Keto Creamed Spinach Recipe (low-carb + easy) 🥬 (2024)

Published: · Updated: by Cast Iron Keto · 28 Comments

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Transform ordinary spinach into a delicious treat with this Keto Creamed Spinach. It's a creamy and flavorful blend of greens that fits well with various meals, all while keeping your carb intake low. Even better, this low-carb side dish is quick and easy to prepare, making it a must-try for your next meal!

Keto Creamed Spinach Recipe (low-carb + easy) 🥬 (1)
Jump to:
  • Preparation and cooking overview
  • Chef's note
  • 🥬 Ingredients for this keto creamed spinach recipe
  • Additional ingredients
  • Cooking tools required
  • Tools substitute options
  • How to make Keto Creamed Spinach: step-by-step guide
  • Cooking methods
  • Preparation steps
  • Cooking instructions
  • What to serve with low-carb creamed spinach?
  • How to make it healthier
  • Time-saving tips
  • Storage and reheating instructions
  • Recipe wrap-up and conclusion
  • Frequently asked questions
  • 📖 Recipe

Preparation and cooking overview

Preparing this keto creamed spinach is quick and incredibly simple, taking just 15 minutes from start to finish. Simply sauté garlic and onion in butter, then toss in the spinach and cook. Next, mix in a creamy blend of heavy cream and cream cheese for a deliciously smooth texture. Finish it off with Parmesan, and voilà! You have a velvety creamed spinach that's perfect when you need a yummy side dish in a hurry!

Chef's note

Feel free to get creative with this recipe by experimenting with different spices. If you're a fan of spicy flavors, add a dash of cayenne pepper or some sliced jalapenos when sautéing the spinach. For a little extra crunch, try sprinkling toasted almonds over the top before serving.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 Minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Recipe Makes 4 Servings

For more inspiration check out our Sides recipe.

🥬 Ingredients for this keto creamed spinach recipe

To prepare this keto spinach recipe, you'll need the following ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • ¼ small onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 pound of baby spinach, washed and drained
  • ¼ cup of heavy cream or unsweetened plain almond milk (as preferred)
  • ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese (use Violife Parmesan for a dairy-free option)
  • 2 ounces of cream cheese (choose dairy-free if following a plant-based diet)
  • A pinch of nutmeg
  • Sea salt, to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Additional ingredients

Add some extra flavors and textures to your keto cream spinach by considering these optional ingredients:

  • Bacon: Cook and crumble a couple of slices, then sprinkle over the spinach just before serving.
  • Mushrooms: Slice and sauté with the onions and garlic for an earthy flavor.
  • Sun-dried tomatoes: Chop and stir into the skillet after wilting the fresh baby spinach for a tangy twist.
  • Almond slivers: Toast lightly and sprinkle on top for a bit of crunch.
  • Red pepper flakes: Add a sprinkle over your finished dish if you prefer a little heat.

To make this keto cream spinach recipe, you'll need the following tools:

Tools substitute options

  • Cast-iron skillet: If you don't have a cast-iron skillet, use a regular skillet or frying pan that's spacious enough to hold all the ingredients.
Keto Creamed Spinach Recipe (low-carb + easy) 🥬 (2)

How to make Keto Creamed Spinach: step-by-step guide

Cooking methods

  • Sautéing

Preparation steps

  1. Gather and measure all the ingredients.
  2. Peel and slice the red onion and garlic cloves thinly.
  3. Wash the baby spinach and pat them dry with paper towels.
  4. Grate the Parmesan cheese.

Cooking instructions

  1. Heat the butter in a 10.5" cast iron skillet until it's hot.
  2. Add the minced garlic and onion to the skillet. Cook them for 3-4 minutes or until they become soft.
  3. Next, add the spinach and cook for 3-4 minutes. You'll notice it reduces in size as it cooks.
  4. Now, toss in the heavy cream and cream cheese. Stir them together with the spinach.
  5. Cook until the spinach is wilted. Then, stir in the Parmesan cheese, a pinch of nutmeg, and season with sea salt and black pepper to taste.
  6. Your keto creamed spinach is ready to serve. Bon Appétit!

Chef's pro tip

Want to cook the spinach evenly and make it wilt faster? After you put the fresh spinach in the pan, cover the skillet with a lid for about a minute. This traps the steam inside and helps the spinach cook evenly. It'll become perfectly wilted and ready to soak up the cheesy, creamy sauce. Try it, and you'll see the difference!

What to serve with low-carb creamed spinach?

Looking for the perfect match for our keto creamy spinach? Here are some tasty ideas:

  • Garlic Butter Shrimp: The rich flavor of buttery, garlicky shrimp makes a luxurious combo with creamed spinach. It's a meal that feels like a treat!
  • Broiled Salmon: Try the creamed spinach with broiled salmon. It's a satisfying pairing that tastes as good as it looks.
  • Chuck Eye Steak: A juicy, flavorful grilled steak and our spinach are a great team. They taste wonderful together.
  • Cauliflower Rice: Want a low-carb rice alternative? Cauliflower rice lets our creamed spinach's creamy goodness shine.
  • Keto Dinner Rolls: If you enjoy bread with your meal, try our low-carb dinner rolls made from almond flour. They're perfect for dipping into the cream sauce and work well with the spinach.

How to make it healthier

  • Use organic ingredients: If you can find them in your grocery store, go for organic baby spinach, onion, and garlic.
  • Reduce sodium: Want less salt in your diet? Cut down on the added salt in this recipe, or leave it out altogether.

Time-saving tips

  • Pre-chopped veggies: Save prep time by grabbing pre-chopped onions and garlic from your local grocery store.
  • Pre-grated cheese: Instead of grating the Parmesan cheese yourself, buy pre-grated cheese. Just be sure it's pure cheese with no additives.

Storage and reheating instructions

Storage instructions

  • Refrigerate: Place your leftover creamed spinach in an airtight container after it cools to room temperature. Store it in the fridge, and it will remain fresh for 3-4 days.

Reheating instructions

  • Stovetop: Place the leftovers in a pan over medium heat and heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until heated through.
  • Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Transfer the creamed spinach to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and reheat for 10-15 minutes.

Note: When reheating, add a bit of heavy cream to the dish to retain the creamy texture.

Recipe wrap-up and conclusion

So there you have it! Transforming ordinary spinach into a comforting, keto-friendly meal has never been easier. Whether you're a seasoned chef or just starting in the kitchen, this recipe has something for everyone. Pair it with your favorite meat or enjoy it solo — the choice is yours.

With simple steps, easy substitutions, and the freedom to experiment, you're all set to create something truly delicious. So why wait? Grab those ingredients and get cooking. This Keto Creamed Spinach might just become your new favorite dish. Happy cooking, and enjoy your meal!

Frequently asked questions

Our creamed spinach is keto since we use low-carb ingredients. This low carb creamed spinach recipe doesn't contain flour or other high-carb thickeners commonly found in traditional creamed spinach recipes.

You can make this creamed spinach dairy-free with these simple swaps:

  • Butter — Use Miyoko's vegan butter.
  • Heavy cream — Use unsweetened plain almond milk or coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
  • Parmesan cheese — Swap it with Violife Parmesan!
  • Cream cheese — Use dairy-free option. Our's favorite is Kite Hill or Tofutti.

Feel free to use frozen spinach if you can't find fresh spinach. Just thaw and drain it thoroughly to remove excess water before adding it to the skillet.

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. This gluten free creamed spinach can be a great side dish option if you or someone in your family follows a gluten-free diet.

Feel free to try different kinds of cheese in this recipe. Whether it's gouda or sharp cheddar, using a new cheese can add an exciting twist to the flavor. Just remember to choose hard cheeses that you can grate easily, and you'll be on your way to a tasty new version of this dish!

While storing it in the freezer is possible, we recommend enjoying fresh creamed spinach or reheating it from the refrigerator for the best taste and quality.

📖 Recipe

Keto Creamed Spinach Recipe (low-carb + easy) 🥬 (3)

Keto Creamed Spinach

This Keto Creamed Spinach is the perfect low-carb side dish to any meal! See the post above for vegan options.

4.64 from 25 votes

Print Rate Pin Recipe

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: 30-minute, easy, keto, low carb

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 183kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon butter dairy-free if plant-based
  • ¼ small onion thinly sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1 lb baby spinach
  • ¼ cup heavy cream or unsweetened plain almond milk
  • ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese Violife parm for dairy-free
  • 2 ounces cream cheese dairy-free if plant-based
  • Pinch nutmeg
  • Salt and pepper to taste

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Heat the butter in a 10.5" cast iron skillet until it's hot.

  • Add the minced garlic and onion to the skillet. Cook them for 3-4 minutes or until they become soft.

  • Next, add the spinach and cook for 3-4 minutes. You'll notice it reduces in size as it cooks.

  • Now, toss in the heavy cream and cream cheese. Stir them together with the spinach.

  • Cook until the spinach is wilted. Then, stir in the Parmesan cheese, a pinch of nutmeg, and season with sea salt and black pepper to taste.

  • Your keto creamed spinach is ready to serve. Bon Appétit!

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Keto Creamed Spinach

Amount Per Serving

Calories 183Calories from Fat 135

% Daily Value*

Fat 15g23%

Saturated Fat 9g56%

Cholesterol 49mg16%

Sodium 262mg11%

Potassium 674mg19%

Carbohydrates 7g2%

Fiber 3g13%

Sugar 1g1%

Protein 7g14%

Vitamin A 11184IU224%

Vitamin C 33mg40%

Calcium 208mg21%

Iron 3mg17%

*

Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

# Hashtag with us!Don't forget to mention @castiron_keto or tag #castironketo on Instagram with your creations! We love seeing what you're making.

Keto Creamed Spinach Recipe (low-carb + easy) 🥬 (2024)

FAQs

Can I eat canned spinach on keto? ›

You do not have to limit vegetables if you are on the keto diet or are considering it. Plenty of low-carb vegetable options include arugula, asparagus, bell peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, kale, mushrooms, spinach, and tomatoes.

Is cooked spinach good for keto diet? ›

Green leafy veggies are extremely low in carbs, making them excellent for keto. They're also rich sources of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants (45). In particular, dark leafy greens like spinach, kale, and collard greens are packed with vitamin K and iron (45).

Is Zucchini good for keto? ›

Yes, zucchini is keto-friendly, being low in carbs and calories. It's a versatile vegetable for keto recipes, adding bulk and nutrition. For more keto-friendly food recommendations and recipes, explore our Quora Space dedicated to delicious and compliant options for a successful keto journey.

Is asparagus okay on a keto diet? ›

Yes, asparagus is keto-friendly. Not only is this green vegetable keto approved (as are most green vegetables) but it is also packed with tons of vitamins. It's loaded with Vitamin A, C and E as well as B vitamins.

Is canned spinach low in carbs? ›

Canned Spinach (1 cup) contains 7.3g total carbs, 2.1g net carbs, 1.1g fat, 6g protein, and 49 calories.

What is the lowest carb canned food? ›

Green beans, olives, sauerkraut, pickles, and tomatoes are all good low-carb canned vegetable choices. Carrots are slightly higher in carbs, but can also be a good choice. You can also find canned coconut flesh and canned broccoli and cauliflower at many international grocery stores.

Which vegetable is not allowed in keto? ›

Vegetables to avoid in a keto diet
VegetableCarbs per 100 g
sweetcorn5.31 g
potatoes20.45 g
sweet potatoes16.82 g
beets9.56 g
3 more rows
Apr 28, 2021

Is peanut butter OK on keto? ›

Peanut butter can definitely be part of a keto diet, but it's best to stick to plain options that are free of extra flavors and sweeteners. Almond butter is a good choice, too, and it's slightly lower in carbs. Additionally, you should be mindful of your portion size if you're trying to lose weight.

How to get into ketosis in 24 hours? ›

You can make several diet changes to reach ketosis in 24 hours, including:
  1. Increasing your fat intake.
  2. Cutting out added sugars and processed snacks.
  3. Eating moderate amounts of protein.
  4. Consuming an abundance of non-starchy vegetables.
  5. Taking supplements such as exogenous ketones.
Jan 31, 2023

Which fruit is keto? ›

Keto fruits by definition are low in carbohydrates. You still need to exercise portion control with most keto-friendly fruits to be within the limits of a keto diet. Keto-friendly fruits include avocados, watermelon, strawberries, lemons, tomatoes, raspberries, peaches, cantaloupe, star fruit, and blackberries.

Which beans are keto friendly? ›

Keto-friendly beans

On a strict keto diet, your best bet for beans is to choose either green beans or black soybeans. While green beans are typically prepared more like a vegetable than a bean, black soybeans are a great alternative to other, starchier beans in soups, bean dips, refried beans, or other recipes.

Can you eat cabbage on keto? ›

Cabbage is delicious when stuffed into keto fajitas, used in soups, or made into coleslaw with a rich, creamy high-fat dressing that's keto-friendly. It has 2 grams of net carbs per cup shredded, so you can eat a lot in one sitting without falling out of ketosis, says Dixon.

Can I have bell peppers on keto? ›

Bell peppers make a great addition to keto diets because they are filled with essential vitamins and have several associated health benefits. They also have a low-carb count meaning you can enjoy them in abundance without affecting your ketosis.

Is mushroom good for keto? ›

Mushrooms, like oyster, shiitake, white button, and portobello, are naturally low in carbohydrates, making them a keto-friendly food. Enjoy them raw or cooked, in dishes like stir-fry, casseroles, scrambles, soups, or stuffed with low carb ingredients like cream cheese and bacon.

What canned vegetables are keto-friendly? ›

Many canned foods—including green beans, asparagus, and mushrooms—are low-carb and won't affect your blood sugar balance. However, Healthy Keto focuses on high-quality, nutrient-rich, and minimally processed ingredients.

Is canned spinach OK? ›

Also, despite the popular belief that "fresh is best," frozen or canned baby spinach has just as many health benefits as fresh, often at less cost. Frozen or canned spinach is also easier to store, and keeps for a long time.

Is canned spinach as good as raw spinach? ›

If your spinach always goes bad before you get a chance to eat it, canned spinach is the way to go. Canned spinach actually contains more vitamin C per serving than its fresh counterpart! It's also a rich source of vitamin K and potassium and is a great addition to dips, soups, omelettes or simple as a side.

Are canned greens keto-friendly? ›

Yes, canned vegetables are keto-friendly! Raw or fresh vegetables will have more fiber which will lower the net carb amount per cup.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Pres. Lawanda Wiegand

Last Updated:

Views: 5642

Rating: 4 / 5 (71 voted)

Reviews: 86% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Pres. Lawanda Wiegand

Birthday: 1993-01-10

Address: Suite 391 6963 Ullrich Shore, Bellefort, WI 01350-7893

Phone: +6806610432415

Job: Dynamic Manufacturing Assistant

Hobby: amateur radio, Taekwondo, Wood carving, Parkour, Skateboarding, Running, Rafting

Introduction: My name is Pres. Lawanda Wiegand, I am a inquisitive, helpful, glamorous, cheerful, open, clever, innocent person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.