Stick of Butter Baked Rice Recipe
If you are craving a comforting, flavorful side dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside, you have to try this Stick of Butter Baked Rice Recipe. Imagine tender, perfectly cooked rice infused with savory French onion soup and beef broth, all generously topped with a melty stick of butter that browns beautifully in the oven. This simple but indulgent baked rice is the kind of recipe that transforms plain rice into something extraordinary, adding richness, depth, and that buttery goodness that keeps you going back for seconds. It pairs wonderfully with so many main dishes, making it a staple to have in your culinary rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Stick of Butter Baked Rice Recipe is how straightforward yet essential the ingredients are, each playing a key role in delivering an unforgettable flavor and texture. These pantry-friendly items combine to create a dish that’s both hearty and elegant.
- 1 cup long grain white rice: The base of the dish, providing a fluffy texture that soaks up all the savory flavors.
- 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth): Adds rich, meaty undertones that infuse the rice with deep flavor.
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed French onion soup: Brings sweetness, onion aroma, and a touch of umami for complexity.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick): The star of the dish, adding luscious creaminess and a golden finish.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional): Enhances savory notes without overpowering the other flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle spicy kick to balance the richness.
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): Provides a fresh pop of color and brightness to finish.
How to Make Stick of Butter Baked Rice Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Combine
Start by heating your oven to 425°F, setting the scene for perfectly baked rice. In a 9×9-inch baking dish (or similar size), mix together the uncooked rice, beef broth, condensed French onion soup, garlic powder if you’re using it, and black pepper. Stir well to ensure every grain is surrounded by that flavorful liquid base.
Step 2: Add the Butter
Slice the stick of butter into even pats, then place them scattered across the rice mixture. This distribution is crucial; each pat slowly melts during baking, soaking the rice with rich, buttery goodness as it cooks.
Step 3: Bake Covered
Tightly cover the dish with foil to trap steam and allow the rice to absorb all the liquids slowly. Bake covered for 30 minutes. This steaming phase ensures tender, fluffy rice without drying out.
Step 4: Bake Uncovered and Brown
Remove the foil and continue baking for another 30 to 35 minutes uncovered. This step browns the top of the rice, creating a gorgeous golden crust that adds texture and extra visual appeal. The buttery pats will have melted, bathing the rice in their sumptuous flavor.
Step 5: Let it Rest and Garnish
Once baked, give the dish a 5-minute rest to let everything settle and set. If you like, sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a fresh, vibrant contrast.
How to Serve Stick of Butter Baked Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped fresh parsley is the classic choice to add a burst of color and mild herbal notes that lighten up the richness. For a bit of extra flair, crispy fried onions or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese can elevate the presentation and flavor perfectly.
Side Dishes
This baked rice is the perfect companion to roasted meats like chicken, beef, or pork. It also works beautifully with sautéed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a lighter, balanced meal. The creamy, savory nature of this rice pairs especially well with dishes that have bold, robust flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the baked rice in individual ramekins for a charming presentation, or pack it into a hollowed-out roasted bell pepper for a fun twist. Especially at dinner parties, this makes a memorable side that looks as good as it tastes, showcasing the golden buttered top with pride.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your fresh Stick of Butter Baked Rice Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days, making for some easy grab-and-go meals during the week.
Freezing
If you want to save the rice for longer, portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be sure to cool the rice completely before freezing to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water to restore moisture. Cover while reheating to help the rice steam and prevent drying out, ensuring it tastes just as luscious as the day it was baked.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can! Brown rice will require a bit more liquid and a longer baking time since it takes longer to cook. Increase the broth by about ¼ cup and add 10-15 more minutes to the covered baking stage for the best results.
Is it necessary to use condensed French onion soup?
French onion soup adds a signature savory sweetness and complexity. While you can substitute with cream of mushroom or another condensed soup, the flavor of the Stick of Butter Baked Rice Recipe will be most authentic and delicious with the French onion variety.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Sliced mushrooms, caramelized onions, or peas make great additions that complement the rich flavors perfectly. Add them in before baking to allow their flavors to meld with the rice.
What if I don’t have beef broth?
Chicken broth is a fine substitute and will still provide plenty of depth. For a vegetarian version, replace the broth with vegetable broth and ensure the soup is vegetarian-friendly.
How buttery is this dish? Will it be too rich?
The stick of butter is the key to the dish’s indulgent flavor and golden crust, but it melts into the rice rather than sitting heavily. The broth and soup balance the richness, resulting in a creamy but comforting side without feeling greasy or overwhelming.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give the Stick of Butter Baked Rice Recipe a try because it’s truly one of those dishes that elevates any meal with minimal effort. Its buttery, savory perfection makes it a favorite in my kitchen, and I know once you taste it, it will become a staple in yours too. So grab that stick of butter and let the oven do its magic—deliciousness awaits!
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Stick of Butter Baked Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This comforting Stick of Butter Baked Rice recipe combines long grain white rice with savory beef broth and condensed French onion soup, all topped with a generous stick of butter to create a rich, flavorful side dish. Baked to perfection, the rice absorbs all the delicious flavors, resulting in a tender texture with a golden brown top that’s perfect alongside your favorite main courses.
Ingredients
Rice Mixture
- 1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed French onion soup
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Butter Topping
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick), sliced into small pats
Garnish
- Chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking the rice mixture.
- Mix ingredients: In a 9×9-inch or similarly sized baking dish, combine the uncooked rice, beef broth, condensed French onion soup, garlic powder if using, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to ensure even distribution of all ingredients.
- Add butter: Slice the stick of unsalted butter into small pats and evenly place them on top of the rice mixture in the baking dish.
- Cover and bake: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and moisture. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Bake uncovered: Carefully remove the foil and continue baking the rice uncovered for an additional 30 to 35 minutes, until the rice is tender and the top has turned a golden brown color.
- Rest and garnish: Remove the dish from the oven and let the baked rice rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired for a fresh finish.
Notes
- For added depth of flavor, try mixing in sliced mushrooms or caramelized onions before baking.
- If using brown rice instead of white, increase the liquid slightly and extend the baking time to ensure the rice cooks thoroughly.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
