No visit to Ruth’s Chris Steak House is complete without a side of Creamed Spinach. This dish is a steak house classic, and most steak connoisseurs agree that Ruth’s does it best. Their Creamed Spinach recipe takes it up a notch with a hefty sprinkle of cheese and a warm spice you can’t put your finger on. Our homemade Ruth’s Chris Creamed Spinach recipe is an exact dupe of the original, secret ingredient included. Now, you can enjoy the fine life without blowing your budget.
Despite its homemade roux sauce, Creamed Spinach is among the easiest side dishes. It’s a great last-minute addition that comes together within just 20 minutes. And the best part? Once you know how to make a homemade roux, you can use it in all types of things, like our Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese.
If you need help getting your veggies in, we encourage you to try this fun recipe. It’s a great addition to any steak dinner, but you can also serve it with something more casual, like chicken breast or burgers. You may even get the kids to eat spinach with this one! Give it a try, and let us know what you think.
Creamed Spinach 101
Spinach gets a bad reputation, particularly if it’s sautéed. But maybe it’s time to look at spinach in a new light. Creamed Spinach finds its roots where most other creamy veggies do: in the sophisticated country of France. In the 20th century, Americans became obsessed with Creamed Spinach, too, most after visiting steakhouses. One caveat is that the cream sauce masks the flavor of spinach, which can be a turn-off for some people.
Creamed Spinach is popular because it feels luxurious, but it is actually good for you: Low in cholesterol and calories, high fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals. There are various methods for cooking Creamed Spinach, but all include a homemade roux in a large pot. Everything else can be customized, especially the cheese. Some enjoy shredded cheese, grated parmesan cheese, goat cheese, cream cheese, Gruyere, or no cheese. Also stir in some garlic and onion in the pan for some extra taste. If you want it a little spicy, you can also add a touch of cayenne pepper. Whatever road you choose, you’re in for a great side dish for dinner, especially during Thanksgiving or Christmas.
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Cost of Making the Homemade Creamed Spinach Recipe
Steakhouses aren’t the cheapest choice for diners, and those who visit Ruth’s Chris Steak House can expect to pay $15 for a side of Creamed Spinach. Now, this can serve one or two if you’re feeling generous, but that’s still a hit to the wallet. In contrast, you can make a family-sized batch of Homemade Ruth’s Chris Steak House Creamed Spinach recipe for just $5.89.
Wow! With a price like that, you can afford to upgrade your steak! Keep in mind that this may vary based on locale and ingredient availability. Here’s how that breaks down:
- Frozen spinach: $4.00
- Butter: $0.50
- Flour: $0.04
- Heavy whipping cream: $0.75
- Parmesan cheese: $0.50
- Salt: $0.02
- Black pepper: $0.05
- Nutmeg: $0.03
Grand Total: $5.89
With a price difference like that, there’s no reason not to give this recipe a shot!
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How to Make Copycat Ruth’s Chris Steak House Creamed Spinach
Keep reading to learn how to make a delicious batch of Copycat Ruth’s Chris Creamed Spinach recipe!
Step One: Thaw the Spinach
Thaw the frozen spinach and squeeze out any excess liquid. Doing so ensures your cream sauce doesn’t separate. This is easiest done in a colander, though you can also soak a kitchen towel in the liquid. Alternatively, you can use fresh spinach, sautee it, then squeeze the extra liquid.
Step Two: Make the Cream Sauce
Melt the butter in a large skillet set over medium-low heat. Sprinkle the flour over the top, whisk, and cook until golden brown. Slowly whisk in the cream, then add the parmesan, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Let simmer over low until thickened.
Step Three: Add Spinach
Immediately add the spinach and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat, let cool, and enjoy!
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What to Serve With Homemade Creamed Spinach
Serve your Homemade Ruth’s Chris Steak House Creamed Spinach recipe with steak and potatoes for a steak house feel. You can also serve it alongside fish, roasted chicken, or pork chops. For a vegetarian option, serve your Creamed Spinach over mashed potatoes, rice, or mashed cauliflower.
Storing Leftover Creamed Spinach
You can store leftover Copycat Ruth’s Chris Steak House Creamed Spinach in the fridge for up to four days or freeze it for up to one year. Be advised that because this dish contains dairy, the texture may differ when reheated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned spinach instead of fresh?
Yes you can! But keep in mind that even though canned spinach has a longer shelf life, you lose a lot of the nutrients that you would normally get from either fresh spinach or frozen. I strongly recommend going for frozen for the best flavor and nutrients since the spinach is typically frozen right after harvesting and it contains less sodium.
Is creamed spinach high in iron?
Each serving of creamed spinach has 2mg of iron. The recommended daily allowance (RDA) is 8mg of iron per day; however for adult women have an RDA of 18mg per day.
Is spinach high in fat?
No, spinach is a low-calorie nutrient-dense vegetable.
What vitamins and minerals are in spinach?
Spinach is high in Vitamin A,C,K, B9, E, and B6. Spinach is also high in the following minerals: Iron, Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, and Manganese; in addition to also being high in Fiber and Antioxidants.
What’s the best way to cook spinach without losing nutrients?
The key to cooking spinach without losing nutrients is to steam or saute it quickly. You want to avoid boiling and wilting the spinach.
Is creamed spinach good for you?
If creamed spinach is eaten in moderation, it can be a part of a healthy diet. If you are trying to be health conscious, be sure to limit the sodium and choose lower-fat dairy options in the recipe. Add a little more spice and garlic.
Homemade Ruth’s Chris Steak House Creamed Spinach Recipe
Can’t make it to your local steak house? No worries! Make a batch of our Homemade Ruth’s Chris Steak House Creamed Spinach. This easy side dish is luxurious and delicious and helps you meet your daily veggie quota. Serve it alongside a steak or chicken breast; either way, it’ll take the meal to a new level.
- Colander
- Large Skillet with Lid
- 2 count package of frozen spinach (10-ounce)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup parmesan
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
Thaw the frozen spinach and squeeze out any excess liquid. This is easiest done in a colander, though you can also soak a kitchen towel in the liquid. Alternatively, you can use fresh spinach, sautee it, then squeeze the extra liquid.
Melt the butter in a large skillet set over medium-low heat. Sprinkle the flour over the top, whisk, and cook until golden brown.
Slowly whisk in the cream, then add the parmesan, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Let simmer over low until thickened.
Immediately add the spinach and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat, let cool, and enjoy!
**If you have a Trader Joes near you, I highly recommend their frozen spinach. They are one of the few locations that have a special ability to take their spinach and freeze it while retaining the nutrition; where a lot of other places don’t (you can look at the nutritional content to see the difference).