French Onion Butter Rice is one of those side dishes that feels indulgent, rich, and comforting — yet it comes together with minimal effort. This simple baked rice recipe uses just a few pantry staples like French onion soup, butter, and white rice to create a dish that’s bursting with savory flavor. I like serving it alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even just on its own when I’m craving something cozy and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is a staple in my meal rotation, and here’s why I think it’ll be one of your favorites too:
- The butter gives the rice a luscious, almost creamy texture.
- French onion soup adds incredible depth and umami flavor.
- It bakes in one dish, so there’s almost no cleanup.
- It pairs perfectly with just about any protein.
- It’s easy to double for potlucks or family dinners.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed French onion soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) beef broth
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, sliced into pieces
Directions
- I preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a 9×9 or 9×13-inch baking dish, I combine the uncooked rice, French onion soup, and beef broth. I give it a quick stir to mix.
- I evenly distribute the sliced butter on top of the mixture.
- I cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, I remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 25–30 minutes, until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed.
- I let it sit for a few minutes before fluffing with a fork and serving.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 4–6
- Preparation time: 5 minutes
- Baking time: 55–60 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour
- Calories per serving: ~250–300
- Key nutrients per serving:
- Carbohydrates: ~35g
- Fat: ~12g
- Protein: ~3g
Variations
- I sometimes stir in sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for extra flavor.
- For a meaty version, I add cooked ground beef or shredded rotisserie chicken before baking.
- A handful of shredded Swiss or Gruyère cheese on top makes it taste like French onion soup in casserole form.
- I swap beef broth with vegetable broth to make it vegetarian (using a vegetarian French onion soup).
storage/reheating
I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I microwave it in short bursts with a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. It also reheats well in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes, covered with foil. I don’t recommend freezing it, as the texture of the rice can become mushy.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but I increase the baking time by 15–20 minutes and may need a bit more broth, as brown rice takes longer to cook.
What can I serve with French Onion Butter Rice?
I like pairing it with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even just steamed veggies for a simple meal.
Can I make it in advance?
Absolutely. I often bake it earlier in the day, then reheat it in the oven just before serving. It holds up well.
Is this dish gluten-free?
It depends on the soup. I always check the labels, since some French onion soups and broths may contain wheat.
Can I add cheese?
Yes! A sprinkle of mozzarella, Gruyère, or Parmesan during the last 10 minutes of baking gives it a delicious cheesy finish.
Conclusion
French Onion Butter Rice is a comfort food classic in my kitchen. With just a handful of ingredients and almost no prep, it delivers big flavor and a perfect texture every time. Whether I’m serving it as a side or making it the main event with a few add-ins, this dish never fails to satisfy.
PrintFrench Onion Butter Rice
French Onion Butter Rice is a rich, savory baked rice dish made with just a few pantry staples like French onion soup, beef broth, and butter. Perfect as a cozy side dish or an easy base for a full meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed French onion soup
- 1 (10.5 oz) can beef broth
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a 9×9 or 9×13-inch baking dish, combine rice, French onion soup, and beef broth. Stir to mix.
- Top evenly with sliced butter.
- Cover tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 25–30 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Let sit for a few minutes, then fluff with a fork and serve.
Notes
- Add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for extra flavor.
- Mix in cooked ground beef or shredded chicken to make it a full meal.
- Top with shredded cheese like Swiss or Gruyère for a French onion soup twist.
- Swap beef broth for vegetable broth to make it vegetarian.
- Check labels to ensure soups are gluten-free if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 275
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg