What to Serve with Creamed Spinach? Vege & Non-Vege Options
Creamed spinach is one of those sides that’s both decadent and comforting. Perfect for a holiday feast or any time you want to impress your guests, it is a popular side dish that can be enjoyed by vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. And since my bestie asked me, I will share my top options to serve it with — both vegetarian and non-vegetarian. So, what to serve with creamed spinach?
You can combine this creamy and delicious dish with endless options, from baked potatoes, grilled steak, and roasted chicken to garlic toast, sautéed vegetables, pasta dishes, bacon-wrapped dates, and, of course, fried fish.
So, whether you’re looking for a main dish or a side, here are some fantastic suggestions to help you make the most of your creamed spinach. Don’t be afraid to get creative when planning your menu, and have fun with it!
What Meat Goes with Creamed Spinach?
Well, there are a few different options because meat and creamed spinach are generally a great match! You could try many options, from pork chops to roast beef. Still, you can find my top favorites below!
Grilled Steak
I’m a big fan of pairing creamed spinach with grilled steak. I think it’s the perfect combination of flavors and textures. The creamy spinach is a nice contrast to the chewy, salty steak, and both dishes are hearty enough to fill you up without being too heavy.
Plus, it’s a pretty easy meal to put together. You can grill the steak on your stovetop or barbecue, and make the creamed spinach in just a few minutes. So it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Roasted Chicken
Creamed spinach is an incredibly versatile side dish that pairs nicely with roasted chicken. The richness of the creamed spinach contrasts nicely with the savory flavors of the chicken, creating a balanced meal that satisfies even the pickiest eaters.
When making creamed spinach, I like to add some fresh herbs like sage or thyme for a bit of herbal flavor and a little nutmeg for an unexpected kick. I then serve it alongside crispy-skinned roast chicken and a few sides, such as roasted potatoes and roasted vegetables.
It’s also a great way to stretch out the leftover roast chicken.
Bacon-Wrapped Dates
If you’re looking for a non-vegetarian dish to serve with your creamed spinach, you can’t go wrong with bacon-wrapped dates. I love the contrast between the sweet dates and the slightly bitter creamed spinach, with the bacon adding a delicious savory note!
To make this fantastic appetizer or snack, you will only need some dates and bacon. However, to make things exciting and even more delicious, include full-fat cream cheese or goat cheese to put inside the dates. In addition, you will need a baking sheet and some toothpicks, and you are ready to go!
Just remove the pits from the dates if you need to, and stuff them with cheese. Then wrap each piece with a slice of bacon and secure everything with a toothpick. Place them on a baking sheet and bake in the oven until nicely browned.
What Else to Serve with Creamed Spinach?
If you’re looking for a non-meat dish to serve with creamed spinach, how about trying out some seafood or fish? For a vegan-friendly option, prepare some baked potatoes or garlic toast. Both of these are packed with flavor and deliver an amazingly delicious meal.
You can also prepare some sauteed vegetables with the creamed spinach — eggplant, bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms would all be excellent choices. Just remember to season the vegetables well before roasting them!
Baked Potatoes
My favorite way to enjoy creamed spinach is by pairing it with a baked potato. I like to prick the potato a few times with a fork, then bake it at 400°F (200°C) for about 45 minutes. Once it’s done, I’ll top it with creamed spinach and some shredded cheese.
This classic comfort food combination is always a hit with my family and friends. The creamy spinach pairs perfectly with the fluffy potato, and the cheese adds a delicious richness that takes this dish to the next level.
Garlic Toast
I’m a huge fan of garlic toast, and pairing it with creamed spinach takes this classic combination to the next level.
It mostly comes down to personal preference. Garlic toast is the perfect option for you if you’re a garlic lover and want something crunchy. And if you don’t want to go through the trouble of making your own toast, pre-made options like baguettes will work just as well.
To transform your regular slices of bread into garlic toast, simply brush each side liberally with melted butter or olive oil and add a sprinkle of garlic powder and some salt to taste. Then pop in the oven and bake until golden brown. Serve alongside your creamed spinach, and dig in!
Fried Fish
If you’re a fan of salty and savory flavors, creamed spinach and fried fish are unbeatable. Fried fish can be an excellent alternative to the heaviness of beef or pork and is a great way to add some protein to your plate.
The mild flavor of the creamed spinach pairs nicely with the gently crunchy outer layer of the fried fish, while its creamy texture balances out that crispness. Plus, it’s an easy dish to whip together, as all you need is some type of whitefish filets, a few ingredients for the batter, and your favorite brand of creamed spinach.
Sautéed Vegetables
A classic pairing for creamed spinach is sautéed vegetables. Whether you choose mushrooms, asparagus, peppers, onions, or some combination of these, combine chopped vegetables with a bit of butter and oil and let them sauté in a pan until golden brown.
Serve your delicious sautéed vegetables along with the creamed spinach for a fantastic side dish. I also like to add garlic and herbs to the vegetables to give them an extra kick of flavor. Yum!
Pasta Dishes
If you love pasta dishes, creamed spinach is an excellent way to dress them up. For instance, one of my favorite dishes is creamy cheese and spinach ravioli with a light alfredo sauce.
You can also serve creamed spinach alongside mac and cheese or even lasagna. The creamy texture adds a delicious richness and pairs wonderfully with the cheesy goodness of these classic dishes.
If you’re feeling adventurous or have some extra time on your hands, you can even make your own homemade pasta shells stuffed with creamed spinach and cheese.
I’m curious to hear about your creamed spinach meal combinations! So, make sure you write them down in the comments below!
