If you’ve been searching for a side dish that’s both meltingly savory and ridiculously simple, your quest ends with French Onion Butter Rice. This easy oven-baked rice melds the sweet richness of French onion soup, a generous swirl of butter, and fragrant grains of long grain rice, creating pure comfort in every fluffy forkful. It’s deeply flavorful, incredibly versatile, and the oven does almost all the work — perfection for busy weeknights and dinner parties alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish is its simple list of ingredients, each one crucial for maximum flavor. Together, they create the signature taste and texture that makes French Onion Butter Rice such a standout. Here’s what you’ll need and why you shouldn’t skip a thing:
- Long grain white rice: Stays fluffy and absorbs all the savory goodness without going mushy.
- Canned French onion soup: Delivers deep caramelized onion flavor with zero fuss.
- Beef broth or water: Adds moisture and boosts the savory umami; broth lends extra richness.
- Unsalted butter, sliced: Melts into the rice for a silky, decadent finish.
- Garlic powder (optional): Brings a subtle aromatic kick if you want an extra layer of flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning — adjust to your liking after baking.
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): A pop of color and freshness to finish things off.
How to Make French Onion Butter Rice
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) to guarantee a bubbling, golden bake. Grab a 9×9-inch (or similar-sized) baking dish and lightly grease it — a quick spritz or swipe of butter will prevent any sticky edges and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Rice and Liquids
In your prepared baking dish, add the uncooked long grain rice. Pour in the French onion soup and your choice of beef broth or water right over the rice. Give everything a good stir to distribute the rice grains and ensure every bit gets coated in that deeply savory liquid.
Step 3: Top with Butter and Seasoning
Slice your butter into pats and scatter them evenly across the top of your rice mixture. If you’re using garlic powder, sprinkle it lightly over everything for a hint of extra flavor. Don’t worry if it looks like a lot of butter — it all melts in and makes the French Onion Butter Rice wonderfully luscious.
Step 4: Bake Covered First
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. This trap of steam is what helps the rice cook through perfectly and soak up all those flavors. Bake for 30 minutes covered — no peeking needed!
Step 5: Uncover and Finish Baking
Carefully remove the foil and pop the dish back into the oven. Bake for another 25 to 30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and you’ve got that irresistible golden color on top. The exposed top layer will crisp a little while the inside stays tender.
Step 6: Rest, Fluff, and Garnish
Let your French Onion Butter Rice rest for at least 5 minutes once out of the oven. This makes the rice easier to fluff with a fork and gives the flavors time to settle. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of green and a lift of freshness before serving warm.
How to Serve French Onion Butter Rice
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is the simplest way to bring a burst of color and brightness to your finished French Onion Butter Rice. If you’re feeling decadent, try a handful of shredded cheese or some crispy fried onions during the last 10 minutes of baking — they’ll melt or crisp up beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish’s savory depth makes it a fantastic companion to everything from grilled steak and roasted chicken to sautéed mushrooms and garlicky green beans. The French Onion Butter Rice soaks up sauces and gravies, so don’t be shy about pairing it with your heartiest mains or vegetable plates.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elevated dinner, spoon the rice into individual ramekins for personal servings, or use it as a luscious, buttery bed under sliced meats, seared tofu, or roasted vegetables. You can also stir through some chopped caramelized onions for extra oniony punch — the possibilities are endless with French Onion Butter Rice!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover French Onion Butter Rice keeps well for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, and it’s wonderful for easy lunches or side dishes throughout the week.
Freezing
You can freeze French Onion Butter Rice! Let it cool completely before spooning portions into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Freeze for up to two months. For the best texture, reheat from frozen rather than thawing first, as it helps preserve the rice’s structure.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave with a splash of water or beef broth to bring back that original creamy moisture. For a larger batch, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until hot, fluffing gently with a fork before serving.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but you’ll need to increase both the baking time and the amount of liquid. Expect at least 15–20 minutes extra and check for tenderness before serving.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Simply use water or a good-quality vegetable broth instead of beef broth to make French Onion Butter Rice fully vegetarian, and double-check that your French onion soup is meat-free.
Can I make this recipe on the stovetop?
This recipe works best baked for that deliciously caramelized top, but you can adapt it to the stovetop with a heavy-bottomed pot and a tight lid. Simmer gently and keep an eye on the moisture level.
What’s the best cheese to add for extra richness?
Gruyere, Swiss, or even a little sharp cheddar work beautifully stirred in for the last 10 minutes of baking. Cheese adds another layer of savory comfort to the classic French Onion Butter Rice.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Use a 9×13-inch or larger baking dish and double all the ingredients. Your baking time may be a bit longer, so check for doneness before serving.
Final Thoughts
If you love recipes that deliver big flavor with minimal fuss, you’ll adore French Onion Butter Rice. It warms the soul and transforms even the simplest meal into something special. Don’t wait to try it — this easy side is destined to become a new favorite at your table!
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French Onion Butter Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
French Onion Butter Rice is a savory and comforting side dish that elevates plain rice to a whole new level. With the rich flavors of French onion soup and beef broth baked into the rice, topped with slices of butter for a luxuriously creamy finish, this easy-to-make dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 1 can (10.5 oz) French onion soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) beef broth or water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (sliced)
Additional Ingredients:
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Rice Mixture: In the baking dish, combine rice, French onion soup, and beef broth. Add sliced butter on top and sprinkle with garlic powder if using. Cover with foil.
- Bake the Dish: Bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 25–30 minutes until rice is tender and the top is golden.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes, then fluff the rice with a fork. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- For added richness, mix in shredded cheese during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- This dish pairs well with grilled meats or roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
