My Cajun creamed spinach is rich, creamy side dish deliciousness, y'all. Browned trinity veggies and garlic, sprinkled with tapioca flour to help the cream and trio of cheeses transform into the perfect consistency. Then, seasoned spinach is stirred into the casserole right before you bake it to browned, bubbly soul-warming scrumptiousness in less than an hour. Yep and yay...
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Because Side Dish Life is More Than Potatoes and Pasta, Y'all...
Cajun creamed spinach is my south Louisiana-style take on the beloved comfort food side. It's thick, rich, and over-the-top creamy with Parmesan, pepper Jack, and cream cheese all contributing to each luxurious bite.
What I love about Cajun creamed spinach is that it has that restaurant-quality taste that makes it perfect for serving with succulent meats such as ribeye, roast, and slow-roasted chicken.
It also only takes 45 minutes to pull off. So, it's just as easy as it is elegant, a true ace-in-the-hole recipe you'll come back to again and again. For sure.
Ingredient Essentials & Substitutions
- I used thawed frozen spinach for this recipe. I love it because it's super cheap and also very easy to keep on hand in the freezer. So, it's more convenient than fresh spinach. And, since it's already pre-portioned, there's no need to measure or guesstimate how much you'll need for this Cajun creamed spinach recipe. That said, if you have an abundance of fresh garden spinach, then use it. Just cut the stems off with kitchen shears, and give the leaves a thorough washing before using.
- The browned Cajun trinity of chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery bring the authentic south Louisiana flair to this dish. Don't omit them or this won't really be Cajun creamed spinach. In a pinch browned onions by themselves will do, but only if you are including the garlic as well.
- I like the richness that the half and half lends to this recipe. But, you can also sub milk if that's what you have on hand.
- The cream cheese fills out this dish beautifully, while the Parmesan and Pepper Jack work in synergy to enhance all of the other flavors and textures in this Cajun creamed spinach. Use all three cheeses for optimal scrumptiousness. And if you need to, sub Romano for Parm, and cheddar or Colby Jack for the pepper Jack.
How to Thaw Frozen Spinach
I've found that the easiest way to thaw frozen spinach is to take it out of the container and transfer it to a colander. Then, run tepid water over it until it thaws. This process usually takes less than 5 minutes.
You can also put it in the fridge the night before to thaw it out.
How to Make Cajun Creamed Spinach
To begin the recipe, preheat the oven. Then, season the spinach with the dried spices.
Now, pour the chopped trinity veggies and butter into the pan.
Cook until browned, then stir in the minced garlic and continue cooking for just one more minute.
Sprinkle the tapioca flour over the browned veggies, and stir to combine.
Add the half and half and three cheeses to the skillet, and stir to combine as the cheese melts.
Add the thawed frozen spinach, and stir until combined. Then, slide into the oven and bake until browned and bubbly.
And that's it, y'all!!
This Cajun creamed spinach is exactly what you need to bounce back from the potato and pasta side dish blues, I'm sure!! This creamy, cheesy deliciousness has just the right amount of spinach baked right into it. So, each bite is balanced perfectly, and glides right on the tongue like a gourmet-quality side that you soooo deserve in your life, y'all.
Trust me, not only is this dish family dinner-friendly, but it's also a holiday buffet table hit, as well. Indeed.
Share this cheesy creamed spinach with those who are just as spectacular as they are simple. Much food love, and see y'all on the yum side...
Other Cheesy Cajun Dishes
If you love this Cajun creamed spinach recipe, then you'll likely want to put these other cheesy Cajun dishes on your radar, too.
NOTE: This post was originally published on November 21, 2022, and updated and republished on August 27, 2024.
Cajun Creamed Spinach
Ingredients
For the Seasoned Spinach
- 2 12-ounce packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed
- ¼ teaspoon dried paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon parsley flakes
For the Cajun Creamed Spinach
- 3 tablespoons butter or oil
- ½ cup chopped onion
- ½ cup chopped green bell pepper
- ½ cup chopped celery ribs
- 1 4-ounce jar pimentos, drained
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 cups half & half
- 4 ounces cream cheese, cubed
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded pepper Jack cheese
- salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Pour the thawed spinach into a large bowl.
- Season the spinach with the paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and parsley flakes, then stir until well combined. Set aside.
- Brown the Cajun trinity of chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery in a large ovenproof skillet in the butter or oil over medium-high heat, about 10 minutes.
- Add the pimentos during last couple minutes of browning time.
- When browned, add the minced garlic and cook for one additional minute.
- Turn down the heat to medium-low.
- Sprinkle the tapioca flour over the browned veggies and garlic, then stir until all of the mixture is fully combined.
- Pour the half & half and three cheeses into the skillet.
- Stir the mixture often until the cheeses melt.
- Add the seasoned spinach, pouring out any excess water from the spinach before adding to the skillet.
- Stir until all of the ingredients are combined. Taste a slightly cooled spoonful of the mixture, adding salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste, then stir again until all of the ingredients are well incorporated.
- Use oven mitts to carefully transfer the hot skillet to the preheated oven.
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until the creamed spinach casserole is browned and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven, then let rest for about 5 to 10 minutes before serving. The mixture will be puffed up a bit and runny, but will fall as it cools, creating a perfectly creamy, cheesy texture.
Notes
The information shown is an estimate provided by a third-party, online computer-generated nutrition calculator, not a registered dietitian or certified nutritionist. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods and individual portion sizes, along with other factors.
See our full nutrition disclaimer here.
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