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

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease your baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. 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.
3. Step 3: Arrange the butter slices evenly over the rice mixture to ensure the flavors melt throughout.
4. Step 4: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes to allow the rice to absorb the liquid.
5. 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.
6. 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.

French Onion Butter Rice: A Savory Side Dish Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 81 reviews

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.

• Author: Nora
• 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

Scale 1x2x3x

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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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