Creamed Spinach Casserole Recipe (Keto Friendly)

Jump to Recipe

Creamed spinach is the steakhouse side I always order first and finish last, so I made a keto-friendly casserole version for home. Cream cheese, heavy cream, and bubbly Parmesan and mozzarella make it rich and silky with no flour, and easy enough for a weeknight or the holiday table.

There is an oval orange baking dish with a baked creamy cheese spinach mixture in it. There are 3 cloves of garlic, a partial block of white cheese with a small flat grater, and red pepper flakes laying behind the dish. Items are on a white marble surface.

Prep time: 20 minutes
Bake time: 20 minutes
Rest time: 5 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Prep level: Beginner +

Why This Recipe Works

Low in carbs, big on flavor – Made with simple keto-friendly ingredients, it fits perfectly into a low-carb lifestyle.
Easy to make – A few simple ingredients, mix it up and bake.
Great make-ahead dish – Perfect for meal prep or holiday dinners.
Versatile – Goes great with chicken, fish, or beef.

Ingredient Notes

There is a large clear glass bowl with raw green spinach leaves in it. There is a clear glass measuring cup with white liquid cream in it. There are two small clear glass bowls. One bowl has chunks of white cream cheese in it, the other bowl has a chunk of butter in it. There is a metal cup with shredded white cheese in it. There is a small whole onion, three cloves of garlic, and a wedge of white cheese. There is also three very small clear bowls with dry seasonings in them. Items are on a white marbled surface.

Butter: Adds a little flavor to the spinach. If you want a healthier alternative, use olive oil instead of butter.
Fresh spinach: I use regular spinach for this recipe. You can also use fresh baby spinach. Use 6 ounces of frozen spinach in place of 10 ounces of fresh.
Onion: I like to use a shallot which is milder than a lot of onions. It adds just the right amount of flavor to the casserole. You can use onion powder if you prefer. A general rule is that one tablespoon of onion powder is equivalent to one medium-sized onion.
Garlic: Fresh garlic pairs so well with cooked spinach. Garlic powder can be substituted for fresh minced garlic cloves. The rule of thumb for the ratio of fresh garlic to garlic powder is one clove of fresh garlic equals 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder.
Red pepper flakes: Completely optional! I love to sprinkle in just a little bit. It adds a touch of heat to the dish.
Nutmeg: This nutty-flavored spice adds depth and richness to the creamy sauce.
Cream cheese: Adding cream cheese to this dish, gives it a rich and creamy texture. (see Tips) Some recipes call for sour cream instead of cream cheese. It’s a personal preference.
Heavy whipping cream: This is the base of the sauce. Coconut cream, almond milk, or regular milk can work as a substitute.
Shredded cheese: Freshly shredded cheese is the best! If you’re short on time, pre-packaged shredded cheese can be used. Mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese are the most popular for this recipe. Other cheeses that can be used are Monterey jack, feta cheese, or pepper jack for a bit of heat.

There is a small white oval dish with a baked spinach creamy cheese mixture in it. There is a metal spoon resting in it. The dish is laying on a gray cloth napkin.

Step-by-Step Instructions

A cutting board with garlic, onion and a garlic presser.

Finely chop the onion (shallot). Mince the garlic cloves. Preheat oven. Melt butter in a large pan over medium heat.

Add the spinach, cover, and saute over medium heat until just barely wilted. (see Tips) Add the garlic and onion to the wilted spinach. Cook for a couple of minutes, continuously stirring. Sprinkle in the seasonings. Stir until completely blended.

Spinach and cheese in a skillet with a wooden spoon.

A pan filled with cheese and spinach on a stove.

Pour in the heavy cream and stir a few times. Add in the softened cream cheese (see Tips). Reduce the heat and simmer until the cream cheese has melted. Sprinkle in the mozzarella cheese and simmer until it melts.

Unbaked spinach casserole and a cup of cheese .

A casserole dish filled with unbaked cheese and spinach.

Transfer the spinach mixture to the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the parmesan cheese over the top of the spinach mixture. Place in a preheated oven.

There is an oval orange baking dish with a baked spinach creamy cheese mixture in it. There is melted white cheese on top of the mixture. There are 3 cloves of garlic, a partial block of white cheese, and red pepper flakes laying in front of the dish. Items are on a white marble surface.

Bake until the cheese topping is golden brown. Use oven mitts and remove the dish from the oven.

See recipe card below for complete measurements and cooking time.

Laura Belle’s Tips

Use frozen spinach to keep it easy – Just thaw and drain well first, then squeeze to get rid of as much excess water as possible.
Add-ins – Load up on vegetables and toss in some chopped red bell peppers or blanched broccoli pieces. Add some cooked ground beef or shredded rotisserie chicken ( known as creamy chicken spinach bake) for a filling meal the whole family will love.
For best results, use softened cream cheese – The best way to soften cream cheese is to place it in the microwave on half-power for a minute or so.

Storing & Reheating

Let the casserole cool completely, the store in an airtight container or tightly cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Pop it in the microwave or warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

There is a white plate with brown rough edges. There is a slice of baked meat loaf and a scoop of a creamy cheese and spinach mixture on the plate. There is a silver fork resting in the spinach mixture. There is a white cloth napkin laying next to the plate. Items are on a white marbled surface.

What to Serve with Creamy Spinach

This creamed spinach casserole is a natural partner for steak, whether it’s a ribeye or a seared filet with a pat of garlic butter melting on top.
Chicken piccata is another favorite, since the bright lemon and capers cut right through the richness of the cream.
Pork chops, baked or pan-seared, make a cozy weeknight pairing.
Beef Pinwheels stuffed with cheese and herbs turn the whole plate into something special enough for company. Add sautéed mushrooms or a simple lemony arugula salad on the side and you’ve got a keto-friendly dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen spinach?

Absolutely. Thaw it completely, then squeeze out as much water as you can with a clean towel or paper towels.

Can I make it ahead?

Assemble it up to 2 days ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Add 5 to 10 minutes to the bake time if it goes into the oven cold.

Can I freeze it?

You can, though the texture is a bit looser after thawing. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge.

Why is my casserole watery?

Usually it’s under-squeezed spinach. Wring it out well, and let the casserole rest 5 minutes after baking so it sets.

Yield: 6

Creamed Spinach Casserole Recipe (Keto Friendly)

5.0 Stars (6 Reviews)

This easy keto-friendly recipe is the best spinach casserole side dish.

It is creamy, flavorful, packed with nutrients, and made with simple ingredients.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Additional Time 5 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

1.5 tablespoons butter
20 ounces of raw spinach or 6 ounces of frozen spinach, thawed, drained, and squeezed dry.
Small shallot – about 1/4 cup finely chopped
Garlic – 3 to 4 cloves minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
3/4 cup heavy cream
4 ounces cream cheese – room temperature
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese – shredded
1/2 cup parmesan cheese – shredded
Nonstick cooking spray

Instructions

Finely chop the onion/shallot and mince the garlic cloves.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Spray an 8 x 8-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Place a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the butter and let it melt.
Add the spinach, cover, and sauté over medium heat until just barely wilted. About 2 to 3 minutes. (see Tips for Success)
Add the garlic and onion to the wilted spinach. Cook for another 2 minutes, continuously stirring.
Sprinkle in the seasonings: Salt, pepper, nutmeg, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir until completely blended.
Pour in the heavy cream and stir a few times. Add in the cream cheese.
Reduce the heat and simmer until the cream cheese has melted about 3 minutes.
Sprinkle in the mozzarella cheese and simmer for an additional minute.
Transfer the spinach mixture to the prepared casserole dish.
Sprinkle the parmesan cheese over the top of the spinach mixture.
Place in the middle of a preheated oven. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the cheese topping is golden brown.
Let it rest for about 5 minutes to cool a bit and set it before placing it on the dinner table. It’s a creamy casserole so you will want a spoon to scoop it out when plating.

Notes

Equipment Needed and Useful Tools

Large skillet with a fitted lid
1.5 – 2 quart casserole dish
Cutting board
Large knife
Measuring spoons
Measuring cups
Wooden spoon
Oven mitts

Variations

Add some cooked ground beef or shredded rotisserie chicken (nicely named a creamy chicken spinach bake) for a filling meal the whole family will love.

Load up on vegetables and add some chopped red bell peppers or blanched broccoli pieces.

For a keto breakfast casserole, add cooked ground breakfast sausage.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 288Total Fat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 555mgCarbohydrates: 9gFiber: 3gSugar: 3gProtein: 9g

What to Serve with Creamy Spinach