If you are craving a comforting, flavorful rice dish that elevates simple ingredients into a luscious masterpiece, this Stick of Butter Rice Recipe is exactly what you need. It brilliantly combines the rich savoriness of condensed beef broth and French onion soup with the creamy indulgence of butter to create tender, aromatic rice baked to perfection. Whether as a hearty side or a satisfying main, this recipe turns pantry staples into a warm, soul-soothing favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Stick of Butter Rice Recipe lies in its simplicity—just a handful of pantry essentials come together to create incredible depth of flavor and luxurious texture. Each ingredient plays a key role, from the savory richness of the broths to the creamy melt of butter that coats every grain of rice.
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice: The perfect base that cooks up fluffy and light yet absorbs all the delicious flavors beautifully.
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed beef broth or beef consommé: Adds a deep, meaty savoriness that infuses the rice with incredible taste.
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed French onion soup: Brings a lovely onion sweetness and umami punch that balances out the richness.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional): Just a hint for extra warmth and aromatic depth without overpowering the dish.
- 1/2 cup butter (cut into pats): The star ingredient that melts into the rice, creating a creamy, decadent texture you can’t resist.
- Chopped chives (for serving, optional): A fresh, bright garnish that adds a pop of color and subtle onion flavor.
How to Make Stick of Butter Rice Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and positioning the rack in the middle. This ensures even cooking and a perfect bake for your rice dish.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Baking Dish
Grab an 8×8-inch baking dish and add your rice, condensed beef broth, condensed French onion soup, and optional garlic powder. Stir gently to combine everything well. Then, evenly distribute the pats of butter on top. This layer of butter is going to melt and coat the rice so wonderfully.
Step 3: Cover and Bake
Seal the dish tightly with foil, creating a sealed environment that lets the rice absorb all those beautiful flavors without losing moisture. Pop it in the oven and bake for 30 minutes—patience here transforms simple ingredients into a tender, savory delight.
Step 4: Uncover and Continue Baking
Remove the foil carefully, then return the dish to the oven uncovered for another 30 minutes. This step lets the top develop a slight crust and your rice dries out to the perfect texture—fluffy yet firm.
Step 5: Fluff and Serve
Once done, fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains and release steam. If you have chopped chives, sprinkle them over the top for a fresh burst of color and mild oniony flavor. Now your Stick of Butter Rice Recipe is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Stick of Butter Rice Recipe
Garnishes
While the rice is rich and flavorful on its own, simple garnishes like a sprinkle of fresh chives, finely chopped parsley, or even a little cracked black pepper add brightness and a bit of visual appeal. These touches complement the buttery base perfectly and make the dish feel extra special.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted or grilled meats such as steak, chicken, or pork chops because it absorbs and elevates the savory flavors of the main course. It’s also fantastic alongside steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad to balance out the richness and add fresh textures.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the rice in small ramekins or hollowed-out bell peppers for an eye-catching presentation. You can also top it with a fried egg or sprinkle in some toasted nuts for a crunchy contrast. The creamy and savory foundation of the Stick of Butter Rice Recipe invites endless creativity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Stick of Butter Rice Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store it as soon as it has cooled to preserve the creamy texture and delicious flavors for easy meals later.
Freezing
You can freeze the rice in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-top bag for up to 3 months. When freezing, try to press out as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn and help maintain texture upon thawing.
Reheating
Reheat the rice gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to restore moisture. Stir occasionally to heat through evenly, and you’ll have that comforting Stick of Butter Rice Recipe ready in minutes, just like fresh.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Brown rice has a nuttier flavor and a firmer texture, but it requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. You would need to adjust the baking time and broth quantities if substituting, so it’s best to stick to long grain white rice for this recipe’s perfect outcome.
Is the garlic powder essential?
Garlic powder is optional, but it adds a subtle layer of warmth and aroma that enhances the overall flavor. If you’re a garlic fan, it’s definitely worth including; if not, the dish will still be delicious without it.
Can I make this recipe without the canned soups?
The condensed beef broth and French onion soup are key for the deep, savory flavor profile. Without them, the dish would be much plainer. However, you could experiment with homemade broth and onion soup to mimic the taste if you prefer fresh ingredients.
What if I don’t have an 8×8 baking dish?
Any similarly sized oven-safe dish will work, as long as it’s deep enough to hold all the ingredients without spilling. A 9×9 dish or a medium casserole dish is a fine substitute.
Can I add vegetables or protein directly to the rice?
You can, but be mindful of moisture content and cooking times. Adding diced vegetables like mushrooms or peas can work well if pre-cooked or added sparingly. Raw meats aren’t recommended because the rice’s cooking time may not be enough to safely cook protein.
Final Thoughts
Once you try the Stick of Butter Rice Recipe, you’ll understand why it has such a devoted following—it’s comfort and flavor wrapped into one effortless dish. Perfect for busy nights or when you want a special side that feels indulgent without fuss. Go ahead and make this your new go-to recipe; your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Stick of Butter Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Stick of Butter Rice is a rich and comforting baked rice dish that combines long grain white rice with condensed beef broth and French onion soup, all topped with generous pats of butter. This easy-to-make recipe bakes in the oven to create a flavorful, tender rice that is perfect as a hearty side dish or a simple main course. Finished with optional chopped chives for a fresh touch, it’s an indulgent yet effortless way to elevate plain rice.
Ingredients
Rice Mixture
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed beef broth or beef consommé
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed French onion soup
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Butter
- 1/2 cup butter, cut into pats
For Serving
- Chopped chives (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and position the oven rack in the middle to ensure even baking.
- Combine Ingredients: In an 8×8 inch baking dish, add the uncooked rice, condensed beef broth, condensed French onion soup, and garlic powder if using. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly, then distribute the butter pats over the top.
- Cover and Bake: Seal the baking dish tightly with foil to trap steam. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the liquids and begin cooking.
- Uncover and Continue Baking: Carefully remove the foil and continue baking the rice uncovered for an additional 30 minutes. This helps develop a slightly golden top and finish cooking the rice thoroughly.
- Fluff and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains. Sprinkle with chopped chives if desired and serve warm for a buttery, flavorful side or main dish.
Notes
- Use long grain white rice for best texture; other types may alter cooking times and texture.
- If you don’t have condensed beef broth, you can substitute with beef stock but reduce added liquid slightly.
- Butter pats on top ensure even melting and richness throughout the rice.
- Covering with foil during the first half of baking traps steam to cook the rice tenderly.
- Optional garlic powder adds subtle depth but can be omitted for a milder flavor.
- Chopped chives add a fresh color and mild onion flavor but are not required.
