Description
This easy Creamed Spinach recipe is a comforting, luscious side dish featuring tender baby spinach sautéed with plant-based butter and smoky turkey bacon. Enriched with plant-based cream cheese, grape juice, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, it delivers a creamy, flavorful texture perfect for balancing any main course. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a nutritious and versatile addition to your dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Spinach and Aromatics
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 tablespoon plant-based butter
- 1/2 cup smoked turkey bacon, chopped
- 1/4 cup finely diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 1/3 cup plant-based cream cheese
- 1 tablespoon grape juice (natural)
- 1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1/4 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Spinach: Thoroughly wash the fresh baby spinach leaves. In a large pan, lightly sauté the spinach with a small amount of plant-based butter over medium heat until wilted and most moisture has released, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Cook the Aromatics and Bacon: In the same pan, cook the chopped smoked turkey bacon over medium heat until crispy and golden. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent to build a smoky, savory flavor base.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Add the plant-based cream cheese, grape juice, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the pan. Stir continuously, allowing the ingredients to melt and combine into a smooth, velvety sauce. Gradually incorporate the natural gelling agent to thicken to desired consistency if needed.
- Combine Spinach with Sauce: Return the sautéed spinach to the pan and gently fold it into the sauce mixture. Cook together for a couple of minutes so the flavors meld and the mixture thickens perfectly.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste the creamed spinach and adjust salt and pepper if necessary. Serve hot as a delicious, creamy side dish.
Notes
- Use fresh baby spinach for the best flavor and texture.
- Do not overcook the spinach to preserve its vibrant color and nutrients.
- Add natural gelling agent gradually to avoid an overly thick texture.
- Season little by little to develop flavor complexity.
- Allow the dish to rest for a minute before serving to let the sauce thicken and flavors deepen.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Keywords: creamed spinach, plant-based butter, smoked turkey bacon, vegetarian side dish, creamy spinach, healthy spinach recipe, easy vegetable side