Ultimate Keto Steakhouse-Style Spinach

Ultimate Keto Steakhouse-Style Spinach

The Ultimate Keto Steakhouse-Style Spinach (Better Than Ruth’s Chris!)

Craving that luxurious steakhouse experience at home? This velvety, rich keto-friendly spinach side dish rivals the best steakhouse versions, delivering all the indulgent flavor without the carbs. Perfect for special occasions or when you want to elevate your weeknight dinner game.

Get ready to transform simple ingredients into a show-stopping side dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. This recipe captures the essence of high-end steakhouse dining while keeping it gloriously gluten-free and keto-compliant. The secret lies in the perfect balance of cream, cheese, and perfectly wilted spinach.

Originally inspired by classic steakhouse creamed spinach, this version cuts the carbs without sacrificing any of the decadence. Pair it with your favorite grilled ribeye or salmon for a restaurant-worthy meal that’s surprisingly easy to prepare at home. At just 4g net carbs per serving, it’s a keto dieter’s dream come true.

Ultimate Keto Steakhouse-Style Spinach Recipe

Ingredients:

2 pounds fresh spinach leaves (for frozen spinach, see below)**

2 tablespoons butter

1 medium shallot finely chopped

4 cloves garlic minced

8 ounces cream cheese softened

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg freshly grated

1 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions:

1. Wash spinach thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels

2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat

3. Add shallots and cook until softened, about 3 minutes

4. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant

5. Add spinach in batches, stirring until wilted

6. Remove spinach mixture and drain well, pressing out excess liquid

7. Return skillet to heat, add cream cheese and heavy cream

8. Whisk until cream cheese is fully melted and smooth

9. Stir in both kinds of cheese until melted

10. Add nutmeg, salt, black pepper, and cayenne

11. Return spinach to pan and stir to combine

12. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened

Air Fryer Instructions:

1. Follow steps 1-6 above

2. Transfer mixture to an air fryer-safe dish

3. Air fry at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, stirring halfway through

4. Top with extra cheese and air fry for 2 additional minutes if desired

Elevated Cooking Tip:

For extra depth of flavor, deglaze the pan with 2 tablespoons of dry white wine after cooking the shallots, letting it reduce completely before continuing with the recipe.

Notes:

  • Can be made ahead and reheated
  • Freezes well for up to 3 months
  • Perfect for holiday meals
  • Consider adding crispy pancetta for extra flavor

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size: 1/2 cup

Calories: 280

Fat: 24g

Protein: 8g

Net Carbs: 4g

Fiber: 2g

Total Carbs: 6g

Estimated Cost Per Serving: $2.50

Total Recipe Cost: $15.00

Other Information:

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Equipment Needed: Large skillet, colander, measuring cups and spoons

Servings: 6

**Here’s the added information for using frozen spinach:

Frozen Spinach Substitution

If using frozen spinach instead of fresh:

1. Use 20 ounces (about 2.5 packages) of frozen chopped spinach

2. Thaw completely in refrigerator overnight or using microwave

3. Place thawed spinach in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth

4. Squeeze thoroughly to remove ALL excess moisture (this is crucial)

5. Skip the wilting steps in the original recipe

6. Add the drained, thawed spinach directly to the cream sauce mixture

Important Notes for Frozen Spinach:

  • Make sure to remove as much liquid as possible to prevent a watery dish
  • Frozen spinach is more compact than fresh, so you’ll need less
  • The texture will be slightly different but equally delicious
  • Using frozen spinach reduces prep time by about 10 minutes
  • Choose whole-leaf frozen spinach over chopped for better texture
  • Consider adding an extra tablespoon of butter to compensate for the drier texture of frozen spinach

Adjusted Nutrition Information When Using Frozen Spinach:

Serving Size: 1/2 cup

Calories: 275

Fat: 24g

Protein: 7g

Net Carbs: 3g

Fiber: 2g

Total Carbs: 5g

Estimated Cost Per Serving: $2.00 (frozen spinach typically costs less)

Total Recipe Cost: $12.00

Adjusted Prep Time with Frozen Spinach:

Prep Time: 5 minutes (plus thawing time)

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes (not including thawing)

Money-Saving Tip:

Stock up on frozen spinach when it’s on sale – it has a long freezer life and is typically more economical than fresh spinach while retaining similar nutritional benefits.

In Conclusion, Ultimate Keto Steakhouse-Style Spinach

This restaurant-quality keto steakhouse spinach proves that following a low-carb lifestyle doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or elegance. With proper storage, this dish can be enjoyed for up to 4 days when refrigerated in an airtight container.

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Kay Keeton, Ed.

Editor in Chief, Kay Keeton - Texas Lifestyle Expert. Kay is a designer turned author, marketer, storyteller, and influencer. A sixth-generation Texan, Kay is both an authority as well as being passionate about sharing her home state of Texas's diverse culture and lifestyle. Kay is a content writer and editor of content for various local and national online publications.

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