French Onion Butter Rice Recipe
Warm, hearty, and packed with irresistible savory flavor, French Onion Butter Rice is a side dish that transforms the humble grain into an all-star accompaniment. This recipe is everything you love about classic French onion soup, from the luscious, aromatic broth to the buttery richness, all baked into fluffy, perfectly seasoned rice. With just a handful of pantry staples and almost no hands-on effort, you can bring comfort food bliss to your table any night of the week. Whether you’re hosting friends or adding something special to a Tuesday dinner, French Onion Butter Rice will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of French Onion Butter Rice is in its simplicity: each ingredient brings a specific depth, from the sweet, savory soup base to the creamy butter and burst of fresh parsley on top. These carefully chosen items work together to deliver flavor, velvety texture, and just the right golden hue.
- Long grain white rice: The ideal base for this oven-baked dish, providing fluffiness and absorbing every bit of flavor.
- French onion soup (canned): Delivers all the caramelized onion and beefy notes that make this rice taste gourmet with zero effort.
- Beef broth: Adds another savory layer, balancing the onion soup with a rich, comforting depth.
- Unsalted butter: Sliced and melted over the top, it turns every bite luxuriously creamy and golden.
- Garlic powder: Just a touch, but it boosts the overall flavor and brings a gentle warmth.
- Salt and pepper: For seasoning to taste; the finishing touch that wakes up all the flavors.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): A sprinkle at the end melts in for an extra-savory, umami-packed finish.
- Chopped parsley (optional): A fresh, green pop on top that brightens up the look and adds a subtle herbal contrast.
How to Make French Onion Butter Rice
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s hot and ready to work its magic. Grab a medium baking dish—an 8-inch square works perfectly—and make sure it’s deep enough to hold all those bubbling flavors safely. A quick oven preheat and pan gather will streamline the whole process.
Step 2: Combine the Rice Base
In your baking dish, pour in the long grain white rice, the entire can of French onion soup, beef broth, garlic powder, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Give everything a good stir so the rice is fully moistened and the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout. This simple mix is the foundation of all that savory French Onion Butter Rice goodness!
Step 3: Add the Butter
Lay the slices of unsalted butter evenly on top of the rice mixture—cover as much surface as you can. This generous layer will melt and seep down as the rice bakes, coating every grain in rich, delicious flavor and helping form that irresistible golden top.
Step 4: Bake Covered
Cover the dish tightly with foil to trap all the steam and moisture inside. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, undisturbed. This steam-bake ensures the rice cooks evenly without drying out, infusing every bite with deep flavor.
Step 5: Bake Uncovered and Finish
Carefully remove the foil (watch out for hot steam!) and give the rice a gentle stir. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, for another 25 to 30 minutes. This allows excess liquid to evaporate so the rice becomes tender and the top turns a gorgeous, buttery golden brown.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Rest
If you’re going for the ultra-savory option, now’s the time to stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Let the French Onion Butter Rice sit for 5 minutes so the cheese melts in and the flavors settle, making every bite creamy and cohesive.
How to Serve French Onion Butter Rice
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley takes the presentation to the next level, offering a burst of color and a subtle herbal freshness that pairs beautifully with the rice’s rich flavors. If you love a salty finish, add an extra pinch of Parmesan on top just before serving—it’s a little touch that goes a long way!
Side Dishes
French Onion Butter Rice is incredibly versatile, pairing seamlessly with everything from grilled steak or roast chicken to buttery roasted vegetables. Its savory profile means you can even turn simple sautéed greens or a crisp garden salad into a satisfying meal. It’s a true “chameleon” side that elevates any main.
Creative Ways to Present
Try scooping your French Onion Butter Rice into small ramekins for individual servings at a dinner party, or serve it family-style in a rustic casserole dish at the center of the table. For a fun twist, use it as a flavorful base for a rice bowl—pile on grilled meats, roasted veggies, or even sautéed mushrooms!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover French Onion Butter Rice to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. It stays surprisingly moist and flavorful, soaking up even more of that delicious onion and butter blend overnight.
Freezing
French Onion Butter Rice freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and stash in the freezer for up to 2 months. To prevent freezer burn, press a piece of plastic wrap directly against the rice’s surface before sealing.
Reheating
To bring your rice back to piping hot, microwave individual servings loosely covered, stirring halfway through for even heating. For larger amounts, reheat in a covered oven-safe dish at 325°F until steamy—add a splash of water or broth if the rice looks a touch dry.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice for white, but you’ll need to increase the liquid slightly and bake for longer until the rice is fully tender. Keep an eye on the texture and add a few extra tablespoons of broth if needed.
Is it possible to make French Onion Butter Rice vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply swap the beef broth and French onion soup with vegetable-based alternatives. The dish will stay rich and satisfying, but with an all-vegetarian base.
Can I add extra vegetables or proteins to the dish?
Certainly—French Onion Butter Rice is very forgiving. Try stirring in sautéed mushrooms, sweet peas, or bite-sized pieces of cooked chicken right before baking uncovered for the final 25-30 minutes.
Does this recipe work in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook French Onion Butter Rice in a slow cooker on low for 2.5–3 hours, or until the rice is fully cooked and fluffy. Make sure to spray the insert generously with cooking spray to avoid sticking.
What if I don’t have canned French onion soup?
If canned French onion soup isn’t on hand, you can use beef broth plus a packet of onion soup mix, or even caramelize your own onions and combine them with broth for a homemade version.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving comfort food with bold flavor and minimal fuss, French Onion Butter Rice truly delivers. Let this simple side dish transform your next meal with its creamy, savory, and completely irresistible appeal—you’ll be amazed at how easily it becomes a new favorite!
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French Onion Butter Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This French Onion Butter Rice is a flavorful and comforting side dish that’s easy to make and pairs perfectly with a variety of main courses. The combination of French onion soup and beef broth gives the rice a rich and savory taste, while the butter adds a luxurious creaminess. Topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
Rice:
- 1 cup long grain white rice
Broth Mixture:
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can French onion soup
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can beef broth
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (sliced)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional:
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the dish: In a medium baking dish, combine the rice, French onion soup, beef broth, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to mix evenly.
- Add butter: Top with slices of butter spread evenly over the top.
- Bake: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, stir gently, and bake uncovered for another 25–30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Finish and serve: Stir in Parmesan cheese if using and let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- This rice pairs well with grilled meats or roasted vegetables.
- For extra richness, use half a packet of onion soup mix along with the canned soup.
- You can substitute brown rice, but increase the cooking time and add a bit more liquid.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
