If you’re looking for a rice side that feels like a comforting hug on a plate, the Stick of Butter Rice Recipe is about to become your new go-to. This recipe takes humble pantry staples and transforms them into a rich, flavorful dish that’s creamy and buttery, with just the right touch of savory goodness from condensed beef broth and French onion soup. It’s incredibly easy to make but delivers such a luxurious taste and texture that it elevates any meal it accompanies. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner upgrade or your holiday table’s shiny new star, this Stick of Butter Rice Recipe is pure magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about the Stick of Butter Rice Recipe is how simple and straightforward the ingredients are. Each component plays a key role in layering flavor and creating that decadent, tender rice texture you’ll love.
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice: The perfect base that soaks up all the savory liquids while staying fluffy and separate.
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed beef broth or beef consommé: Adds a deep, meaty richness that infuses the rice without needing extra seasoning.
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed French onion soup: Brings sweet, caramelized onion notes that complement the beef broth beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional): A subtle hint of garlic that boosts flavor without overwhelming the dish.
- 1/2 cup butter (cut into pats): The star of the show, melting slowly into the rice to create that luscious, creamy texture and rich flavor.
- Chopped chives (for serving, optional): Adds a fresh pop of color and a mild oniony brightness to finish the dish.
How to Make Stick of Butter Rice Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and position the rack in the middle to ensure even heat distribution. This preheating step is key so your rice cooks perfectly in the next stages.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in a Baking Dish
Grab an 8×8 baking dish and add the uncooked rice, condensed beef broth, French onion soup, and garlic powder. Give everything a gentle stir to mix but don’t worry about making it perfect. Then, lay the pats of butter evenly over the top — these will melt into the rice and give it that signature richness you crave.
Step 3: Cover and Bake for 30 Minutes
Seal your dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and help the rice cook evenly without drying out. Pop it into the oven and bake for the first 30 minutes. At this point, the rice is absorbing all those flavors and softening beautifully.
Step 4: Uncover and Continue Baking
After the initial baking time, remove the foil and return the dish to the oven for another 30 minutes. This step allows the top to get a little golden and the butter to seep in even more, finishing the rice with a lovely texture and appearance.
Step 5: Fluff and Serve
Once out of the oven, fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains without mashing them. Sprinkle with chopped chives if you’re using them — they add a fresh, bright contrast to the buttery richness. Serve it warm and watch how quickly it disappears at the table.
How to Serve Stick of Butter Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like chopped fresh chives or parsley not only bring a beautiful splash of green but also a subtle hint of freshness that balances the richness of this dish. A light sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper can add a nice edge as well.
Side Dishes
This buttery rice recipe pairs wonderfully with protein-focused mains like roast beef, grilled chicken, or even pan-seared fish. It’s also fabulous alongside roasted vegetables or a crisp salad for a well-rounded meal that feels both cozy and elegant.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Stick of Butter Rice Recipe molded into shapes using a small bowl or ramekin — just pack the rice in, invert onto a plate, and lift off the mold. Drizzle a little extra melted butter or a light gravy over the top for a restaurant-style presentation that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover Stick of Butter Rice to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3 days while maintaining its creamy texture and delicious flavor.
Freezing
This rice freezes surprisingly well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, pressing out any extra air, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water to refresh the moisture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure the rice melts back into that beloved buttery creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of rice for this recipe?
While long grain white rice works best for texture and cooking time, you can experiment with jasmine or basmati rice for a slightly different aroma and flavor, keeping the same liquid measurements.
Is the garlic powder necessary?
Garlic powder is optional but recommended as it adds a subtle depth that complements the beef broth and onion soup perfectly. If you’re a garlic fan, feel free to add a bit more!
Can I make this recipe on the stovetop instead of the oven?
The oven baking method helps achieve the perfect fluffy texture and lets the butter melt evenly throughout. While you could try stovetop cooking, it might need more attention to prevent burning or scorching.
What if I don’t have condensed French onion soup?
You can substitute with condensed cream of mushroom soup or even make a quick homemade onion broth, but the unique sweet onion flavor of the soup really enhances this recipe.
How do I make the rice less rich if I prefer a lighter dish?
To lighten it up, reduce the butter to 1/4 cup and consider using low-sodium broth and a lighter soup variety. It will still be flavorful but less decadent.
Final Thoughts
The Stick of Butter Rice Recipe is a true game-changer when you want something simple, comforting, and utterly delicious without a fuss. It’s versatile, easy to customize, and that glorious buttery flavor makes every spoonful feel indulgent. Give it a try at your next meal and watch how it quickly becomes a cherished favorite in your kitchen, just like it has in mine.
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, comforting baked rice dish combining long grain white rice with condensed beef broth and French onion soup, finished with a decadent layer of butter. This simple, one-dish recipe bakes in the oven to create tender, flavorful rice topped with melted butter and optionally garnished with fresh chives for a savory touch.
Ingredients
Main 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 the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the oven rack in the middle position to ensure even cooking.
- Combine ingredients in baking dish: In an 8×8 inch baking dish, mix the uncooked white rice, condensed beef broth, condensed French onion soup, and garlic powder if using. Stir gently to combine, then evenly distribute the pats of butter on top of the mixture.
- Cover and bake: Tightly cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to trap steam and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Bake uncovered: Remove the foil carefully and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes uncovered. This helps the top layer of rice and butter to finish cooking and develop a golden surface.
- Fluff and serve: Use a fork to fluff the rice gently to separate the grains. Optionally, sprinkle with chopped fresh chives for added flavor and color. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Using condensed beef broth and French onion soup adds a deep, savory flavor without needing extra seasoning.
- Garlic powder is optional but enhances the dish’s aroma and taste.
- If unavailable, you can substitute the condensed beef broth with beef stock and reduce added liquids accordingly.
- The butter is key to making the rice rich and creamy; don’t skip it.
- Make sure to cover the dish tightly with foil to prevent steam from escaping during the first part of baking.
- Fluffing the rice after baking prevents it from becoming clumpy and improves texture.
