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

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

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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

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

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.

Can you 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.

Can you eat celery on a keto diet? ›

Celery sticks are a low calorie, low carb food that a person can eat while following a keto diet. According to the USDA , 110 g of celery — or about nine celery sticks — contains around 3 g of carbs. Celery sticks are excellent choices for dipping in nut butters, such as unsweetened peanut or almond butter.

Is cabbage keto friendly? ›

Cabbage is another great vegetable that will fit within your keto restrictions.

Is raw spinach keto friendly? ›

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).

What foods can I eat unlimited on keto? ›

Foods you can eat on the keto diet include fish and seafood, meat and poultry, non-starchy vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and zucchini, avocados, berries, nuts and seeds, eggs, high-fat dairy products, olive oil and other oils, and high-cocoa chocolate.

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.

Can I eat peanut butter 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.

What is the best fruit to eat on 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.

Are pickles good for keto? ›

Luckily, pickles are keto friendly, especially those that are of the dill pickle variety, as sugar is low. “Simply put, sweet pickles are made with sugar which will automatically push the carb count up,” says Hultin. “Dill or salt pickles don't have the added sugar and carbs, naturally,” she says.

Can I eat cucumbers on keto? ›

Cucumber is another popular salad vegetable. It contains many essential nutrients, including vitamin K. Cucumber is also suitable for the keto diet, as its carb content is just 3.63 g per 100 g. To make the carb content lower, a person can peel the cucumber before eating it.

Is cottage cheese good for keto? ›

Cottage cheese, like ricotta, is not as keto-friendly, and you should limit the amount you eat if you're on a strict keto diet, says Weiss. While cottage cheese is known for its high protein content, it also contains a relatively high amount of carbs and not that much fat, making it a less-than-ideal choice for keto.

Are olives keto? ›

Olives are a great source of fat whilst remaining incredibly low in carbohydrates, in every 100g of olives there is only around 3 net carbs. They are the perfect way to fill yourself up whilst on a keto diet, either as a light snack or even on top of salads.

Can I eat a carrot on keto? ›

The bottom line. Carrots can be eaten on keto, but it may be difficult to include them regularly or in large quantities, as they contain a fair amount of carbs. Some less starchy alternatives to enjoy raw or cooked include celery, broccoli, and cauliflower.

What lettuce is keto friendly? ›

What lettuce is best for keto? Romaine lettuce, spinach, and arugula are the best lettuce options for keto. Generally, opt for darker, leafy greens, as they contain more nutrients than iceberg lettuce and other light green varieties.

Can you eat raw eggs on keto? ›

If you've been wondering “can you eat eggs on keto”, we've got an answer for you. Yes — according to the USDA, 1 large egg contains 6 grams of protein, 5 grams of fat, and less than 1 gram of carbohydrate, making it ideal for the keto diet.

Does canned spinach have carbs? ›

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

What canned foods are keto-friendly? ›

Canned Goods: Sadly, nutrient-rich canned beans are a no-no on the keto diet, but that gives you the opportunity to get more canned sardines into your life. All heart-healthy omega-3 fat-rich tuna and SMASH (salmon, mackerel, anchovies, sardines and herring) fish come in convenient cans or tins.

Is canned spinach OK to eat? ›

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.

Is canned spinach already cooked? ›

Store-bought canned spinach is fully cooked. To cook, simply place the spinach, along with the liquid from the can, into a saucepan and cook until heated through. Drain and serve.

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