Broccoli Timbales
Delicate broccoli timbales with creamy custard, tender vegetables, and savory flavors, perfect as an appetizer or light main for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Finely chop the broccoli and set aside.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a one-quart saucepan, over medium heat, melt the margarine and cook the minced onion until tender, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the flour until blended and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
- Gradually stir in one cup of half and half, cook, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
- Grease six 6-ounce custard cups or twelve muffin tins.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, chicken bouillon, salt, pepper, and the remaining half and half.
- Stir in the cooked onion mixture and chopped broccoli.
- Ladle the egg mixture into the prepared custard cups.
- Place the cups in a 13 x 9-inch baking pan and set on the oven rack.
- Pour boiling water into the pan to come halfway up the sides of the cups.
- Bake for 35 minutes if using custard cups or 20 minutes if using muffin tins, until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Invert the custard cups onto a platter to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute margarine with olive oil or use low-fat half and half. If you don't have chicken bouillon, vegetable broth can be a great alternative for a vegetarian option. Ensure the broccoli is thoroughly drained to avoid excess moisture, which can make the timbales soggy.
Serving Suggestions
These broccoli timbales make a delightful side dish, especially paired with roasted meats like Country Herb Roasted Chicken or served alongside a fresh salad. They also complement Christmas Rice Casserole for a festive meal. Garnish with fresh herbs or a light sauce for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover broccoli timbales can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave them for 1-2 minutes on high, covering them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Broccoli Timbales contains roughly 624 calories, with 10g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (23% of the Daily Value) and protein (21% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1043mg per serving (45% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh broccoli. Just steam it until tender, chop it finely, and squeeze out the excess moisture before adding it to the mixture. This will help maintain the timbales' texture and prevent them from becoming watery.
What can I serve with broccoli timbales?
Broccoli timbales pair well with various main dishes, such as grilled chicken or fish. They also complement hearty casseroles like Excellent Hash Brown Casserole. A light lemon vinaigrette drizzled over a side salad can enhance the meal nicely.
Can I make these timbales ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture and pour it into the cups, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they are chilled when placed in the oven.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).