Prepare to revolutionize your side dish game with the most addictive, creamy, and slightly spicy Slow Cooker Jalapeno Creamed Spinach that will have your dinner guests begging for seconds! 🌶️🧀 Imagine a luxurious, velvety spinach dish that combines the rich creaminess of three cheeses with a tantalizing jalapeno kick, all effortlessly prepared in your slow cooker. This isn't just another boring vegetable side – this is a flavor explosion that transforms humble spinach into a restaurant-worthy delicacy that's both incredibly easy to make and impossibly delicious.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 jalapenos, diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the fresh spinach by thoroughly washing and chopping it into bite-sized pieces. Remove any tough stems to ensure tender texture.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and well-incorporated, creating a creamy base for the dish.
- Carefully dice the jalapenos, removing seeds if you prefer less heat. For milder flavor, use only one jalapeno or remove all seeds and membranes.
- Add diced jalapenos, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the cheese mixture. Stir thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Grease the inside of the slow cooker with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Layer the chopped spinach into the slow cooker, then pour the creamy jalapeno cheese mixture over the spinach, ensuring even coverage.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat. Cook for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
- About 30 minutes before serving, give the creamed spinach a final stir and adjust seasonings if needed.
- Once spinach is tender and sauce is creamy, turn off the slow cooker and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Serve hot as a side dish, garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese or chopped fresh jalapenos if desired.
Tips
- Pro tips to make your Jalapeno Creamed Spinach absolutely perfect:
- Spice Control: Want to manage the heat? Remove the jalapeno seeds for a milder version, or keep them in for a spicier kick.
- Cheese Matters: Use fresh, high-quality Parmesan for the best flavor. Pre-grated cheese can work, but freshly grated will give you a more robust taste.
- Prevent Burning: Stir the creamed spinach occasionally during cooking to ensure even heat distribution and prevent any scorching.
- Texture Tip: For extra smoothness, let the cream cheese soften at room temperature before mixing.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This dish can be prepared in advance and kept warm in the slow cooker, making it perfect for potlucks and dinner parties.
- Garnish Game: Top with extra Parmesan, fresh chopped herbs, or crispy bacon bits for added texture and flavor. Pro Chef Secret: The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a side dish that's far more complex and delicious than traditional creamed spinach!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 65mg
