Name: Creamed Spinach with Toasted Panko Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 lbs fresh spinach, roughly chopped into 1 inch pieces; 1/3 cup olive oil; Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar; 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature; 4 ounces grated fontina cheese (white cheddar also delish); 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 lemon, zested and juiced; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 cup panko bread crumbs; Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

If you’re anything like me, you appreciate a side dish that feels both indulgent and fresh at the same time. That’s exactly why I’m excited to share my Creamed Spinach with Toasted Panko Recipe with you. It’s creamy, dreamy, and then topped off with that irresistible crunch from perfectly toasted panko breadcrumbs. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a holiday feast, this recipe comes together quickly and always gets rave reviews!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy and Crunchy Harmony: The velvety cream cheese and fontina contrast beautifully with crisp toasted panko on top.
Easy to Make: With just one pot and a quick skillet for breadcrumbs, it comes together in about 30 minutes.
Fresh Flavor Boost: A touch of lemon zest and balsamic vinegar wakes up the spinach, making it bright and lively.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual weeknight or a festive spread, this side dish shines every time.

A large beige bowl filled with creamy light green soup that has dark green spinach leaves mixed in, topped with scattered small clusters of golden brown crumbly crumbs. Next to it, a smaller beige bowl holds more of the same crumbly topping with a silver spoon resting inside. A wooden spoon lies on a white marbled surface near the bowls, with a beige fabric underneath. The edges of two white plates are visible at the bottom right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamed Spinach with Toasted Panko, Creamed Spinach recipe, cheesy spinach side dish, crispy panko topping, easy spinach side dish

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this creamed spinach recipe is how simple ingredients come together to create something luxurious. When shopping, look for fresh, vibrant spinach and good-quality cheeses to make a real difference.

Flat lay of fresh roughly chopped spinach leaves, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of unsalted butter cubes, a small white ceramic bowl of golden toasted panko bread crumbs with visible lemon zest mixed in, a whole fresh lemon cut in half showing the juicy interior with zest shavings beside it, a small white ceramic bowl of softened cream cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of grated fontina cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of heavy cream, and whole uncracked eggs with clean shells arranged symmetrically with kosher salt crystals and freshly cracked black peppercorns scattered neatly on a clean white ceramic plate, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Creamed Spinach with Toasted Panko, Creamed Spinach recipe, cheesy spinach side dish, crispy panko topping, easy spinach side dish

Fresh spinac: Choose bright green, tender leaves — baby spinach works great too if that’s what you have.
Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps wilt the spinach gently.
Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper: Essential for balanced seasoning throughout.
Balsamic vinegar: Just a splash adds depth and a slight tang that elevates the flavors.
Unsalted butter: For toasting the panko and enriching the spinach mixture.
Panko breadcrumbs: These Japanese crumbs give you that crispy, airy crunch you want.
Lemon (zest and juice): Provides brightness and fresh aroma, balancing the richness.
Cream cheese: At room temperature, it melts effortlessly into the spinach, making it creamy.
Fontina cheese: Offers a mild, nutty flavor; white cheddar can work well too if you prefer.
Heavy cream: Adds silkiness and ties the whole dish together.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Creamed Spinach with Toasted Panko Recipe is how easy it is to tweak it to your tastes. I often change up the cheese or add mix-ins depending on the occasion.

Cheese swaps: I’ve used sharp white cheddar or even gouda when I want a smokier or tangier flavor — totally delicious!
Garlic addition: If you love garlic, sauté a couple of minced cloves along with the spinach for a deeper flavor profile.
Dairy-free option: I’ve experimented with coconut cream and dairy-free cream cheese when cooking for friends with dietary restrictions, and it still turns out creamy and satisfying.
Nut topping: Sometimes I add toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds to the panko for extra texture and a nutty twist.

How to Make Creamed Spinach with Toasted Panko Recipe

Step 1: Wilt the Spinach Slowly with Love

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven—big enough to hold all that gorgeous spinach. Add the spinach in batches, stirring to help it wilt evenly without steaming too fast. When all your greens are in, cover the pot and cook on medium-low, stirring every few minutes so it cooks gently. You’re looking for tender, soft leaves without any browning; this will take about 10 minutes. Adding the balsamic vinegar at this stage gives the spinach a subtle tang that really brightens up every bite.

Step 2: Make the Golden Toasted Panko Topping

While the spinach cooks, melt your butter in a small skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the panko breadcrumbs and season with salt and freshly cracked pepper. Keep stirring so the crumbs toast evenly—they’ll turn a gorgeous golden brown in about 3 minutes. Just before you take the pan off the heat, stir in the lemon zest to add a burst of fresh aroma. Trust me, this step is where the magic happens; the crunchy topping will make your creamed spinach unforgettable.

Step 3: Blend in the Cheeses and Cream

Turn your heat down to low and begin adding the cream cheese in small pieces, letting it melt smoothly into the spinach. Take your time with this part—it’s tempting to rush, but slow and steady ensures a perfectly creamy texture. Next, stir in the fontina cheese, lemon juice, and heavy cream. Keep mixing for about a minute until the fontina melts and everything combines into a luscious, silky mixture. At this point, your kitchen will smell just heavenly!

Step 4: Serve It Up with That Crunchy Panko Finish

Transfer the creamed spinach into a pretty serving bowl and sprinkle the toasted panko all over the top. The crunch adds such an amazing texture contrast — everyone always asks for more. It’s really the final flourish that brings this dish from great to spectacular.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamed Spinach with Toasted Panko Recipe

Wilt in Batches: Adding spinach in smaller amounts prevents overcrowding and helps it cook evenly without steaming too quickly.
Butter for toasting: Using butter (not oil) for panko gives a wonderful flavor and helps the crumbs crisp up beautifully.
Room Temperature Cream Cheese: This melts faster and smoother, preventing clumps in your creamed spinach.
Watch Your Heat: Keep the heat low when mixing in cheese to avoid curdling or burning; patience pays off with a silky finish.

How to Serve Creamed Spinach with Toasted Panko Recipe

A white bowl holds a serving of a spinach dish with two main visible layers. The bottom layer is dark green cooked spinach with a soft and slightly shiny texture, filling most of the bowl. The top layer is a crumbly, golden-yellow topping that looks baked and slightly crispy, covering about half of the spinach. In the background, part of a larger bowl with more of the dish and a silver fork resting on the white bowl's edge can be seen. The surface below is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamed Spinach with Toasted Panko, Creamed Spinach recipe, cheesy spinach side dish, crispy panko topping, easy spinach side dish

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a sprinkle of extra lemon zest or a few cracked peppercorns to add a touch of color and brightness on top. Sometimes, just a few fresh parsley leaves or chives are enough to make it feel a little fancy without overpowering the dish.

Side Dishes

This creamed spinach is fantastic alongside juicy grilled steaks, roasted chicken, or baked salmon. It’s also lovely with mashed potatoes or buttery dinner rolls to soak up the creamy goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a holiday or special dinner, I sometimes serve the creamed spinach in individual ramekins with the toasted panko brushed with a little extra melted butter to crisp it right before serving. It makes every guest feel like they’re getting something extra special!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After it cools, I transfer leftovers to an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The texture holds up well, especially if you add fresh toasted panko right before serving again.

Freezing

I’ve frozen creamed spinach a few times and found it does freeze okay, but the texture can get a bit watery after thawing. If freezing, I recommend holding off on adding the toasted panko until you’re ready to serve.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often to keep it creamy and prevent sticking. Adding a splash of heavy cream or milk during reheating helps freshen up the texture. Toast new panko crumbs while reheating for that perfect crunch every time.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach, but make sure to thaw it fully and squeeze out as much moisture as possible before cooking. This helps prevent your creamed spinach from becoming too watery.
What can I substitute for fontina cheese?

If you can’t find fontina, white cheddar or gouda make delicious substitutes. They melt well and add a lovely depth of flavor.
How do I keep the toasted panko crunchy?

Toast your panko just before serving and sprinkle it on last minute. If you prepare the dish in advance, keep the panko separate until serving time.
Can I make this recipe vegan?

You can try substituting dairy ingredients with plant-based cream cheese, vegan butter, and non-dairy cream, but keep in mind the texture and flavor will be different. Also, make sure to use vegan panko or breadcrumbs.
Is this recipe good for entertaining?

Absolutely! It’s creamy, comforting, and elegant enough to impress guests without needing complicated prep — just remember to toast your panko just before serving for that perfect crunch.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Creamed Spinach with Toasted Panko Recipe turns out every single time. It’s one of those dishes that feels special but doesn’t require a ton of fuss—perfect for busy weeknights and holiday dinners alike. Whenever I make it, my family goes crazy for the creamy texture paired with that golden crunch on top. I really encourage you to give it a try—you might just find a new favorite side dish that feels like a hug on a plate!