Name: Creamed Spinach
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 15 ounces frozen cut leaf spinach, drained well.; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter.; 1/4 cup shallots, finely diced.; 1 tablespoon garlic, minced.; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour.; 1 1/4 cups heavy cream.; 1/2 teaspoon salt.; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.; 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg.; 1 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated.

A wooden spoon is stirring creamy spinach in a black pot, with a bowl of rice and fresh spinach leaves nearby on a pink surface. | recipesim.com

I've finally cracked the code on making The Cheesecake Factory's famous brown bread at home. After countless attempts to get that perfect balance of sweetness and that irresistible soft texture I'm excited to share my version with you. Every time I make these loaves my kitchen smells amazing and my family comes running just like at the restaurant.

What Makes This Bread Special

There's something magical about the combination of molasses honey and just a hint of cocoa in this bread. I've found that adding a touch of espresso powder really brings out that signature flavor we all love. The whole wheat flour gives it substance but trust me it stays perfectly soft and the oats on top make it look absolutely beautiful.

Let's Gather Everything

Before we start baking make sure you've got warm milk brown sugar active yeast molasses honey softened butter whole wheat and all purpose flours instant coffee powder unsweetened cocoa and some oats. I keep these ingredients stocked because my family requests this bread so often now.

Wake Up The Yeast

This first step is crucial I always test the milk temperature on my wrist just like with baby bottles it should feel warm not hot. Mix it with the brown sugar and yeast and watch for it to get foamy about 5 minutes. If nothing happens your yeast might be old start fresh it's worth it for perfect bread.

A shallow bowl of creamy spinach mixture with a spoon, accompanied by a pie containing spinach filling and a small dish of lemon wedges. | recipesim.com

Creating Our Dough

Now comes the fun part. Mix in your molasses honey butter and about half the flour along with the cocoa and coffee. I use my wooden spoon here nothing fancy needed. Keep adding flour gradually until the dough comes together it should feel tacky but not sticky.

First Rise Magic

This is where patience pays off. Pop your dough in an oiled bowl cover it and find a warm spot in your kitchen. I like to turn my oven light on and let it rise in there. Give it about an hour you want it to double in size this rest gives us that perfect texture we're after.

Shape With Love

After the rise this is where I get to play. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured counter give it a gentle knead just 3-5 minutes then divide it into three pieces. Roll each into an 8-inch log and place them on your baking sheet. The oats on top aren't just pretty they're part of what makes this bread special press them in gently.

One More Rest

Let those shaped loaves rest another 30-40 minutes. I cover them with my favorite clean kitchen towel. This second rise is so important for light fluffy bread don't rush it. I use this time to clean up and maybe make some honey butter for serving.

A bowl of creamy spinach is placed on a restaurant table, with utensils and a plant in the background. | recipesim.com

Time To Bake

With your oven preheated to 375°F slide those beautiful loaves in and let them bake for about 20-25 minutes. Your kitchen will smell amazing. Look for that perfect light brown color don't let them get too dark we want to keep that signature soft texture.

The Perfect Loaf

I always check for doneness with my thermometer looking for 190°F but you can also tap the bottom they should sound hollow. Let them cool on a rack just long enough so you don't burn your fingers that first warm slice is worth the tiny wait.

Enjoy Every Bite

Nothing beats this bread still warm from the oven with a pat of butter melting into it. We love it alongside pasta night or with our favorite soups. Sometimes I slice it for sandwiches and my kids say they're even better than their usual lunch bread.

Keep It Fresh

These loaves stay fresh for about three days in an airtight container though they rarely last that long at my house. If they start getting a bit firm a quick toast brings them right back to life. Just keep them at room temperature the fridge dries them out.

Save Some For Later

I often make extra loaves to freeze they're perfect for busy weeks. Wrap them well first in plastic then foil and they'll keep for three months. Just thaw on your counter and warm slightly before serving it's almost as good as fresh baked.

Bake And Share

Every time I make this bread I fall in love with it all over again. That sweet soft texture that hint of cocoa and those pretty oats on top it's just special. Don't be surprised if your family starts requesting it as much as mine does. It's become our favorite way to make any meal feel like a restaurant experience right at home.

A creamy spinach dish with a golden, baked edge served in a white bowl. | recipesim.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?: Yes, you can use fresh spinach in this recipe. You'll need about 1½ pounds of fresh spinach leaves to equal 15 ounces of frozen spinach. Make sure to wilt the fresh spinach first and squeeze out excess liquid before using.
→ Why is my sauce lumpy?: Lumpy sauce usually happens when the cream is added too quickly or the heat is too high. Add the cream slowly while stirring constantly, and adjust the heat to medium or medium-low if needed.
→ Can I substitute the parmesan cheese?: Pecorino-romano cheese makes an excellent substitute for parmesan in this recipe. Both cheeses offer a similar sharp, salty flavor that works well with the creamy sauce.
→ What can I use instead of shallots?: Sweet yellow onions, like Vidalia onions, work well as a substitute for shallots. Just make sure to mince them finely for the best texture in the sauce.
→ Why add nutmeg to creamed spinach?: Nutmeg adds a subtle warmth and depth to cream-based dishes. A small amount enhances the overall flavor without being noticeable, but be careful not to add too much as it can overpower the dish.

Creamed Spinach