Dairy Free Creamed Spinach

If you’re looking for a dairy-free twist on a classic side dish, then give this Dairy-Free Creamed Spinach a try. 

This recipe is delightfully creamy and makes for an amazing, healthy side dish. It’s also a great option for those who are lactose intolerant or prefer more dairy-free, vegan dishes. 

The Benefits of Spinach

Spinach is a nutritious leafy green that has incredible health benefits. It's anti-inflammatory, helps reduce blood sugar and hypertension and is great for eyesight and bone health.

Popeye was right when he said that you should eat your spinach!

Dairy-Free Creamed Spinach Ingredients

Normally creamed spinach is enriched with heavy cream and cheese. This recipe mimics that mouthfeel with coconut milk and nutritional yeast.

Here's are the ingredients you'll need:

• Frozen spinach
• Butter (sub with vegan butter to make this recipe vegan)
• Garlic
• Coconut milk
• Salt
• Pepper
• Nutmeg
• Nutritional yeast

How to Make The Best Dairy-Free Creamed Spinach

When it comes to making an exceptional dairy-free creamed spinach, the key is to simmer the non-dairy milk – coconut milk in this case – until it slightly thickens. 

This process builds the viscosity of the coconut milk and gives it a fuller and richer texture.

Don't forget to sauté garlic with butter in your pan before heating up your coconut milk!

Now you can use either fresh or frozen spinach for this recipe. If using frozen spinach, ensure that you thaw it and squeeze out any excess water.

Do not skip this step or your creamed spinach will be more watered down and not as creamy as you’d like.

You can also use fresh spinach but you may end up having to buy more to get the same amount as frozen spinach.

First blanch or steam the fresh spinach, allow it to cool then squeeze out any excess water. 

One of the key ingredients in creamed spinach is nutmeg.

Now this may sound strange but the nutmeg adds a piquant warmth to the dish and helps to balance out the bitterness of the spinach.

Don't forget your other flavor enhancers like salt and pepper!

Substitutions & Alternatives 

Frozen Spinach 

Frozen spinach is ideal for this recipe because not only is it cheaper but the yield is also more than fresh spinach.

Meaning that you might end up having to buy twice as much fresh spinach to get the same amount using frozen spinach. However, the choice is yours. 

Nutritional Yeast 

Nutritional yeast is a deactivated yeast that most vegans use as a cheese substitute because of its cheese-like flavor.

Alternatively, you can use vegan parmesan cheese or even regular parmesan cheese for that cheesy element.

Coconut Milk 

You can use any dairy-free milk of your choice, but this recipe calls for full-fat coconut milk to give it that velvety, rich texture.

How To Store Dairy-Free Creamed Spinach

Although dairy-free creamed spinach is best enjoyed immediately, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will keep fresh for up to 5 days.

To reheat, simply microwave on high in a microwave-safe container. You can also reheat on the stovetop with a tablespoon of milk or water over medium heat. 

What To Serve With Dairy-Free Creamed Spinach

Dairy-free creamed spinach is the perfect accompaniment to any main dish.

Serve alongside grilled proteins or other roasted vegetables. 

You can also top it with crispy onions or breadcrumbs for some texture and enjoy it on its own.