipe for keto creamed spinach has been one of my most popular for years. Just one bite and you’ll quickly have a new favorite low carb side dish!
It’s super easy to make, and it’s irresistibly delicious. Even kids love it! And who couldn’t use a new way to get kids to eat their vegetables?
Personally, I’m a big vegetable eater. Spinach smothered in cream sauce is one of my favorite sides.
But most creamed spinach recipes are made with a high-carb flour roux. This makes them difficult to enjoy if you’re trying to stay low carb.
Thankfully, there is an easy way to transform this dish into a great low carb side. To make creamed spinach keto, a bit of cream cheese and heavy whipping cream is all you need! No flour necessary.
The taste and texture remind me of the creamed spinach I used to get at Boston Market. It was my favorite! Now, I’m so happy to have a low carb version.
This keto creamed spinach is very easy to throw together, which is perfect for the holidays or a busy weeknight. It’s the kind of warm, comforting dish that you’ll want to make again and again.
Is spinach good for keto
Spinach is a great vegetable to enjoy on the keto diet!
It’s very low in carbs, but high in vitamins and nutrients. Spinach is also a great source of fiber, iron, potassium, and magnesium.
Overall, if you’re looking for vegetables to add to your keto diet, spinach should be at the top of your list.
How to cook keto creamed spinach
This side dish is easy to throw together, so it’s great when you’re in a hurry. To prepare, just follow these simple steps:
- Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a medium pot.
- Mix in the minced garlic and onion powder. Saute for a few minutes until the garlic is fragrant.
- Add the thawed frozen spinach and reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and continue to cook for about 5 minutes.
- While the spinach mixture is cooking, heat another pot over medium heat. Mix in 1 tablespoon of butter with cream cheese, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese. This step is what makes this recipe so cheesy and delicious!
- Cook until the cream cheese is melted, then whisk the sauce until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the cheese sauce into the pan of cooked spinach and mix it all together. Top each serving with fresh grated parmesan, if desired.
That’s it! All that’s left to do is enjoy!
What do you eat with creamed spinach
There are so many ways to enjoy low carb creamed spinach! In case you need some inspiration, here are a few ideas:
- Eat it with a fork. Seriously, this side dish is super delicious on all its own!
- Serve it as a dip. Pork rinds, keto parmesan crisps, or low carb tortilla chips would all go very well with this side.
- Reheat creamed spinach in a casserole sprinkled with crushed pork rinds for an easy, hearty dinner.
- Slather on top of chicken breasts to add a little fat to your lean protein.
I even had a reader tell me she used creamed spinach as a topping on her bunless burger, which sounds amazing! You will definitely need a fork and knife for that one.
But long story short, this easy and versatile keto side dish will go well with pretty much any meal. You can’t go wrong!
How many net carbs are in creamed spinach
This recipe will make about 8 half-cup servings. For a half cup, there are about 3 grams net carbs per serving.
So if you’re trying to keep your carbs low but looking for tasty ways to eat vegetables, this creamed spinach recipe is for you!
Can you eat canned spinach on keto
We always hear that fresh food is better. It makes sense to try to eat foods that are less processed.
But sometimes, fresh is harder to find. It’s also more expensive, and you run the risk of it going bad before you can eat it.
Well, I have some good news… Pop-eye was right all along! Canned spinach is packed with nutrients and very low carb, just like fresh spinach.
If canned spinach is easier to find than fresh or frozen, it will still work well in this recipe. And you can be happy knowing you’re still getting a big health boost.
Other low carb spinach dishes
Looking for other delicious ways to enjoy spinach as part of your low carb diet? Check out a few of these favorites:
- Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms With Spinach And Artichoke is so easy to make for a super tasty vegetarian low carb dish!
- Palak Soup is an Indian spinach soup recipe that is nutrient-dense, sublimely savory, and perfect for chilly nights.
- Ham And Cauliflower Rice Casserole With Spinach is a great way to use up leftover ham from the holidays that’s also delicious!
- Coconut Creamed Spinach With Pork Crackling is a paleo, dairy-free version of creamed spinach that includes pork belly.
- Spinach Mushroom Cheese Quiche is super easy to make and can be prepared with or without a crust.
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Cheesy Low Carb Creamed Spinach
Recipe Video (Click on Image to Play)
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 cloves garlic , minced
- 2 (10 oz) packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained or equivalent fresh
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan or Romano cheese
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Saute garlic and onion powder in 3 tablespoons butter. Mix in spinach and cook on low, covered, about 5 minutes.
- In another pot, mix 1 tablespoon butter with cream cheese, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese. Cook on medium heat until cream cheese is melted. Whisk until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Add cheese sauce to cooked spinach. You can eat as is or make ahead to reheat in a casserole sprinkled with crushed pork rinds.
Notes
Low Carb Sweeteners | Keto Sweetener Conversion Chart
Nutrition
Additional Info
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Note on Nutritional Information
Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate only. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site. Erythritol carbs are not included in carb counts as it has been shown not to impact blood sugar. Net carbs are the total carbs minus fiber.
Unauthorized use of this material without written permission from Lisa MarcAurele is strictly prohibited unless for personal offline purposes.
Single photos may be used, provided that full credit is given to LowCarbYum.com along with a link back to the original content.
First Published: September 22, 2010… Last Updated: December 11, 2019
Christina Simmons
I made this tonight just by the recipe, used fresh spinach I had leftover. It was delicious!! I was licking the sauce off the spoon like it was frosting 😄😋
Angee
I could not believe my mouth. Followed the recipe exactly and it was amazing. I’ve tried so many creamed spinach recipes and they were never right. This came out perfectly and it’s keto! Score!
Staci
AMAZING…..you have mastered this recipe…..I did add some crushed red flakes…..I’m from Louisiana so we always gotta have it spicy…..my new favorite side and will be using it to stuff chicken breasts and pork chops!!!
Lisa MarcAurele
Great idea sprinkling on red pepper flakes. I like spicy too!
Anna Smith
Amazing recipe. Please let me know can I add keto chicken Bone broth powder in it? Here is the link of the powder that I’ve.
https://lonolife.com/products/keto-chicken-bone-broth-bulk-container
Lisa MarcAurele
It should be fine to add a little bone broth as long as you don’t add too much.
Kelly
This was the most delicious creamed spinach I have ever had. Plus it was so easy to make. This will be a reciept to keep and make for years to come! Thanks
Terri S
Made this for dinner Omg much better than Boston Market
Cynthia Camplain
My husband and I really like this recipe. It’s quick and easy to make. Yummy, too.
Lisa MarcAurele
Agree! My kids eat this one because it’s so cheesy.
Sara
Delicious! This has quickly become a weekly regular. I sometimes half the recipe using the full amount of spinach depending on the macros I need, and it is still just as tasty. Thanks for so many wonderful recipes!
Brynn
HOLY COW is this good!!! I’ve always made creamed spinach with a roux and even if/when I’m not doing such a low carb way of eating anymore, I’ll still keep making it this way instead! I used fresh spinach and it’s to die for – thank you so much!!
Lisa MarcAurele
My pleasure! Glad the low carb creamed spinach was such a hit.
Stacey
I made this for Christmas; it was the best. So easy to make and tastes better than some expensive restaurants I have ate at. My grandchildren (ages 9 yrs to 21 months) loved it’s well as the adults.
Thank you for sharing
Lisa MarcAurele
You’re welcome. I’m so glad the family enjoyed the cheesy creamed spinach side dish.
Wendy
Absolutely delicious!!!
I served mine with sauteed mushrooms and a pork chop….yummy!!
Lisa MarcAurele
Creamed spinach always goes well with pork!
Halley
This is so yummy!! Made it many times over, but this time did not get to defrost the spinach fully in time, and could not ring it out properly. It came out a bit soupy because of the excess water. Tip on how I can make it creamy again?
Lisa MarcAurele
You could try adding more cheese or a thickener like xanthan gum.
Apoorva Giliyal
Hi the recipe sounds amazing !!
I was wondering can I use water instead of broth ??
Lisa MarcAurele
There’s no broth in the recipe but you can add some if you want.
JIM
I made this and added minced breakfast link sausage! Oh my God so freaking good!!!
Lisa MarcAurele
Great idea to add in some meat!
Izora
Thank you!! This was so delicious although I had forgotten to add the cream cheese and believe me I had all intentions to add it however, it turned out great!!
Lisa
Good to know it works out without the cream cheese!
Karen Shaw
HUGE YUM! Made exactly as written except I used both fresh and frozen (in bag) spinach. Fast and easy to prepare and both my husband and I loved it. Cheesy and creamy and a great side dish with almost anything. We are Keto eaters and I will be making this again for sure.
Lisa
Thanks for writing in to let us know how much you enjoyed it!
MRose
Love, Love, Love! I have made this twice in two weeks. My family likes it too! Yummy!! Very decadent!
Lisa
Always great when the rest of the family eats the low carb creations!
Adrienne
OMG made this tonight and it was DELISH! Used fresh spinach, 1/4 cup less heavy cream to make thicker and added freshly grated nutmeg. Soooo good! Thank you for a great low carb dish.
Lisa
You’re welcome!
Jessica
What about using fresh spinach? How much would I use and would I cook it first or mix it raw?
Lisa
You’d use the same, just cook first and drain.
Mindy
I cut this recipe by 1/4 (cooking for one) for two servings and it turned out fantastic!! I’ve never had creamed spinach, but had a bag of fresh and gave it a whirl. I served it over a grilled hamburger patty (no bun – doing keto) and it was so good. For my other serving, I’m going to put it over a grilled marinated portobello mushroom cap…Thanks
Lisa
Thanks for the suggestions Mindy!
Wendy
This was fantastic! I cut the recipe in half since there were just 3 of us and I almost wish I had made the entire thing! I will definitely be making this again.
Lisa
Yay! Good to hear this one worked out so well for you.
Bonnie
I also cut in half for 3. My husband finished it off. No leftovers. I used milk instead of cream. Still tasted great without the fat.
Meredith
I think heavy cream adds too much fat and calories. Could I substitute anything else for this?
Lisa
You can use coconut milk or almond milk or dilute the heavy cream with water.