Recipe Card
Hook – Quick Description:
A quick and comforting low-carb dish made with creamy spinach and gooey melted cheese — perfect as a side, snack, or light keto-friendly meal.
Servings & Timing:
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 2 servings
Dietary Badges:
🥓 Keto / Low-Carb
🌾 Gluten-Free
🥬 Vegetarian
Ingredients (Checklist Style):
Fresh spinach (or frozen, thawed and drained)
Olive oil or butter
Garlic, minced (optional for flavor)
Cream cheese or heavy cream
Shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
Salt & black pepper
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions (Concise & Numbered):
Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat.
Add garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant.
Stir in spinach and cook until wilted (drain well if using frozen).
Mix in cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream to create a creamy base.
Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
Top generously with shredded cheese.
Cover skillet for 1–2 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve hot as a side or enjoy as a keto “comfort bowl.”
Additional Notes:
Use fresh baby spinach for best flavor.
For a firmer, casserole-style dish, transfer to an oven-safe dish and broil until golden.
This can be a main meal with added protein (chicken, bacon, or sausage).
Brief Introduction
This Keto Spinach Cheese Melt is pure cheesy comfort — without the carbs. Think of it as a keto-friendly alternative to creamed spinach meets cheesy casserole. It’s fast, uses just a handful of ingredients, and works as a side, snack, or even a quick main dish.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
Sautéing the Spinach
Heat olive oil or butter in skillet.
Add garlic for flavor (optional).
Toss in spinach, cook until wilted and reduced in size.
Making It Creamy
Stir in cream cheese or heavy cream.
Mix until spinach is coated in a smooth, creamy base.
Melting the Cheese
Sprinkle shredded cheese over spinach mixture.
Cover skillet to trap steam and melt cheese.
For golden, bubbly top, broil in oven for 2–3 minutes.
Tip: Drain spinach well (especially frozen) to prevent watery results.
Ingredient Details & Substitutions
Spinach: Fresh baby spinach is ideal; frozen works if drained thoroughly.
Cheese: Mozzarella for stretch, cheddar for sharpness, Parmesan for extra flavor.
Cream Base: Cream cheese is thick and rich; heavy cream gives a lighter, saucier texture.
Add-Ins: Cooked chicken, bacon crumbles, or mushrooms make it heartier.
Variations & Serving Suggestions
Protein Boost: Mix in shredded chicken or ground turkey.
Bacon Lovers: Add crispy bacon bits on top.
Veggie Mix: Combine spinach with kale, broccoli, or zucchini.
Serving Ideas:
As a cheesy dip with keto crackers or veggie sticks.
Over cauliflower rice for a full meal.
As a side for steak, chicken, or salmon.
Storage & Make-Ahead
Storage: Refrigerate up to 3 days in airtight container.
Reheating: Warm gently on stovetop or microwave, add splash of cream if dry.
Freezing: Best enjoyed fresh — freezing may alter texture.
Make-Ahead: Assemble in casserole dish and refrigerate; bake or broil before serving.
Nutrition Facts (Estimated, per serving of 2)
Calories: ~280 kcal
Protein: 12g
Carbs: 4g (net)
Fat: 24g
🌱 Vegetarian | 🥓 Keto | 🌾 Gluten-Free
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen spinach?
A: Yes — just thaw and squeeze out excess water before cooking.
Q: Which cheese melts best?
A: Mozzarella is great for stretch, cheddar for flavor. A mix gives best results.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Try dairy-free cream cheese and vegan cheese alternatives — though texture may differ.
Q: Can I bake this instead?
A: Yes! Layer spinach and cream in a dish, top with cheese, and bake at 375°F until bubbly.
Personal Story (Optional)
This recipe became my go-to when I first started keto and craved cheesy comfort food. It’s so simple, yet feels indulgent — like a cross between creamed spinach and a cheesy casserole. Now I whip it up as a quick lunch or serve it as a crowd-pleasing side at dinner.
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