If you’re on the hunt for a comfort food side that’s both irresistibly rich and incredibly simple to make, the Stick of Butter Rice Recipe is your new best friend. This dish brings together fluffy long-grain white rice baked slowly in savory French onion soup and beef broth, all topped with a whole stick of butter that melts into luxurious, mouthwatering goodness. The outcome is a dish that feels indulgent yet comforting, easy to prepare, and destined to become a staple on your dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of pantry-friendly ingredients, this recipe showcases how simple components can come together to create such a flavorful masterpiece. Each ingredient plays a special role, whether it’s the rich umami from the condensed French onion soup or the creamy silkiness added by the butter pats melting on top.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice: The perfect texture and flavor base that soaks up all the savory liquids.
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed French onion soup: Infuses the rice with deep, sweet, and tangy onion flavor.
- 1 (10.5 oz) can beef broth: Adds a robust, meaty richness that complements the soup.
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, sliced into pats: Melts into the rice during baking, creating unparalleled creaminess and buttery depth.
How to Make Stick of Butter Rice Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Combine Ingredients
Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F, which sets the perfect environment for baking the rice evenly. In a medium-sized baking dish, pour in the uncooked rice, then add the condensed French onion soup and beef broth. Give everything a good stir to ensure the rice is fully coated and all the flavors start to mingle beautifully before baking.
Step 2: Arrange the Butter Pats
Now for the magic touch—place the pats of butter evenly on top of the rice mixture. This not only adds luscious richness but also helps the rice cook with a luxurious creaminess. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil to trap all the steam, ensuring the rice cooks perfectly tender.
Step 3: Bake Covered
Pop the foil-covered dish into the oven and let it bake for 30 minutes. This initial roasting allows the rice to start absorbing the flavorful liquids and softening to just the right bite.
Step 4: Bake Uncovered
After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes. This step lets the rice finish cooking while the butter melts fully and the top gets slightly golden, giving the dish an irresistible aroma and inviting texture.
Step 5: Rest and Fluff
Once baking is complete, let the rice sit for 5 minutes before fluffing it up with a fork. This short resting period allows the rice to absorb any leftover moisture and settle, making every bite fluffy and perfectly seasoned.
How to Serve Stick of Butter Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Though the dish is wonderfully flavorful on its own, adding fresh garnishes like chopped parsley or chives can bring a fresh pop of color and a light herbal note that contrasts beautifully with the richness.
Side Dishes
Stick of Butter Rice works wonderfully alongside hearty mains like roasted chicken, juicy steak, or grilled vegetables. The buttery rice complements protein and veggies alike by grounding them with its velvety, savory goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try baking the rice in individual ramekins for a charming presentation at dinner parties. You can also stir in sautéed mushrooms or a dash of Worcestershire sauce before baking for a little extra depth, making the dish feel fresh every time you serve it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After cooking, cool any leftovers to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator, where it will keep well for up to 3 days without losing its delicious buttery texture.
Freezing
You can freeze Stick of Butter Rice in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months. Just be sure to cool completely and seal tightly to maintain freshness and prevent freezer burn.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to revive the creamy texture. Avoid overheating to keep that wonderful buttery flavor intact.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of rice for this recipe?
Long-grain white rice works best here because it stays separate and fluffy, but you can experiment with jasmine rice for a fragrant touch or basmati for a nutty aroma. Just note that cooking times may vary slightly.
Is there a vegetarian version of the Stick of Butter Rice Recipe?
Absolutely! Simply swap the beef broth with vegetable broth and make sure the French onion soup is vegetarian-friendly. This keeps the dish rich and flavorful without compromising on taste.
Can I add vegetables to the rice before baking?
Yes, stirring in cooked mushrooms or diced bell peppers before baking adds an extra layer of flavor and texture, making it a heartier side or even a light main dish.
What’s the best way to prevent the rice from sticking to the baking dish?
Lightly greasing your baking dish before adding the rice mixture helps prevent sticking. Also, covering it with foil during the initial bake traps steam, keeping the rice moist and less likely to cling.
Can I make this recipe ahead and bake it later?
You can prepare the rice mixture and assemble the dish up to a day in advance, keeping it covered in the fridge. When ready, just pop it directly into the preheated oven and adjust baking time as needed.
Final Thoughts
This Stick of Butter Rice Recipe is one of those comforting, no-fuss dishes that elevate any meal with its golden, buttery charm. It’s simple, effortlessly delicious, and just the right level of indulgent to make weeknight dinners or special occasions feel a little extra. Give it a try, and get ready for a new favorite in your recipe arsenal!
Print
Stick of Butter Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Stick of Butter Rice is a comforting and easy-to-make baked rice dish enhanced with rich butter, condensed French onion soup, and beef broth. This delicious side pairs perfectly with roasted meats or grilled vegetables, making it a versatile addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed French onion soup
- 1 (10.5 oz) can beef broth
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, sliced into pats
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking the rice mixture.
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium-sized baking dish, combine the uncooked rice, condensed French onion soup, and beef broth. Stir the mixture gently to evenly distribute the rice within the liquid base.
- Add Butter: Arrange the sliced pats of butter evenly over the top of the rice mixture, ensuring a rich buttery flavor throughout the dish.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove Foil and Continue Baking: After 30 minutes, remove the foil carefully and continue baking the rice uncovered for another 30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been fully absorbed.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the rice to set. Fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving for a light, airy texture.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, consider stirring in cooked mushrooms or a few dashes of Worcestershire sauce before baking.
- Top with fresh chopped herbs like parsley to add a pop of color and freshness.
- This butter rice pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, steak, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
