If you’ve ever dined at Ruth’s Chris Steak House, you know their creamed spinach is the kind of side dish you remember long after the meal. This recipe recreates that iconic flavor at home a rich blend of tender spinach, cream, butter, and just the right touch of seasoning. It’s smooth, comforting, and indulgent enough to elevate any dinner, from a weeknight roast to a holiday feast. Much like my Okra Stuffed with Spices Telugu Recipe that transforms simple vegetables into something special, this dish proves that sides can be just as memorable as the main course. If you’re a fan of hearty, comforting recipes like my Yopokki Recipe or fresh, vibrant dishes like the Fancy Nancy Chicken Salad, you’ll appreciate how this creamed spinach bridges indulgence with ease. In under 20 minutes, you can bring steakhouse luxury to your table.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
How to Make: Ingredients list, Step-by-step directions
Ingredients for Ruth Chris Creamed Spinach
- 2 pounds fresh spinach (or frozen, thawed and drained well)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups half-and-half or heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Step-by-step Directions
- Wash spinach thoroughly. If using fresh, blanch in boiling water for 1–2 minutes, then drain and chop.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté until softened.
- Stir in flour to create a roux. Cook for 1–2 minutes to remove raw flour taste.
- Gradually whisk in cream until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Add spinach, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the spinach in the creamy sauce.
- Fold in Parmesan cheese just before serving. Serve warm alongside steak, roast chicken, or fish.
What is Ruth Chris Creamed Spinach Recipe?
The Ruth Chris Creamed Spinach Recipe is a luxurious steakhouse classic made with spinach, cream, butter, and a hint of nutmeg. At Ruth’s Chris, it’s served as a rich, velvety side that perfectly complements their sizzling steaks. The dish’s appeal lies in its balance: the earthy flavor of spinach mellowed by creamy richness, with just enough seasoning to make every bite indulgent without overpowering the main course.
While the restaurant’s exact recipe is closely guarded, this home-friendly version captures the essence beautifully. Using fresh spinach delivers the best texture, but high-quality frozen spinach works well for convenience. If you’ve tried comforting vegetable dishes like my Okra Stuffed with Spices Telugu Recipe and enjoyed how simple ingredients can shine, you’ll love this creamy, decadent take on spinach.
Why You’ll Love This
You’ll love this Ruth Chris Creamed Spinach Recipe because it’s:
- Restaurant quality at home – no reservations required.
- Quick to prepare – ready in under 20 minutes.
- Customizable – adjust creaminess, spice, and cheese to your taste.
This recipe transforms spinach into a star-worthy side dish, making it perfect for dinner parties, date nights, or holiday gatherings. Just like my Yopokki Recipe proves comfort food can be gourmet, this creamed spinach shows how a simple vegetable can be elevated with just a few quality ingredients.
What to Serve With Ruth Chris Creamed Spinach
Classic Pairings
Serve it with a juicy ribeye, filet mignon, or roast chicken for a true steakhouse experience. Mashed potatoes or au gratin potatoes make a perfect starchy companion, while roasted carrots or asparagus add color and freshness to the plate.
Lighter Pairings
If you prefer a balanced meal, pair this creamy spinach with grilled fish, quinoa, or a crisp side salad. The richness of the spinach balances well with lighter mains, making it versatile enough for both indulgent and health-conscious menus.
Nutritional Benefits and Storage Tips
Spinach is loaded with vitamins A, C, and K, along with iron, calcium, and antioxidants. While the cream and butter in this recipe add richness, you can easily make lighter swaps like half-and-half or milk to reduce calories.
To store leftovers, let the creamed spinach cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore smoothness. Freezing is not recommended, as the cream can separate when thawed.
FAQs
What makes Ruth’s Chris creamed spinach so good?
It’s the combination of fresh spinach, rich cream, butter, and a hint of nutmeg that creates its signature flavor.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, prepare up to a day in advance, store in the fridge, and reheat gently before serving.
Can I use frozen spinach?
Absolutely. Just thaw completely and squeeze out excess water to avoid watery sauce.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The traditional recipe uses flour for thickening, but you can use cornstarch or gluten-free flour as a substitute.
Conclusion
The Ruth Chris Creamed Spinach Recipe is more than just a side dish it’s a comforting, elegant addition to any meal. Whether you’re serving it with a sizzling steak, a holiday roast, or a simple grilled chicken breast, it delivers the perfect mix of earthy greens and creamy indulgence. With just a handful of pantry ingredients, you can recreate this restaurant favorite in your own kitchen.
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Ruth Chris Creamed Spinach Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Ruth Chris Creamed Spinach Recipe brings the iconic steakhouse flavor home with tender spinach in a rich, velvety cream sauce, ready in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
2 pounds fresh spinach (or frozen, thawed and drained well)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups half-and-half or heavy cream
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Wash spinach thoroughly. If using fresh, blanch in boiling water for 1–2 minutes, drain, and chop.
2. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté until soft.
3. Stir in flour to make a roux; cook 1–2 minutes.
4. Gradually whisk in cream until smooth and thickened.
5. Add spinach, nutmeg, salt, and pepper; stir well.
6. Fold in Parmesan cheese before serving. Serve hot.
Notes
Pat spinach dry to prevent watery sauce.
You can use frozen spinach for convenience—just thaw and squeeze out water before adding.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Steakhouse
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
