Steakhouse meals feel special, yet the side dishes are often what people talk about most. That’s exactly what happened when I first tried the creamed spinach at Morton’s Steakhouse.
The flavor was smooth, rich, and perfectly balanced. This Morton’s Creamed Spinach Recipe is my copycat version, tested at home with everyday ingredients and simple steps.
I’m walking you through how to turn fresh spinach into a steakhouse-style side dish that fits right into your own meal routine.
Copycat Morton’s Creamed Spinach Recipe At Home
A rich and creamy copycat Morton’s Creamed Spinach recipe inspired by Morton’s Steakhouse, made with simple ingredients and easy steps.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Course: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American Steakhouse
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Calories Per Serving: ~210 kcal
This steakhouse creamed spinach works beautifully with steak, chicken, or any comfort-style meal.
Ingredients
Here’s everything I use to build that smooth spinach cream with classic steakhouse flavor.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
- Pinch of nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup half and half
- 1½ pounds fresh spinach, washed
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Ingredient Notes & Easy Swaps
- Fresh spinach gives the best texture and flavor.
- Half and half creates that classic steakhouse creaminess without feeling heavy.
- Cream cheese helps the spinach cream hold together smoothly.
Instructions
I’ll guide you step by step, just like I do when teaching friends in my kitchen.
- Cook The Aromatics
Place a wide skillet over medium heat. Add butter and let it melt. Add chopped onion and cook until soft and pale, around 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. - Build The Base
Sprinkle flour over the onion mixture. Stir gently for one minute so the raw flour taste cooks out. This step helps thicken the spinach cream. - Add The Cream
Pour in half and half slowly, stirring the mixture the whole time. The sauce will start to thicken after a few minutes. Add salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. - Cook The Spinach
Add fresh spinach in batches. Stir as it wilts down. Keep cooking until all the spinach softens and mixes into the sauce. - Finish With Cheese
Lower the heat. Add cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Stir until the mixture turns smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. - Serve Warm
Remove from heat once the texture looks rich and spoonable. Let it rest for a minute before serving.
If you enjoy classic steakhouse spinach sides, you may want to try my The Palm Creamed Spinach Recipe as well—it offers another restaurant-style take with a slightly different creamy finish that works beautifully with steak dinners.
Why This Creamed Spinach Recipe Is Famous
Morton’s Steakhouse made this side dish famous by pairing smooth creaminess with balanced spinach flavor. The recipe works since nothing overpowers the spinach. The cream supports it.
The cheese adds body. Every steakhouse style bite feels comforting without feeling heavy. That balance makes Morton’s Creamed Spinach a classic side dish across many steakhouse meals.
Can I Use Frozen Spinach Instead Of Fresh?
Yes, frozen spinach works if fresh spinach isn’t available. Thaw it fully and squeeze out all excess water.
Use about 12 ounces frozen spinach for this recipe. The texture turns slightly softer, yet the flavor still stays close to classic steakhouse spinach.
Tips For Perfect Creamed Spinach
- Chop spinach after wilting if you like a smoother texture.
- Keep heat low once cheese goes in to prevent separation.
- Taste before serving and adjust salt gently.
- A pinch of nutmeg adds depth without standing out.
These small steps make the creamed spinach recipe taste like it came straight from a steakhouse kitchen.
Pairing & Serving Suggestions
I love serving this steakhouse spinach with ribeye, filet mignon, roasted chicken, or grilled salmon. It pairs well with mashed potatoes or garlic bread.
A simple green salad on the side keeps the meal balanced. Many classic steakhouse menus serve this alongside bold red wines or sparkling water with lemon.
Personal Chef Tips From My Kitchen
I tested this copycat recipe many times to match Morton’s Creamed Spinach flavor. The key came down to gentle heat and patience. Rushing thick sauces leads to grainy texture.
Give the spinach mixture time to come together slowly. That calm cooking rhythm makes a big difference in final creaminess.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make This Creamed Spinach Ahead Of Time?
Yes. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat slowly on low heat with a splash of milk.
Does This Taste Like Morton’s Steakhouse Version?
This copycat recipe stays very close in flavor and texture, using home-friendly steps.
Can I Skip The Cheese?
Cheese adds structure and richness. Skipping it changes the texture, though the dish still works with extra cream.
Is This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Swap flour with cornstarch to thicken the mixture.
What Can I Do If The Sauce Gets Too Thick?
Add a small splash of warm milk and stir gently.
This Morton’s Creamed Spinach Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen. It turns simple spinach into a comforting side dish that feels restaurant-worthy without leaving home.
I enjoy seeing how different cooks put their own touch on creamed spinach, and recipes like this classic creamed spinach version show just how versatile and loved this side dish can be.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out in your kitchen. Share your version, serve it with your favorite meal, and keep cooking with confidence.
Happy cooking from Naznin’s Kitchen.
Morton’s Creamed Spinach Recipe (Steakhouse Style)
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup yellow onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
- Pinch of nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup half and half
- 1½ pounds fresh spinach washed
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- ¼ cup cream cheese softened
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese grated
Instructions
Cook The Aromatics
- Place a wide skillet over medium heat. Add butter and let it melt. Add chopped onion and cook until soft and pale, around 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Build The Base
- Sprinkle flour over the onion mixture. Stir gently for one minute so the raw flour taste cooks out. This step helps thicken the spinach cream.
Add The Cream
- Pour in half and half slowly, stirring the mixture the whole time. The sauce will start to thicken after a few minutes. Add salt, black pepper, and nutmeg.
Cook The Spinach
- Add fresh spinach in batches. Stir as it wilts down. Keep cooking until all the spinach softens and mixes into the sauce.
Finish With Cheese
- Lower the heat. Add cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Stir until the mixture turns smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve Warm
- Remove from heat once the texture looks rich and spoonable. Let it rest for a minute before serving.
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