Some recipes don’t just feed your family—they ground you. This French Onion Butter Rice did exactly that for me during one of our tightest seasons. It was a weeknight. I had hungry teens, a toddler at my hip, and a fridge that felt more like a desert. But tucked in the pantry? Rice, canned soup, a stick of butter. And somehow, those three things transformed into something comforting, rich, and—if I’m being honest—surprisingly elegant.
This dish? It’s pure magic. A nod to the rich, caramelized flavors of French onion soup but simplified into a side that practically cooks itself.
What is French Onion Butter Rice?
French Onion Butter Rice is a baked rice dish made with long-grain rice, beef broth, French onion soup, and a full stick of butter. As it bakes, the rice soaks up all that savory broth and onion flavor, while the butter melts into every grain. The result? Deeply flavorful, perfectly tender rice that tastes like it simmered for hours.
Why You’ll Love This French Onion Butter Rice
- Just 5 ingredients, all pantry staples
- Ready in under an hour with only 5 minutes of hands-on prep
- Perfect side dish for roast chicken, steak, or even veggies
- Rich, buttery, and full of savory onion flavor
- Completely foolproof—no rice cooker needed
Tips for Making the Best French Onion Butter Rice
- Don’t rinse the rice—the starch helps it absorb the liquid better
- Use cold butter, sliced into thin pats, so it melts slowly
- Cover tightly with foil to steam the rice before browning
- Want a crusty top? Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 14.5 oz can beef broth
- 10.5 oz can French onion soup
- 1 stick cold butter
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
How to Make French Onion Butter Rice
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set it to 425°F (220°C). This dish bakes hot and fast.
Step 2: Layer the Rice
In an 8×8-inch glass baking dish, spread the uncooked rice evenly. No rinsing needed!
Step 3: Add the Liquids
Pour the beef broth and French onion soup over the rice. Mix lightly if needed.
Step 4: Top with Butter
Slice the butter into thin pats and distribute them evenly across the surface.
Step 5: Cover and Bake
Cover the dish tightly with foil. Bake for 25 minutes.
Step 6: Uncover and Finish Baking
Remove foil and return to the oven for another 25 minutes. The top will brown slightly, and the rice will finish cooking.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy every buttery bite.
You Must Know
- This recipe uses uncooked rice—no pre-cooking required
- French onion soup in a can delivers tons of flavor with no extra work
- A glass or ceramic baking dish works best for even cooking
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Rice
- For extra flair, stir in shredded Gruyère or Parmesan during the last 10 minutes
- Add sautéed mushrooms or chicken to make it a meal
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat with a splash of broth
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Fridge: Store for up to 3 days
- Freezer: Not ideal—rice may turn mushy
- Reheat: Add a bit of broth and microwave or reheat covered in the oven at 300°F
Helpful Notes
- You can double the recipe for a crowd. Use a 9×13-inch dish and bake 5–10 minutes longer.
- Substitute vegetable broth for a vegetarian version
- Want more depth? Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the broth
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
“The balance of fat, acid, and umami in a dish like this is everything. Simplicity wins.”
— Samin Nosrat, Salt Fat Acid Heat
“Rice is a sponge—use it to soak up bold flavors.”
— David Chang, Momofuku
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t use instant rice—it will turn mushy
- Avoid rinsing rice—starch helps with texture
- Don’t skip the foil cover—you’ll end up with uneven cooking
FAQs
Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but you’ll need more liquid (about ½ cup extra broth) and 15–20 more minutes of baking.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready.
What can I serve this with?
It pairs perfectly with roast chicken, grilled steak, or roasted veggies.
Can I add protein to this?
Absolutely. Try cooked ground beef, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even lentils.
Can I freeze it?
Technically yes, but the texture won’t be the same. Best enjoyed fresh.
Tools You’ll Need
- 8×8 baking dish (glass or ceramic)
- Measuring cups
- Sharp knife (for slicing butter)
- Foil
- Optional: kitchen shears for chopping parsley
Conclusion
This French Onion Butter Rice isn’t just a recipe—it’s a rescue mission in casserole form. When time is tight, your pantry’s running low, or you simply need something warm that hugs you back, this dish delivers. It’s proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated—and that buttery, oniony goodness can rise from the simplest ingredients.
I’ve served it with roast chicken on Sunday, eaten leftovers straight from the fridge on a Tuesday, and even added shredded beef to turn it into a full meal on those midweek marathons when life just won’t slow down.
So whether you’re feeding a family or just yourself, this French Onion Butter Rice belongs in your kitchen rotation. Make it once—and like me—you’ll be making it forever.
Print
French Onion Butter Rice
- Total Time: 55
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
French Onion Butter Rice is a 5-ingredient baked side dish that combines rice, French onion soup, and butter into a savory, comforting classic.
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can beef broth
- 1 (10.5 oz) can French onion soup
- 1 stick cold butter, sliced
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Spread uncooked rice evenly in an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Pour in beef broth and French onion soup.
- Top with sliced butter, evenly spaced across the surface.
- Cover tightly with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for an additional 25 minutes.
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth. Avoid freezing for best texture.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 50
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: French onion butter rice, baked rice, onion soup rice, easy rice side
