If there’s one dish I find myself making on repeat whenever comfort food is a must, it’s French Onion Butter Rice. Imagine all of the rich, savory magic you love in classic French onion soup, transformed into a buttery, irresistibly fluffy rice side dish that can elevate any meal (or happily steal the show all on its own). With cozy caramelized-like flavors, a lush, glossy texture, and a preparation so simple you’ll laugh, this is the recipe you tuck away and reach for any time you want a guaranteed hit at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of pantry staples and a few simple flavor boosters, you can create French Onion Butter Rice that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Each ingredient has a big, delicious role to play in building those deep, umami-rich layers and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Long Grain White Rice: The ideal foundation for fluffy, separate grains that soak up every last drop of flavor.
- Canned French Onion Soup: The true star—brings its signature sweet onion savoriness that infuses each bite.
- Beef Broth: Adds depth and a gentle meaty richness that supports the onions beautifully.
- Unsalted Butter: Sliced and layered on top, this melts into the rice for unmatched silkiness and flavor.
- Garlic Powder (Optional): Just a hint amps up the savory aromatic quality if you’re feeling a little extra.
- Black Pepper: Provides the perfect bit of heat and earthy contrast.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley (Optional): For a pop of fresh green color and herby brightness at the end.
How to Make French Onion Butter Rice
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 425°F. You want it perfectly hot and ready so that later, your French Onion Butter Rice will bake up beautifully fluffy and golden on top. A preheated oven helps the butter melt just right into the rice, ensuring every bite is infused with flavor.
Step 2: Combine Everything in Your Baking Dish
In a 9×9-inch baking dish, add your uncooked rice, French onion soup, beef broth, a sprinkle of garlic powder if you’d like a little extra depth, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir so the rice is evenly coated and the seasonings are distributed. It’s amazing how these humble ingredients come together!
Step 3: Butter Blanket
Now the best part: arrange your sliced butter evenly across the top of the rice mixture. This little trick ensures that as the rice cooks, rich, melted butter soaks into every corner, delivering that signature creaminess French Onion Butter Rice is known for.
Step 4: Cover and Bake
Seal your baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This is key! The steam that builds up will gently cook the rice, allowing it to absorb all those luscious flavors. Bake for 30 minutes with the foil on; the kitchen will already start to smell incredible.
Step 5: Uncover and Finish Baking
After the first 30 minutes, remove the foil and return the dish to the oven for another 30 minutes. By now, the excess liquid will evaporate, the rice will fluff up, and the top develops irresistible golden spots. This step is what gives French Onion Butter Rice its perfectly satisfying texture.
Step 6: Fluff and Garnish
Once done, grab a fork and fluff the rice gently—watch as soft, buttery grains tumble apart! Sprinkle with fresh parsley if you like a little color and a hint of herby freshness. Now you’re ready to serve.
How to Serve French Onion Butter Rice
Garnishes
A classic finishing touch for French Onion Butter Rice is a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. It’s not just for looks—the green adds a clean, bright spark that cuts through the richness of the dish. For extra savor, try a shower of shaved Parmesan or crisp fried onions on top, especially if you want to echo those classic French onion soup vibes.
Side Dishes
This rice is hands-down one of the most versatile sides out there. It pairs like a dream with roasted chicken, pork chops, grilled steak, or even a golden piece of salmon. For a vegetarian feast, plate it next to roasted mushrooms or garlicky green beans. The savory, buttery flavors compliment just about any main with ease.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not scoop your French Onion Butter Rice into individual ramekins for dinner parties, or use a ring mold for restaurant-worthy plating? You can also stir in some sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or even bits of cooked bacon just before serving for a special twist. Leftovers make a sensational base for fried rice, too—just add eggs, veggies, or whatever your heart desires!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover French Onion Butter Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 3-4 days, and the flavors just keep getting better as they meld together—perfect for easy lunches or lazy-day dinners.
Freezing
French Onion Butter Rice freezes surprisingly well! Scoop portions into airtight freezer bags or containers, pressing out as much air as possible. Freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator—no flavor lost, just crave-worthy convenience.
Reheating
To reheat, sprinkle the rice with a little water or broth (this prevents drying), then warm in the microwave or cover with foil and heat in a 300°F oven until hot. Fluff with a fork and garnish with more fresh parsley, and it’s as good as day one.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Yes, you can swap in brown rice, but it will need a longer bake time (typically 15–20 minutes more) and may require a little extra broth to soften up just right.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
As written, it depends on your choice of canned French onion soup and broth—be sure to select certified gluten-free options if you have dietary restrictions.
Can I add protein to make it a full meal?
Absolutely! Stir in diced cooked chicken, beef tips, or sautéed mushrooms for a one-pan wonder, or serve alongside your favorite grilled proteins for a complete and satisfying meal.
What’s the best type Side Dish
Unsalted butter is preferred so you can control the salt level, but if salted butter is all you have, simply reduce any added salt or seasonings in the recipe.
Can I make French Onion Butter Rice dairy-free?
Yes! Replace the butter with your favorite plant-based alternative. The results will be just as creamy and flavorful, so everyone gets to enjoy the dish.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so magical about taking a few ingredients and baking them into a side dish as unforgettable as French Onion Butter Rice. It’s always met with empty plates and requests for seconds. Give it a try—you might just find it becomes your new favorite comfort classic, too!
Print
French Onion 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: Non-Vegetarian
Description
French Onion Butter Rice is a delicious and flavorful side dish that is easy to make. With the rich taste of French onion soup and beef broth, this buttery rice dish is a perfect accompaniment to any meal.
Ingredients
Rice:
- 1 cup long grain white rice
Soup Mixture:
- 1 (10.5 oz) can French onion soup
- 1 (10.5 oz) can beef broth
Butter and Seasonings:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (sliced)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Prepare the rice mixture: In a 9×9-inch baking dish, combine the uncooked rice, French onion soup, beef broth, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir to mix evenly.
- Add butter: Place slices of butter over the top of the rice mixture, distributing them evenly.
- Bake: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Finish and garnish: Fluff with a fork and garnish with chopped parsley before serving, if desired.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, sauté some mushrooms or caramelized onions and stir them in before baking.
- This dish pairs well with roasted chicken, pork chops, or grilled steak.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
