If you have a craving for a warm, comforting side that’s ridiculously easy to make and packed with rich flavor, then the Stick of Butter Rice Recipe is exactly what you need in your kitchen rotation. This dish takes simple pantry staples like long grain white rice, condensed French onion soup, and beef broth, then lets butter shine as the star ingredient to create a creamy, luscious rice casserole that feels like a big cozy hug in every bite. Whether you’re a novice cook or just short on time, this recipe delivers satisfying results with minimal effort, making it a timeless favorite to serve for family dinners or potlucks alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Stick of Butter Rice Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to contribute to the amazing flavor, perfect texture, and appealing look of the final dish.
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice: This is the base that soaks up all the delicious liquids and flavors, creating fluffy, tender grains.
- 1 (10 oz) can condensed French Onion Soup: Adds a deep, savory richness and a hint of sweetness that compliments the butter beautifully.
- 1 (10 oz) can condensed Beef Broth: Infuses the rice with a robust meaty essence, elevating the overall taste without any extra fuss.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, sliced thinly: The star of the show—a rich, creamy layer that melts into the rice, giving it a buttery shine and indulgent creaminess.
How to Make Stick of Butter Rice Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. This high heat helps the rice cook evenly and develop a delightful crust on top. Lightly spray an 8×8 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking, ensuring your buttery masterpiece comes out clean and beautiful.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In your prepared baking dish, add the uncooked rice first—this forms the hearty base. Pour in the condensed French onion soup and condensed beef broth, which will soak into the rice as it bakes, imbuing every grain with creamy, savory flavor that feels special but requires no extra chopping or mixing.
Step 3: Top with Butter Slices
Slice the unsalted butter thinly and arrange the slices evenly on top of the rice mixture. This is the secret step that transforms the dish, as the butter melts and seeps into the rice, creating those buttery pockets of pure joy you dream about.
Step 4: Cover and Bake
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam, which will help cook the rice perfectly through while keeping all the flavors sealed in. Place it in your preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.
Step 5: Uncover and Finish Baking
After the initial baking, carefully remove the foil without disturbing the butter-lined top. Bake uncovered for another 30 minutes. This step allows the butter to brown slightly and the rice to develop a subtle crust on top that adds a wonderful texture contrast.
How to Serve Stick of Butter Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Even though this rice is fantastic on its own, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a little cracked black pepper adds a fresh pop of color and flavor that makes each serving feel extra special. For a touch of brightness, a squeeze of lemon juice can also awaken the buttery richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
The Stick of Butter Rice Recipe pairs wonderfully with hearty mains like roasted chicken, grilled steak, or sautéed mushrooms. Its rich, creamy profile also complements roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad, balancing out the meal with vibrant textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this buttered rice in warm, shallow bowls to highlight its golden top and creamy texture. For an eye-catching twist, try topping with toasted nuts for crunch or a handful of caramelized onions for an added depth of sweetness and texture complexity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, pack any leftover Stick of Butter Rice Recipe into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for easy lunches or quick dinners later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze this rice to extend its shelf life; just let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy again, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, sprinkle a tablespoon of water or broth over the rice and cover it to keep moisture in. Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through, ensuring the rice retains its creamy texture and buttery flavor without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use instant rice for this Stick of Butter Rice Recipe?
Instant rice is not recommended because it doesn’t absorb as much liquid during cooking and can result in a mushy texture. Long grain white rice works best as it cooks evenly in the soup and broth mixture.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
The butter is essential to the signature flavor and texture here, but for a dairy-free version, you could try using a plant-based butter substitute. Keep in mind the taste and richness will differ slightly.
Can I add vegetables or protein to this dish?
Absolutely! Adding sautéed mushrooms, peas, or cooked shredded chicken before baking can turn this side dish into a more substantial entree without compromising its comforting appeal.
Why do you cover the dish with foil partway through baking?
Covering with foil traps steam and moisture, ensuring the rice cooks evenly and stays tender. Removing the foil later helps develop a golden crust and lets excess moisture evaporate for perfect texture.
What is the best way to adjust this recipe for a larger crowd?
Simply double or triple the ingredients and use a larger baking dish. Cooking times may need a few extra minutes, so check that the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed before removing from the oven.
Final Thoughts
The Stick of Butter Rice Recipe is one of those dishes that instantly becomes a favorite because it’s both simple and unbelievably delicious. Its buttery richness combined with the savory depth of the onion soup and beef broth makes for a comforting experience you’ll want to revisit time after time. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try making it soon—you might just find your go-to side dish for every occasion.
Print
Stick of Butter Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Stick of Butter Rice is a rich, comforting baked rice dish featuring long grain white rice cooked in condensed French Onion Soup and beef broth, topped with generous slices of unsalted butter, resulting in a creamy and flavorful side perfect for hearty meals.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice (NOT instant)
- 1 (10 oz) can of condensed French Onion Soup
- 1 (10 oz) can of condensed Beef Broth
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (sliced thinly)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Spray an 8×8 inch baking dish thoroughly with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Combine ingredients: In the prepared baking dish, evenly combine the uncooked long grain white rice, condensed French Onion Soup, and condensed beef broth. Mix gently to distribute the soup and broth evenly.
- Add butter slices: Thinly slice the unsalted butter and neatly place the slices atop the rice mixture. This will infuse the dish with rich buttery flavor as it bakes.
- Cover and bake first phase: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and moisture. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to allow the rice to absorb liquid and begin cooking.
- Uncover and finish baking: Remove the foil and continue baking the dish for an additional 30 minutes uncovered. This step helps to create a lightly browned, slightly crispy butter topping and ensures the rice is fully cooked and fluffy.
Notes
- Do not use instant rice, as it will not bake properly in this dish.
- The butter slices on top add a rich flavor and creamy texture; do not substitute with margarine.
- Use an 8×8 inch baking dish for even cooking and perfect rice thickness.
- Covering the dish during the first half of baking traps steam, essential for properly cooking the rice through.
- This recipe makes a great side dish for beef, chicken, or pork mains.
