I'm thrilled to share my Golden Onion Butter Baked Rice recipe with you! This dish holds such a special place in my heart – it's one of those magical recipes that transforms simple ingredients into something absolutely extraordinary. The combination of rich butter beef broth and French onion soup creates the most incredible savory flavor that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
Why You'll Love This Rice
What makes this rice so special is how effortless it is to prepare while delivering such amazing flavor. With just four ingredients you can create something truly memorable. I love how I can pop it in the oven and focus on preparing the rest of dinner. It's become my go-to side dish for both busy weeknights and special occasions.
What You'll Need
- Long-Grain White Rice: 1 1/4 cups of uncooked rice for a fluffy texture and even cooking.
- Beef Broth: 14.5 ounces (1 can) to infuse the rice with savory depth.
- French Onion Soup: 10.5 ounces (1 can) for bold, caramelized onion flavor.
- Butter: 8 tablespoons, cut into pats, to enrich the dish with creamy, golden goodness.
Let's Make It Together
- Prepare the Baking Dish
- Spread 1 1/4 cups of uncooked long-grain rice evenly into a square baking dish for uniform cooking.
- Add the Liquid Ingredients
- Pour the beef broth and French onion soup over the rice, ensuring even coverage. Optional: Sprinkle with 1/4 cup of chopped white onion for added flavor.
- Layer the Butter
- Cover the rice with 8 tablespoons of butter, cut into pats, for a rich and indulgent finish.
- First Bake
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated 425°F (220°C) oven for 25 minutes.
- Uncover and Finish
- Remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 25 minutes, allowing the liquid to fully absorb and the rice to cook perfectly.
- Rest and Serve
- Let the dish sit for a few minutes after baking to set before serving.
My Best Tips
Don't panic if your rice looks too wet after the first bake – trust me it'll be perfect! I love adding fresh parsley for color or mushrooms for extra heartiness. If you need gluten-free just swap in gluten-free French onion soup. The leftovers keep beautifully in the fridge for up to four days.
Perfect for Everything
Whether I'm making a simple weeknight dinner or hosting a holiday feast this rice never disappoints. It's become my most requested side dish – even rice skeptics can't resist its rich buttery goodness!
Make It Your Own
I love how adaptable this recipe is. Sometimes I toss in mushrooms or fresh herbs for variety. Adding extra chopped onions gives it even more flavor and switching to vegetable broth creates a lighter version that's just as delicious.
Keeping It Fresh
Leftovers stay perfect in an airtight container for about four days. When reheating I always add a splash of water before microwaving to keep it moist. You can also warm it in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes it comes out just like fresh made.
More Than Just Rice
This isn't just another rice dish – it's pure comfort in a bowl. Whether I'm serving it with roasted chicken grilled steak or my favorite veggie dishes it never fails to make the meal feel special. It's become such a beloved recipe in my collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why cover with foil for the first half of baking?
- Covering allows the rice to steam properly and absorb liquid evenly. Uncovering later allows excess moisture to evaporate and creates a golden top.
- → Can I use different types of rice?
- Long-grain white rice works best as it maintains its shape and texture. Other varieties may require adjusted liquid amounts and cooking times.
- → Why let it rest before serving?
- Resting allows the rice to absorb any remaining liquid and helps it achieve the perfect texture.
- → Can I add additional seasonings?
- Yes, black pepper, chopped onions, or other seasonings can be added to customize the flavor to your taste.
- → Why cut the butter into pats?
- Distributing butter evenly in pats ensures it melts uniformly over the rice for consistent flavor throughout.