Frozen Creamed Vegetables: The Ultimate Guide to Quick Side Dishes

Juggling a hectic schedule with the desire for flavourful meals can be a real challenge. Prepping fresh vegetables is time-consuming, and time is exactly what we're short on. Fortunately, frozen creamed vegetables are the perfect solution for adding a gourmet and comforting touch to your plate, without spending hours in the kitchen. To help you make the right choice in the freezer aisle, we've sifted through the best options available today.

How to Choose the Best Frozen Creamed Vegetables

The freezer aisle can be a real jungle. To find the perfect product and make a choice you won't regret, here are 3 key things to check before you fill your cart.

1. Texture: Chopped, Whole Leaf, or in Pieces?

This is the deciding factor when it comes to mouthfeel. For frozen creamed spinach, for example, the choice mainly comes down to two styles:

• Chopped: An ultra-smooth and consistent texture, perfect for mixing into pasta, filling a quiche, or winning over kids who can be picky about "real" vegetable pieces.
• Whole Leaf: Whole leaves offer a more substantial bite and a more distinct, earthy vegetable flavour. This is the ideal option to serve alongside a quality cut of meat or fish, as the vegetable retains its character.

For creamed leeks, you'll generally want tender pieces for a classic, gourmet result.

2. The Ingredients: Keep It Simple

A quick glance at the ingredients list is a smart move. The golden rule? Opt for short, easy-to-understand recipes. In a good frozen ready meal, the vegetable is the star of the show: it should be the first item on the list, with a high percentage. For the sauce, look for simple ingredients: cream, water, a touch of flour for texture, and seasonings. The fewer complex-sounding names, the more authentic the taste.

3. The Format: Designed for Your Daily Routine

For a quick vegetable side dish, packaging is key. Whether in pucks, portions, or trays, each format has its advantages.

• Portions or pucks are perfect for hassle-free portion control and avoiding waste.
• The microwaveable tray is the ultimate backup plan for lazy evenings, ready in record time.

Our Selection of the Best Creamed Vegetables

Enough theory—let's get to the taste test! Here are the products that caught our attention for their flavour and convenience.

FINDUS Creamed Leeks 450g

• What sets it apart: With 80% leeks, this recipe doesn't cut corners: the vegetable reigns supreme. The cream sauce is perfectly balanced, and the tray format makes life easier.
• Highlights:
  • A true, perfectly tender leek flavour.
  • Quick to prepare on the stovetop or in the microwave.
  • Versatile, it pairs well with both white meats and fish.
• Who is it for? For those who love classic, comforting flavours and need a quick side dish for a weeknight meal.

FINDUS Whole Leaf Creamed Spinach 480g

• What sets it apart: The key advantage of this version is its whole leaf spinach, which ensures a pleasant bite and a distinct vegetable flavour. The format of two 240g portions is ideal for adjusting quantities.
• Highlights:
  • A true spinach leaf texture.
  • Spinach from responsible farming (Findus certification).
  • Ultra-convenient two-portion format.
• Who is it for? For those who like a more substantial texture and want to avoid a purée-like consistency. A perfect match for a salmon fillet or a chicken cutlet.

FINDUS Chopped Creamed Spinach 500g

• What sets it apart: This is the timeless classic. Finely chopped spinach in a generous sauce with 10% crème fra?che for maximum creaminess. It's the recipe everyone can agree on.
• Highlights:
  • An ultra-creamy and comforting texture.
  • The king of versatility: great as a side dish, but also in lasagne, on a pizza, or with a fried egg.
  • Packaged in two 250g portions.
• Who is it for? The perfect choice for families (and kids!) and anyone nostalgic for the smooth, comforting texture of the creamed spinach from their childhood.

Looking to Mix Things Up?

Creamed vegetables are great, but not for every day! If you want to explore other options, the freezer aisle has plenty more to offer. From rustic vegetable medleys and steamed veggies to gratins... there's so much to choose from.

? Discover our full range of Frozen Fruits, Vegetables & Herbs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do you reheat frozen creamed vegetables?

There are two options, both ultra-fast. On the stovetop: heat over medium heat for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. In the microwave: simply follow the power and time instructions on the packaging. In either case, make sure it's heated through before serving.

What should you serve with creamed spinach?

Creamed spinach is incredibly versatile! It's perfect with fish (salmon, cod, pollock), but also with simple meats like a hamburger patty or a pork roast. The ultimate pairing? With eggs, whether fried or poached.

Can you refreeze a creamed vegetable dish once it has been thawed?

Absolutely not! This is the number one golden rule for all frozen products. Never refreeze a thawed food item. It's a matter of food safety, but also quality: the texture and taste would be completely ruined. Once thawed or cooked, consume it promptly.