Ruth’s Chris Creamed Spinach Recipe

If you’ve ever wanted to recreate Ruth’s Chris famous creamed spinach right in your own kitchen, you’re in for a treat!

With simple ingredients and a straightforward method, this recipe transforms spinach into a rich, creamy side dish bursting with flavor.

A key trick is to use fresh spinach and squeeze out as much liquid as possible to avoid a watery texture.

I love how this recipe brings a touch of that steakhouse quality to any home meal, making it a delightful addition to your dinner table.

How to Make Ruth’s Chris Creamed Spinach Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 lb Fresh Baby Spinach Leaves
• 4 tbsp Butter
• 1 Medium Onion (chopped)
• 2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour
• 1 cup Whole Milk
• 1 Bay Leaf
• 1 Whole Clove
• Salt (to taste)
• Nutmeg (to taste)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Blanch the spinach in boiling water for about 2 minutes.

Quickly transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.

Drain well and squeeze out as much liquid as possible.

Step 2:

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add the chopped onion and saute until it turns translucent.

Step 3:

Stir in the flour and continue stirring until it turns a light golden color.

This should take about 5 minutes.

Step 4:

Slowly whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form.

Add the bay leaf and whole clove, then bring the mixture to a boil.

Lower the heat and let it simmer for a few minutes.

Step 5:

Add the drained spinach to the skillet and mix evenly.

Season with salt and a pinch of nutmeg.

Allow the mixture to heat through and reach the desired consistency.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Squeeze Spinach Well

Make sure you squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the spinach to avoid a watery sauce.

Adjust Seasonings

Feel free to adjust the amount of nutmeg and salt to your preference for a perfectly seasoned dish.

Use Fresh Spinach

Opting for fresh spinach gives a better texture compared to frozen spinach for this recipe.

Patience with the Flour Mix

Take your time letting the flour mixture turn golden to achieve the correct base flavor for the sauce.

Enjoy bringing a touch of gourmet flair to your table with this Ruth’s Chris creamed spinach recipe!

What to Serve with Ruth’s Chris Creamed Spinach Recipe

Grilled Ribeye Steak

You can’t go wrong pairing creamed spinach with a juicy grilled ribeye steak.

The rich and creamy texture of the spinach complements the smoky, robust flavor of the steak perfectly.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Creamy and flavorful garlic mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that goes splendidly with creamed spinach.

Simply boil, mash, and mix with butter and roasted garlic for an unbeatable combination.

Baked Salmon

For a lighter alternative, try serving the creamed spinach with baked salmon.

The delicate, flaky texture of the fish pairs wonderfully with the rich spinach.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels sprouts provide a tasty and slightly bitter contrast to the creaminess of the spinach.

Toss them in olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and roast until they’re crispy and caramelized.

Quinoa-Stuffed Bell Peppers

Quinoa-stuffed bell peppers offer a colorful and nutritious option that complements the spinach.

Fill the halves with cooked quinoa, black beans, corn, and a bit of cheese, then bake to perfection.

Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potato fries bring a sweet and savory element to the meal.

Bake them until crispy for a delightful addition to the creamy spinach.

Tomato and Cucumber Salad

For something fresh and light, a tomato and cucumber salad works beautifully.

Toss sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and a vinaigrette dressing to add a refreshing bite to your plate.

Variations and Substitutions

You can easily customize Ruth’s Chris Creamed Spinach to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Spinach is the star, but kale or Swiss chard can be used instead for a twist!

Switch out the milk with almond, soy, or oat milk for a dairy-free option.

Protein Boost

Add cooked bacon bits or diced ham for an extra layer of flavor.

You could also mix in some cooked chicken or shrimp for a heartier dish.

Cheese Alternatives

Using Parmesan is classic, but try Gruyere or cheddar for a different taste.

You can even sprinkle some crumbled blue cheese on top if you’re feeling adventurous!

Gluten-Free Adjustments

Substitute the flour with gluten-free flour or use cornstarch to thicken the sauce.

It’s a small change that won’t compromise the creamy texture you love.

How to Store Leftover Ruth’s Chris Creamed Spinach

Storing your leftover Ruth’s Chris creamed spinach properly is essential to maintain its delicious flavor and creamy texture!

First, make sure the creamed spinach has cooled down to room temperature before storing it.

Use an Airtight Container

Transfer the cooled spinach into an airtight container.

The airtight seal helps preserve the dish’s freshness and prevents it from absorbing any unwanted odors from the fridge.

Keep the container in the refrigerator, where it can last for up to four days.

Refrigeration Tips

Place the container on a shelf in the refrigerator, rather than in the door.

The temperature in the door can fluctuate, which isn’t ideal for preserving the creamed spinach.

Always label the container with the date you stored it, so you don’t forget how long it’s been in there.

Freezing

If you want to keep the spinach for a longer period, freezing is the way to go!

Place the spinach in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag.

It can stay in the freezer for up to three months.

When using a bag, make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.

Enjoy your Ruth’s Chris creamed spinach whenever you wish with these easy storage tips!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Spinach

You only need to cook the spinach until it just wilts.

Cooking it too long can make it mushy and lose its vibrant green color.

Always monitor it closely.

Using Too Much Flour

Adding too much flour can make the sauce too thick and pasty.

Stick to the recipe’s suggested amount to keep the consistency smooth and creamy.

Remember, you can always add more if needed, but start small.

Neglecting the Seasoning

Seasoning plays a huge role in this dish’s flavor.

Don’t skimp on salt, pepper, and the right herbs like bay leaf and nutmeg.

Proper seasoning makes your creamed spinach taste just right, not bland!