The Cozy Side Dish You’ll Make Again and Again
Some recipes are simple. Others are delicious. But every once in a while, one comes along that’s both — and that’s exactly what this French Onion Butter Rice is. It’s rich, comforting, buttery, and deeply flavorful, with all the cozy caramelized onion vibes of French onion soup transformed into a fluffy, irresistible rice dish.
This is the kind of recipe that looks and tastes like you spent hours on it, but it actually comes together with almost no effort. It’s the perfect side for busy weeknights, holiday dinners, or anytime you’re craving a warm hug in a bowl.
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 14.5 oz can beef broth
- 10.5 oz can French onion soup
- 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, cold and sliced into pats
- Fresh parsley, chopped – for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare the Rice
Spread the uncooked rice evenly across the bottom of an 8×8-inch baking dish. No need to rinse the rice first.
- Add Broth and Soup
Pour the beef broth and French onion soup over the rice. Do not stir — just let the liquids soak into the rice naturally.
- Top with Butter
Slice the cold butter into thin pats and place them evenly over the top of the rice mixture. As the butter melts, it will infuse the rice with rich, savory flavor.
- Bake Covered
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. This traps the steam and helps the rice absorb the broth and soup.
- Bake Uncovered
Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 25 minutes, until the top is slightly golden and the rice is fully cooked and fluffy.
- Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven, fluff with a fork, and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Flavor & Texture
Imagine all the best parts of French onion soup — sweet, slow-cooked onion flavor, savory broth, and a rich, buttery depth — soaked into every grain of tender rice. Each bite is cozy, comforting, and deeply satisfying.
Tips & Variations
- Cheesy Upgrade: Sprinkle Gruyère, Swiss, or Parmesan cheese over the top during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Make It a Meal: Add cooked chicken, ground beef, or sautéed mushrooms to turn this side dish into a complete main course.
- Double the Batch: It disappears quickly — make a larger batch if serving a crowd.
- Brown Rice Option: Use the same method but add ½ cup extra broth and increase baking time by 15–20 minutes.
What to Serve It With
French Onion Butter Rice pairs beautifully with:
- Roast chicken or turkey
- Grilled steak or pork chops
- Roasted vegetables (Brussels sprouts, carrots, asparagus)
- Creamy casseroles or baked fish
Or enjoy it all by itself — it’s that good.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Microwave with a splash of broth or water to keep the rice moist.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the dish ahead of time, cover, refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve.
Quick Info
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 4–6
- Difficulty: Easy
- Course: Side Dish
Why You’ll Love It: It’s buttery, savory, comforting, and tastes like a fancy side you’d get at a restaurant — but with only five ingredients and almost zero effort. Once you make it, it’ll become a regular in your kitchen rotation.