This French Onion Butter Rice has become my family's most requested side dish. I discovered it one busy evening when I needed something easy but satisfying to go with our chicken. Now it's the first thing my kids ask for when they smell dinner cooking. There's something magical about how those simple ingredients transform into the creamiest most flavorful rice you've ever tasted.
A Family Favorite
What I love most about this rice is how it turns basic pantry ingredients into something special. You don't need fancy stuff just rice canned soups and butter. It's my go-to when I want to make an ordinary dinner feel a little extra without spending hours in the kitchen or breaking the bank.
What You Need
- Long Grain Rice: 1 1/4 cups uncooked grab the regular kind nothing fancy needed
- Beef Broth: One 14.5 oz can this gives us that rich savory base
- French Onion Soup: A 10.5 oz can my secret weapon for flavor
- Butter: One stick cold from the fridge we'll slice it up
- Fresh Parsley: Adds such pretty color at the end
Let's Get Cooking
- Get Started
- Heat your oven to 425°F while you gather everything together.
- Layer It Up
- Spread your rice in a baking dish I use my trusty 8x8. Pour over your beef broth and that French onion soup watch how it all settles around the rice.
- Butter Magic
- Now for my favorite part slice up your cold butter and dot it all over the top. Think polka dots of buttery goodness that will melt into every grain.
- Cover and Wait
- Wrap it up tight with foil and pop it in the oven. 25 minutes of patience while your kitchen starts smelling amazing.
- The Big Reveal
- Take off that foil carefully steam is hot then back in for another 25 minutes. This is when it gets all golden on top and the rice soaks up all those wonderful flavors.
The Final Touch
After it comes out let it sit for just 5 minutes. I know it's hard to wait when it smells this good but it's worth it. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top looks pretty and tastes fresh against all that buttery richness.
Why We Love It
The magic of this rice is in how those simple ingredients work together. That beef broth and French onion soup sink deep into every grain while the butter melts creating this incredible creamy texture. My picky eater even asks for seconds.
Perfect Partners
This rice makes everything else on your plate taste better. We love it with roasted chicken the rice soaks up all those good drippings. It's amazing next to grilled steak and don't even get me started on how it transforms simple baked fish into a fancy dinner.
Keeping It Fresh
Leftovers keep beautifully in the fridge for about three days if they last that long. To reheat just pop it in a covered dish in the oven or microwave with a tiny splash of broth to bring back that creamy texture.
Make It Your Way
Some nights I add sautéed mushrooms when I'm feeling fancy. A sprinkle of parmesan on top takes it to another level. My vegetarian friend uses vegetable broth instead and says it's just as delicious. Play around find your favorite version.
More Than Rice
This isn't just another side dish it's the kind of recipe that makes dinner special without any fuss. Perfect for busy weeknights holiday tables or anytime you want to add a little comfort to your meal. My family thinks I'm a kitchen genius when I make this but now you know how simple it really is.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use different types of rice?
- Long grain white rice works best for this recipe as it maintains its texture during the long baking time. Other types may need different liquid ratios and cooking times.
- → Why cover the dish for half the cooking time?
- Covering helps the rice absorb liquid properly. Uncovering later allows excess moisture to evaporate and creates a nice top texture.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
- While best served fresh, you can reheat leftovers with a splash of broth to restore moisture. The butter will help keep it from drying out.
- → Do I need to rinse the rice first?
- This recipe works without rinsing, as the starch helps create the creamy texture. If you prefer to rinse, you might need slightly less liquid.
- → Can I double this recipe?
- Yes, double all ingredients and use a larger baking dish. You may need to adjust cooking time slightly to ensure rice is fully cooked.