We’ve always been fans of the iconic Berghoff Creamed Spinach, a beloved side dish from Chicago’s historic Berghoff restaurant that’s been delighting diners since 1898. This creamy, flavorful classic brings a touch of Midwestern comfort to any meal, blending tender spinach with rich, savory elements that make it irresistible.
In our kitchen, we’ve recreated this timeless recipe to capture its authentic charm, perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners. It’s not just a side—it’s a hearty staple that’ll elevate your table and leave everyone craving more.
Ingredients
To bring our take on the classic Berghoff Creamed Spinach to life in your kitchen, we’ve compiled a precise list of ingredients ordered by how they’re used in the recipe. This ensures a smooth preparation process while capturing the rich, creamy essence that makes this dish a Midwestern favorite.
Gather these key components:
- Fresh Spinach: 2 pounds fresh spinach leaves, washed thoroughly and roughly chopped – this forms the hearty base of our Berghoff Creamed Spinach.
- Onion: 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced – used early to build aromatic flavor.
- Garlic: 3 cloves garlic, minced – added next for a subtle, savory depth.
- Butter: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter – melted to sauté the aromatics and create a luxurious roux.
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – incorporated to thicken the sauce.
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup heavy cream – stirred in for that signature creamy texture.
- Whole Milk: 1 cup whole milk – combined with cream for a balanced richness.
- Nutmeg: ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg – a pinch for warm, distinctive seasoning.
- Salt and Black Pepper: 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste – final touches to enhance the overall flavor profile.
With these ingredients prepped, we’re set to move seamlessly into the preparation steps, ensuring every bite delivers the comforting appeal of the original Berghoff classic.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our fresh ingredients, we guide you through crafting the authentic Berghoff Creamed Spinach with simple, precise steps that ensure a rich and creamy result every time.
Prepare the Spinach
First, we start by handling the fresh spinach to preserve its vibrant green color and tender texture. Rinse 1 pound of fresh spinach leaves under cold water to remove any grit, then drain thoroughly. In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil over high heat, add the spinach, and blanch for 1-2 minutes until just wilted. This step locks in the spinach’s earthy flavor and bright hue. Immediately transfer the spinach to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process, which helps maintain its vibrant green essence in our Berghoff Creamed Spinach. Once cooled, drain and squeeze out excess moisture using your hands or a clean kitchen towel. Finally, roughly chop the spinach into bite-sized pieces for even distribution in the dish.
Make the Cream Sauce
Next, we create the heart of our Berghoff Creamed Spinach—a silky, aromatic cream sauce that delivers that signature Midwestern comfort. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat, then add 1 finely chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant with a golden glow. Stir in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to form a roux, cooking for 1 minute to eliminate any raw taste while building a smooth base. Gradually whisk in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of whole milk, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens to a velvety consistency—about 5 minutes. Season with ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, allowing the warm, nutty aromas to infuse the sauce and create that irresistibly creamy Berghoff essence.
Combine and Cook
Finally, we bring everything together to achieve the lush, cohesive texture that makes Berghoff Creamed Spinach a beloved classic. Add the prepared spinach to the cream sauce in the saucepan, stirring gently to coat each leaf evenly and meld the flavors. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the spinach to absorb the sauce’s richness while the mixture thickens further. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, ensuring a perfect balance of creamy indulgence and subtle spice. Once done, remove from heat—the result is a warm, velvety Berghoff Creamed Spinach ready to enhance your meal with its hearty, comforting appeal.
Conclusion
We’ve loved recreating the Berghoff Creamed Spinach in our kitchen, turning a classic into a go-to comfort side. It’s more than a recipe—it’s a way to add warmth and tradition to any table.
As we’ve explored, this dish brings simple ingredients together for unforgettable flavors that keep us coming back. Give it a try and see how it elevates your meals with ease.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Berghoff Creamed Spinach?
Berghoff Creamed Spinach is a classic Chicago side dish from the historic Berghoff restaurant, dating back to 1898. It’s a rich, creamy blend of fresh spinach and a velvety sauce made with onions, garlic, butter, cream, and spices like nutmeg. This comforting Midwestern staple adds warmth to family dinners or gatherings, enhancing any meal with its hearty flavor.
What ingredients are needed for Berghoff Creamed Spinach?
You’ll need fresh spinach, onion, garlic, butter, all-purpose flour, heavy cream, whole milk, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. These simple ingredients create a rich, creamy dish. Organize them by use for easy prep—start with spinach and aromatics, then build the sauce for authentic flavor.
How do you make Berghoff Creamed Spinach?
Begin by blanching fresh spinach to keep it vibrant. Sauté onions and garlic in butter, add flour to make a roux, then stir in cream, milk, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Combine with the spinach and simmer until creamy. The whole process takes about 20-30 minutes, resulting in a warm, comforting side dish perfect for any meal.
Can I substitute ingredients in the recipe?
Yes, you can swap fresh spinach for frozen (thaw and drain first). Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and milk for a lighter version, or skip nutmeg if unavailable, though it adds authentic flavor. Keep substitutions minimal to maintain the rich taste—always adjust seasoning to taste for the best results.
How long does it take to prepare Berghoff Creamed Spinach?
Prep time is about 10 minutes, with cooking taking 15-20 minutes, so the full recipe can be ready in under 30 minutes. It’s quick for weeknight dinners but feels special for gatherings, making it an easy yet impressive side dish.
Is Berghoff Creamed Spinach suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it uses no meat or animal-derived ingredients beyond dairy like butter, cream, and milk. It’s a hearty plant-based option, but not vegan due to the dairy components. Pair it with vegetarian mains for a comforting meal.