If you’re craving a rice dish that’s bursting with rich, comforting flavors and melts in your mouth with buttery goodness, then you will fall head over heels for this Stick of Butter Rice Recipe. Combining simple pantry staples like condensed beef broth and French onion soup with a whole stick of butter, this dish transforms everyday rice into an indulgent, soul-satisfying side that pairs beautifully with almost any main. Trust me, once you try this recipe, buttery rice will never be just plain rice again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Stick of Butter Rice Recipe lies in its simple, straightforward ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor and a perfectly creamy, tender texture. Each component is carefully selected to build on the next, guaranteeing a dish that’s both hearty and flavorful.
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice: The base of the dish, long grain rice stays fluffy and separates nicely after baking.
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed beef broth or beef consommé: Adds a deep, savory richness that infuses the rice as it cooks.
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed French onion soup: Brings in a sweet and oniony depth that perfectly complements the butter.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional): A subtle hint of garlic for an extra layer of flavor without overpowering.
- 1/2 cup butter (cut into pats): The star of the recipe, it melts over the rice creating a luscious, creamy texture and irresistible taste.
- Chopped chives (for serving, optional): Adds fresh, mild onion notes and a pop of color for a pretty finishing touch.
How to Make Stick of Butter Rice Recipe
Step 1: Set the Oven and Prepare Your Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and positioning your oven rack in the middle slot. This ensures even cooking and perfect rice texture as the heat circulates around your dish.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In an 8×8-inch baking dish, mix together the uncooked rice, condensed beef broth, condensed French onion soup, and optional garlic powder until everything is nicely blended. Be sure to spread the mixture evenly to promote even cooking. Then, scatter the pats of butter over the top—this is where the magic truly begins.
Step 3: Cover and Bake
Seal your baking dish tightly with foil to trap the steam inside. Bake it covered for 30 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the flavorful liquids and start softening in the cozy, buttery environment.
Step 4: Uncover and Continue Baking
After the initial 30 minutes, remove the foil to let the top layer develop a slight crust and finish baking uncovered for another 30 minutes. This step guarantees that perfect texture where the rice is tender with little crisp edges for contrast.
Step 5: Fluff and Serve
Carefully take the dish out of the oven, fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains, and if you love a fresh touch, sprinkle chopped chives on top. Now your Stick of Butter Rice Recipe is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Stick of Butter Rice Recipe
Garnishes
While the dish shines on its own, a sprinkle of finely chopped chives adds a pop of green and delicate onion flavor that brightens the palate and enhances the richness of the butter. You can also try a few freshly cracked black peppercorns for a mild spice kick.
Side Dishes
This rice pairs wonderfully with a variety of mains. Think roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even sautéed vegetables. The beefy, buttery undertones complement hearty proteins, while the softness of the rice provides a wonderful textural balance. It’s also great alongside a fresh, crisp salad to lighten the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve the Stick of Butter Rice Recipe in small, individual ramekins for a charming presentation. You could also layer it in a casserole dish topped with caramelized onions and a sprinkle of melted cheese for an irresistible twist. The buttery flavor profile allows for so much creativity!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The rice keeps well for up to four days and the flavors even deepen after resting overnight, making your next meal just as enjoyable.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of the cooked rice by placing them in freezer-safe containers or bags. Be sure to cool completely before freezing. Properly stored, the rice can last up to two months in the freezer without a loss in flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, sprinkle a little water over the rice to bring back moisture and heat in the microwave, covered loosely with a damp paper towel, or gently reheat in a pan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. This prevents the rice from drying out and keeps the buttery texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use other types of rice for this recipe?
While long grain white rice works best for fluffiness and separate grains, you can experiment with jasmine or basmati rice for subtle aromatic differences. Just note that cooking times may vary slightly.
Is the garlic powder necessary?
Garlic powder is optional but recommended for a subtle layer of complexity. If you prefer a purer onion and beef broth flavor, feel free to leave it out.
Can I substitute the butter with a healthier fat?
Butter is key to the distinctive flavor and texture of this recipe. If you need a substitute, try ghee for a similar taste or use olive oil, though it will alter the dish’s richness slightly.
What can I do if I don’t have condensed beef broth?
If you can’t find condensed beef broth, you can use regular beef broth but reduce other liquids slightly, or substitute with a mix of beef stock and a touch of beef bouillon for that concentrated flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Stick of Butter Rice Recipe is an excellent meal prep option because it stores and reheats well, making your weekday meals quick and delicious without sacrificing taste.
Final Thoughts
Next time you want a rice side that truly wows with layers of buttery, savory goodness, give the Stick of Butter Rice Recipe a try. It’s simple enough to whip up on a weeknight but special enough to serve to guests. This recipe will quickly become your go-to comfort food, adding warmth and flavor to your table in the most delightful way.
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 comforting and flavorful baked rice dish made with long grain white rice, condensed beef broth, and French onion soup, enriched with pats of butter for a rich texture and taste. This easy-to-make recipe features a baked cooking method that results in perfectly cooked, fluffy rice with a delicious savory depth.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 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)
- 1/2 cup butter, cut into pats
- Chopped chives (for serving, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and position the rack in the middle of the oven 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 these ingredients gently to combine everything evenly.
- Add Butter: Arrange the pats of butter evenly over the top of the rice mixture for even melting and richness.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This initial bake will cook the rice through via steaming.
- Uncover and Continue Baking: Remove the foil carefully to avoid steam burns and bake uncovered for an additional 30 minutes. This step allows the top to brown slightly and any excess liquid to evaporate.
- Fluff and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains. Sprinkle chopped chives on top if desired, then serve warm and enjoy the buttery, savory rice.
Notes
- Using condensed beef broth and French onion soup imparts a rich, savory flavor to the rice, but you can substitute with homemade broth and caramelized onions for a fresher version.
- The garlic powder is optional but adds a subtle aromatic depth.
- Covering the dish tightly is crucial during the first 30 minutes to allow the rice to absorb all the liquid properly.
- Butter pats can be replaced with an equal amount of butter cubes or slices to ensure even melting.
- Leftover rice can be refrigerated and gently reheated, though it is best fresh.
