Stick of Butter Baked Rice

Save this recipe on:

Golden, buttery, and beautifully crispy on top, Stick of Butter Baked Rice is the kind of comfort food that reminds you how magical simple ingredients can be. This side dish is made with pantry staples but delivers irresistible flavor and texture, thanks to the full stick of butter that melts over the rice as it bakes. What you get is a fragrant, slightly nutty rice with toasted edges and tender grains.

It’s a perfect partner to anything from grilled chicken to hearty beef stew, yet it can stand proudly on its own in a lunch bowl with a runny egg or roasted veggies. And the best part? The oven does all the heavy lifting. No need to babysit the stove or worry about the rice sticking to the pan.

---

What Kind of Rice Works Best for Stick of Butter Baked Rice?

Long grain white rice is the go-to choice for this dish. Its structure holds up well during baking and yields a fluffy texture. Jasmine rice also works beautifully, adding a touch of floral aroma. Steer clear of short-grain or sticky varieties, which can become overly soft and mushy in the oven.

---

Ingredients for the Stick of Butter Baked Rice

Long grain white rice – This is the foundation of the dish. Its fluffiness allows the butter to coat each grain evenly without turning soggy.

Butter (unsalted) – The star of the show. A full stick slowly melts into the rice, adding rich flavor and a golden finish.

French onion soup (canned) – Delivers savory depth and umami, acting as both seasoning and cooking liquid.

Beef broth – Balances the onion soup with a hearty base that infuses the rice with bold flavor.

Salt and black pepper – Optional, depending on how salty your soups are. A pinch can brighten the overall taste.

---

How To Make the Stick of Butter Baked Rice

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Choose an 8×8 or 9×9 baking dish, preferably glass or ceramic. Lightly grease the dish to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Combine the Liquids and Rice

In the prepared dish, add 1 cup of long grain white rice, 1 can of French onion soup, and 1 can of beef broth. Stir them together until the rice is evenly distributed.

Step 3: Add the Butter

Cut a full stick (1/2 cup) of unsalted butter into 6 to 8 slices and lay them evenly over the top of the rice mixture. Do not stir.

Step 4: Cover and Bake

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.

Step 5: Uncover and Finish Baking

Remove the foil and return the dish to the oven. Bake for another 30 minutes, uncovered. This step allows the top layer to crisp up and the edges to caramelize.

Step 6: Let It Rest and Serve

Once done, take it out of the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving to distribute the buttery goodness.

---

Serving and Storing Stick of Butter Baked Rice

This rice is at its best fresh out of the oven, golden and steaming. Serve it with roasted meats, grilled vegetables, or your favorite comfort food entrees. It also pairs wonderfully with creamy gravies or spicy stews.

To store, let the rice cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of broth or water and microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, to restore moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use brown rice instead?

Not recommended. Brown rice has a longer cooking time and needs more liquid, which would throw off the balance in this recipe.

What if I don’t have French onion soup?

You can substitute with cream of mushroom or a well-seasoned homemade onion broth, though the flavor will vary.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the beef broth for vegetable broth and use a vegetarian-friendly onion soup.

Does this freeze well?

It does, but with slight texture changes. Cool completely before freezing in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, use a 9×13 baking dish and double all ingredients. Add about 10 minutes to the baking time.

Is it okay to add herbs or cheese?

Definitely! Chopped parsley, thyme, or a sprinkle of parmesan can be added before serving for an extra flavor boost.

---

Want More Rice Side Dish Ideas?

You might also like the Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole, a creamy, comforting option that brings greens and cheese together in perfect harmony. Or try the One-Skillet Smoky Honey Chili Beef Rice for a sweet-and-spicy twist that cooks all in one pan.

For more bold flavors, the One-Pan Sweet and Tangy BBQ Sausage Rice adds zing with every bite. The One-Pan Smoky Spicy Chicken Rice Bake is another crowd-pleaser, great for easy weeknight dinners. And don’t miss the Hearty One-Pot Beef Stew Recipe if you’re pairing your rice with something extra robust.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your side dish or comfort food boards for next time. Just click the Pin button.

If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you try it with jasmine rice? Maybe added cheese or herbs? Leave a comment below. I’m always curious how you made it your own.

---

Print

Save this recipe on: