Cheesy Creamed Spinach
Updated Nov 02, 2025, Published Nov 01, 2016
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When planning your Thanksgiving feast, it’s easy to lean on the classics—but every great holiday table needs a rich, creamy side to balance the meal. Enter this Gluten-Free Cheesy Creamed Spinach—a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that turns a simple green vegetable into something decadent and holiday-worthy. It’s creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying, with a flavor that both kids and adults will love.
Table of Contents
A Comforting Classic, Made Gluten-Free
This creamed spinach starts with a base of sautéed onions cooked in butter and olive oil, creating layers of flavor right from the start. A touch of gluten-free all-purpose flour thickens the sauce perfectly, while half-and-half gives it that luxurious, velvety texture. Then comes the real star power: a duo of Parmesan and Gruyère cheeses that melt beautifully into the sauce, giving it rich, savory depth.
The spinach soaks up all that creamy goodness, creating a side dish that’s as comforting as mashed potatoes—but with a lighter, greener twist. A hint of nutmeg ties it all together, giving the dish a subtle warmth that feels just right for Thanksgiving.
Family-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing
Even if spinach isn’t usually a hit with the kids, this cheesy version is a total game-changer. The smooth, creamy texture and mild, savory flavor make it approachable for little ones (and a great way to sneak in those greens!). It’s also simple to make ahead—just prepare it in advance, refrigerate, and gently reheat before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Naturally gluten-free and full of flavor.
- Creamy, cheesy, and comforting, making it the perfect Thanksgiving side.
- Kid-approved—a tasty way to get everyone eating their veggies.
- Quick and easy, ready in just 30 minutes.
Serve it alongside roasted turkey, gluten-free stuffing, or mashed potatoes for a complete and cozy holiday meal. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or a full house, this Gluten-Free Cheesy Creamed Spinach brings a delicious touch of comfort and elegance to your Thanksgiving table.
Looking for more holiday side dishes? Check out our Brussels Sprouts with Bacon & Cranberries, Sweet & Salty Sweet Potatoes, and Hatch Chile Potatoes Au Gratin.
Gluten Free Cheesy Creamed Spinach
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large white onion, diced (about 2 cups)
- 4 tablespoons gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 3 cups half-and-half
- 4 10-ounce packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¾ cup grated Gruyere cheese
- ¼ teaspoon grated nutmeg
- Kosher or fine sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Heat oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat until the butter melts. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 10 minutes. Add the flour and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in the half-and-half and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 10 minutes.
- Squeeze as much liquid as possible out of the spinach and add to the sauce. Add the cheeses and cook, stirring, until melted. Add the nutmeg and season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve hot.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
