If you are looking for a comforting, buttery, and effortlessly delicious side dish, the Stick of Butter Rice Recipe is here to win your heart and your dinner table. This baked rice dish combines tender long-grain white rice with the rich depth of French onion soup and beef broth, all crowned with generous pats of unsalted butter that melt into pure perfection. It’s a simple but indulgent creation that transforms everyday ingredients into a crowd-pleasing favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a family meal or a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to become your go-to for easy, flavorful rice that truly stands out.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients are staples in many kitchens, yet together they create an irresistible harmony of flavor and texture that defines the Stick of Butter Rice Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role— from the creamy butter that gives richness, to the savory broths that infuse every grain of rice with heartwarming taste.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice: Provides the fluffy, tender base that absorbs the flavorful liquids beautifully.
- 1 can (10.5-ounce) French onion soup: Adds a deep, savory onion richness that elevates the dish.
- 1 can (10.5-ounce) beef broth: Balances the soup with a meaty depth, ensuring the rice is full of robust flavor.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, sliced into pats: The star ingredient that adds luscious creaminess and a glossy finish.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional): Offers a mild, aromatic hint to complement the onions and butter.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (optional): Brings a subtle heat that enhances all the savory notes.
How to Make Stick of Butter Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish and Rice
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F, so it’s ready to work its magic. Take an 8×8-inch baking dish and spread the uncooked long-grain white rice evenly across the bottom. This even layer ensures every grain cooks perfectly, soaking up the luscious fluids you’ll add next.
Step 2: Add the Soups and Broth
Next, pour the French onion soup and beef broth over the rice, then gently stir to combine. This mix is what transforms the humble rice into something extraordinary, as the broth and soup infuse it with flavor from the very beginning.
Step 3: Butter Time
Arrange the half-cup of unsalted butter, sliced into small pats, evenly atop the rice mixture. This is the moment that truly defines the Stick of Butter Rice Recipe, as the butter melts during baking, creating a rich, silky coating on every grain.
Step 4: Season and Cover
If you’re using garlic powder and black pepper, sprinkle them lightly now to add a subtle aromatic boost. Then cover the baking dish tightly with foil — this helps the rice steam beautifully and prevents the butter from evaporating, locking in all those wonderful flavors.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the covered dish in the oven and bake for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes more, until the rice is tender and almost all the liquid is absorbed. The uncovered baking gives the rice just a touch of a golden finish on top.
Step 6: Fluff and Serve
Once out of the oven, fluff the rice gently with a fork to lift up the grains and distribute the buttery goodness evenly. This final step guarantees a light, fluffy texture that’s irresistible on every plate.
How to Serve Stick of Butter Rice Recipe
Garnishes
While the Stick of Butter Rice Recipe is beautiful on its own, a sprinkle of fresh herbs such as parsley, chives, or green onions adds a lively pop of color and freshness. For an extra indulgent touch, a light dusting of grated Parmesan or crumbled crispy bacon can turn this dish into a showstopper.
Side Dishes
This butter-packed rice pairs wonderfully with protein mains like grilled chicken, tender pork chops, or seared steaks. Its rich savoriness balances out the flavors and textures of roasted or steamed vegetables, making it a flexible addition to many meals.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the rice in individual ramekins or small skillets, topped with a pat of melting butter right before presenting. You can also stir in sautéed mushrooms or sprinkle shredded cheese over the rice during the last 10 minutes of baking to customize it further and keep everyone guessing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Stick of Butter Rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Its rich flavor tends to deepen overnight, making it a fantastic next-day side dish that’s just as comforting.
Freezing
If you want to keep this buttery goodness longer, freezing is a good option. Place cooled rice in freezer-safe bags or containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw it in the fridge overnight for the best texture retention.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to restore the moisture. Stirring occasionally during reheating ensures every grain is warmed through and soft, just like fresh from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in the Stick of Butter Rice Recipe?
Brown rice has a different cooking time and requires more liquid, so if you want to substitute it, make sure to adjust the liquid amounts and increase the baking time accordingly. However, white rice works best for the classic texture and flavor of this recipe.
Is the butter necessary for this recipe?
The butter is essential as it defines the “Stick of Butter” part of the dish, giving it its signature richness and silky texture. You could experiment with less butter, but it won’t have the same indulgent appeal.
Can I add vegetables or proteins directly into the baking dish?
Yes! Sliced mushrooms, diced cooked chicken, or peas can be mixed in before baking for a more complete one-dish meal. Just be mindful that some add-ins may require slight adjustments to the cooking time or liquid amounts.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
The traditional recipe uses beef broth and French onion soup, which often contain animal products, so it’s not vegetarian. For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and a vegetarian-friendly onion soup to keep the rich flavor while keeping it meat-free.
How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the baking dish?
Greasing the baking dish lightly with butter or non-stick spray before adding the rice can help prevent sticking. Also, be sure to fluff the rice gently after baking to loosen any grains that might cling to the dish.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly satisfying about a dish as wonderfully simple and indulgent as the Stick of Butter Rice Recipe. It’s a charming side that elevates any meal with its buttery richness and comforting flavors. I encourage you to try it soon—you may find it becoming a beloved staple on your dinner rotation, delighting family and friends with every delicious bite.
Print
Stick of Butter Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Stick of Butter Rice is a comforting and flavorful baked rice side dish that layers rich butter, French onion soup, and beef broth for a deliciously savory taste. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect as a hearty accompaniment to chicken, pork chops, or beef, with the buttery topping melting into tender, fluffy rice baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Rice and Liquids
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 can (10.5-ounce) French onion soup
- 1 can (10.5-ounce) beef broth
Butter and Seasonings
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, sliced into pats
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) to prepare it for baking the rice dish.
- Prepare the Rice Base: Evenly spread the uncooked long-grain white rice at the bottom of an 8×8-inch baking dish to ensure even cooking.
- Add Liquids and Mix: Pour the entire cans of French onion soup and beef broth over the rice. Gently stir the mixture to combine the liquids and rice without displacing the rice too much.
- Arrange Butter: Lay the sliced pats of unsalted butter evenly on top of the rice mixture, so the butter melts thoroughly during baking, infusing the rice with richness.
- Season: Sprinkle garlic powder and black pepper evenly over the top if using, adding extra flavor to the dish.
- Cover and Bake Initially: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam, then place it in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes to start cooking the rice through steaming.
- Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 25 to 30 minutes until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, allowing the top to slightly brown.
- Fluff and Serve: Use a fork to fluff the rice gently before serving to separate the grains and distribute the buttery flavor throughout.
Notes
- For added flavor, mix in sliced mushrooms into the rice mixture before baking.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking for a cheesy crust.
- This dish pairs well with chicken, pork chops, or beef for a complete meal.
