Easy Vegan Creamed Spinach Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting, luscious side dish that fits perfectly into any meal, you have to try this Easy Vegan Creamed Spinach Recipe. It’s creamy, cozy, and bursting with flavor without a hint of dairy, making it the ultimate plant-based twist on a holiday classic. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll wonder how creamed spinach could ever be this simple and delicious. It’s a vibrant, satisfying way to enjoy your greens, and it pairs beautifully with just about anything on your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Easy Vegan Creamed Spinach Recipe calls for a handful of straightforward ingredients that come together to create a rich, silky texture and a depth of flavor that’s pure comfort food. Each component plays a special role, from the buttery notes to the subtle tang of vegan cream cheese and the earthy punch of nutritional yeast.

• Frozen spinach (2 boxes, 10 ounces each): The base providing vibrant color and nutrients, frozen helps save prep time while maintaining great texture.
• Vegan butter (2 tablespoons): Adds creamy richness and helps sauté the aromatics for that irresistible savory aroma.
• Garlic (1 to 2 cloves, chopped): Infuses the dish with an unmistakable warmth and depth that perks up the whole flavor profile.
• Vidalia or sweet onion (¼ cup, chopped): Brings a natural sweetness balancing the earthiness of the spinach and richness of the sauce.
• Vegan cream cheese (8 ounces): Gives the dish its deliciously creamy and tangy body, perfect for mimicking traditional creamed spinach.
• Non-dairy milk (1 ½ cups, unsweetened and unflavored): Creates the silky sauce without overwhelming other flavors—almond milk works beautifully.
• Nutritional yeast (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle, cheesy flavor and a boost of umami to keep things lively and interesting.
• Garlic powder (1 teaspoon or to taste): Enhances the garlic flavor without overpowering the delicate balance.
• Black pepper (1 teaspoon or to taste): Brings a gentle kick and rounds out the seasoning perfectly.
• Salt (½ teaspoon or to taste): Essential to highlight every flavor and tie everything together in harmony.

How to Make Easy Vegan Creamed Spinach Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Spinach

Start by cooking the frozen spinach in a large pan over medium heat for about 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally as the spinach heats through, ensuring all the excess water evaporates. The goal is to end up with tender, concentrated spinach that’s no longer frozen, which will blend perfectly with the creamy sauce later.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Onion

While the spinach cooks, melt the vegan butter in a separate large pan. Add the chopped garlic and sweet onion, and sauté gently for around five minutes until fragrant and slightly translucent. This step unlocks the natural sweetness of the onion and infuses the butter with aromatic notes that will carry through the dish.

Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce

Next, add the vegan cream cheese to the butter, garlic, and onion mixture. Allow it to melt for a minute or two, stirring to combine. Then whisk in the non-dairy milk, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Let this mixture cook on low heat for five minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens up nicely to a luxuriously creamy consistency.

Step 4: Remove Excess Water from Spinach

Once the spinach is cooked through, transfer it to a clean dish towel or use paper towels to squeeze out any remaining water. Removing excess moisture is key to preventing the creamed spinach from becoming watery and ensures that every bite is rich and flavorful.

Step 5: Combine Spinach and Cream Sauce

Fold the drained spinach into the creamy sauce. Mix thoroughly until all the spinach is evenly coated with that velvety sauce. Give it a quick taste and adjust seasonings with extra salt or pepper if needed, making it just right for your palate.

How to Serve Easy Vegan Creamed Spinach Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a pinch of sea salt on top enhances the dish’s flavors just before serving. For an extra touch of brightness, finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives make wonderful garnishes that also add a lovely pop of color.

Side Dishes

This creamed spinach is a star sidekick for falling into holiday classics like roasted potatoes, vegan mushroom gravy, or a hearty lentil loaf. It also shines alongside grilled veggies or fluffy quinoa bowls, bringing creaminess and nutrients to your plate without any fuss.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve scoops of Easy Vegan Creamed Spinach Recipe in elegant ramekins or as a creamy bed underneath seared tofu steaks or baked cauliflower. You can also spread it over toasted crusty bread for a decadent appetizer that impresses every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow the creamed spinach to cool to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, it should stay fresh for up to four days, making it a convenient make-ahead option for busy weeknights.

Freezing

This dish freezes well, too! Just portion the creamed spinach into freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be stored in the freezer for about two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to bring back that creamy texture without breaking the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until heated through and deliciously warm.

FAQs

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Absolutely! If you prefer fresh spinach, use about 2 pounds and cook it down until wilted and most of the moisture has evaporated before proceeding with the recipe. Fresh spinach will give a slightly brighter flavor and texture.

What can I substitute for vegan cream cheese?

If you don’t have vegan cream cheese on hand, you can try blended soaked cashews or a vegan ricotta alternative. These will add a creamy texture, though flavor profiles may vary slightly.

Is nutritional yeast necessary?

While optional, nutritional yeast really amps up a cheesy, umami flavor that complements the spinach and cream cheese beautifully. If you can’t find it, a bit of vegan Parmesan or even miso paste can offer a similar depth.

Can I make this recipe nut-free?

Yes! Use a nut-free non-dairy milk like oat, rice, or soy milk to keep it safe for nut allergies. Just make sure it’s unsweetened and unflavored to maintain the right taste balance.

How do I make this dish less thick or more creamy?

Adjust the amount of non-dairy milk to reach your desired creaminess. Adding an extra ½ cup as in the recipe notes can make the sauce silkier and easier to mix with the spinach.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Easy Vegan Creamed Spinach Recipe enough if you want a simple yet impressive way to enjoy your greens. Its creamy texture and cozy flavors make it a total crowd-pleaser, whether you’re cooking for a holiday feast or a weeknight dinner. Give it a try and prepare to fall in love with creamed spinach all over again—vegan style!

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