French Onion Butter Rice: A Savory Side Dish Recipe
Introduction
French Onion Butter Rice is a flavorful and comforting side dish that elevates simple rice with rich French onion soup and buttery goodness. It’s easy to prepare and pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses.
Ingredients
- 1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) French onion soup (condensed)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) beef broth (or water with beef bouillon)
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, sliced into pats
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped (optional for extra flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley or shredded cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease your baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Step 2: In the baking dish, combine the uncooked rice, French onion soup, beef broth, and chopped onions if using. Stir gently to mix evenly.
- Step 3: Arrange the butter slices evenly over the rice mixture to ensure the flavors melt throughout.
- Step 4: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes to allow the rice to absorb the liquid.
- Step 5: Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until the liquid is fully absorbed and the top turns golden and slightly crisp.
- Step 6: Let the rice rest for a few minutes after baking, then fluff it gently with a fork. Garnish with chopped parsley or shredded cheese if desired, and serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- For extra richness, substitute half of the beef broth with chicken broth or vegetable broth.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or garlic with the onions for added depth of flavor.
- Use sharp cheddar or gruyere cheese as a garnish for a delicious twist.
- Make it vegetarian by replacing beef broth with vegetable broth and using a vegetarian French onion soup.
Storage
Store leftover French Onion Butter Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth or water to keep it moist.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Brown rice needs a longer cooking time and more liquid, so this recipe isn’t ideal for brown rice unless you adjust the baking time and liquid amounts accordingly.
Can I prepare this on the stove instead of baking?
This dish is designed for oven baking to achieve a tender rice texture and a slightly crisp top. Cooking on the stove may require different liquid ratios and careful monitoring to avoid burning.
PrintFrench Onion Butter Rice: A Savory Side Dish Recipe
French Onion Butter Rice is a rich and flavorful side dish that combines the savory taste of French onion soup with buttery long grain white rice. This easy-to-make recipe is baked until the rice is tender and the top is golden and crisp, making it a perfect accompaniment to a variety of main courses.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) French onion soup (condensed)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) beef broth (or water with beef bouillon)
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, sliced into pats
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Garnish
- Chopped parsley
- Shredded cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease your baking dish to prevent sticking and prepare it for the rice mixture.
- Mix Ingredients: In the prepared baking dish, combine the uncooked rice, French onion soup, beef broth, and finely chopped onions if you are using them. Stir well to evenly distribute all ingredients.
- Add the Butter: Arrange pats of unsalted butter evenly on top of the rice mixture. This will allow the butter to melt thoroughly and infuse the rice with rich flavor.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes to allow the rice to absorb the liquids and start cooking.
- Uncover and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake the dish uncovered for an additional 20 to 25 minutes. This step helps evaporate any remaining liquid and crisps the top to a golden finish.
- Fluff and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes. Gently fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains. Garnish with chopped parsley or shredded cheese if desired, then serve warm.
Notes
- Using beef broth instead of water enhances the flavor, but you can substitute with water and beef bouillon if preferred.
- The small chopped onion is optional but adds an extra depth of flavor to the dish.
- Covering the dish with foil during initial baking helps trap steam and cooks the rice evenly.
- Letting the dish sit before fluffing allows the rice to firm up slightly for better texture.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to taste, especially if the broth and soup are salted.
Keywords: French Onion Butter Rice, baked rice side dish, flavored rice, easy side recipes, French onion soup rice
