Let me introduce you to one of those rare treasures: French Onion Butter Rice. If you love the bold, savory-sweet flavors of French onion soup and dream of a buttery, deeply aromatic side that virtually cooks itself, you are in for a treat! This dish delivers all the warmth, richness, and comfort of its namesake soup—only here, you get perfectly tender rice infused with beef broth, sweet onions, and a blanket of butter. Whether you’re hosting Sunday dinner, a holiday gathering, or just want to jazz up a weeknight meal, French Onion Butter Rice is going to claim a permanent spot in your recipe box.

French Onion Butter Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of French Onion Butter Rice is how it transforms a short list of pantry staples into something unforgettable. Each ingredient plays a starring role—from aromatic soup mix to a generous layer of butter—for sublime flavor and texture.

Long-grain white rice: The ideal canvas for soaking up all those savory flavors; long-grain holds its shape and stays fluffy.
Beef broth: Adds depth, savoriness, and that signature beefy richness you expect from anything “French onion.”
Dry French onion soup mix: The secret weapon! It brings concentrated onion flavor, a subtle sweetness, and fragrant herbs in one handy packet.
Unsalted butter (sliced): Melts into the rice, bathing every grain in creamy, irresistible flavor—don’t skimp!
Olive oil: Gives body to the dish and helps the rice cook up tender and separate.
Black pepper: Wakes up all the flavors for a lively finish.
Salt (optional): Taste before adding; the soup mix and broth can be salty enough.
Fresh parsley (for garnish): Brightens the dish with a pop of color and fresh flavor.

How to Make French Onion Butter Rice

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Get things started by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). French Onion Butter Rice requires a gentle, even bake—this moderate temperature ensures the rice cooks fully and absorbs every drop of that rich, savory goodness.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients in a Baking Dish

In a 9×9-inch baking dish, combine the uncooked long-grain white rice, beef broth, dry French onion soup mix, olive oil, and black pepper. Give it all a good stir right in the dish so the rice is evenly coated and the soup mix is dispersed throughout the broth. This way, every bite comes out beautifully seasoned.

Step 3: Add the Butter

Take your sliced butter and dot it evenly over the top of the rice mixture. As the dish bakes, the butter will slowly melt, creating a luscious layer that sinks into the rice and gives every spoonful that signature silky texture and irresistible buttery flavor French Onion Butter Rice is famous for.

Step 4: Cover and Bake

Seal the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This step traps in steam, allowing the rice to cook evenly and take on all those savory flavors without drying out. Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for a full hour, letting the oven do all the work.

Step 5: Fluff and Garnish

Carefully remove the foil (watch out for hot steam!) and grab a fork to fluff the rice, separating the grains for a light, airy texture. Finally, sprinkle on your chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant finish. Your French Onion Butter Rice is ready to serve!

How to Serve French Onion Butter Rice

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley is classic, but you can take things a step further with some crispy fried onions, a shave of Parmesan cheese, or even just a grind of black pepper right before serving. These little touches not only add visual appeal but a final boost of flavor and crunch that brings the dish to life.

Side Dishes

French Onion Butter Rice is a superstar alongside roast chicken, baked pork chops, or a perfectly grilled steak. For a vegetarian meal, pair it with sautéed mushrooms or steamed green beans—the savory, buttery rice beautifully compliments just about anything! Think of it as your go-to side that bridges all kinds of main courses.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to make French Onion Butter Rice the real star of your spread? Spoon it into individual ramekins for chic dinner party servings, or stuff it into roasted bell peppers for an eye-catching vegetarian entrée. Leftovers can even be pressed into a small cake, crisped in a skillet, and then topped with a runny egg for a decadent brunch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover French Onion Butter Rice cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, maintaining that luscious, buttery flavor and tender texture you love.

Freezing

If you want to make a batch ahead of time or save some for a rainy day, French Onion Butter Rice freezes surprisingly well! Cool it fully before portioning into freezer-safe bags or containers. You can freeze it up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of broth or water, cover, and warm gently in the microwave or oven until steaming hot. Give it a quick fluff with your fork to revive that perfect, fluffy texture. It tastes nearly as good as freshly baked—maybe even better, since the flavors get extra cozy together.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

You can swap in brown rice, but you’ll need to increase the baking time (about 1 hour and 20 minutes) and add a little more broth, since brown rice absorbs more liquid and cooks slower. The result is a heartier, nutty twist on French Onion Butter Rice!

Is it possible to make this dairy-free?

Absolutely! Replace the butter with your favorite plant-based alternative (look for one that’s unsalted and meant for baking). You’ll still get a rich, buttery finish that makes French Onion Butter Rice so craveable.

What’s the best way to add extra veggies?

Toss in a handful of sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or even chopped spinach before baking. These additions bring wonderful depth and color without changing the soul of French Onion Butter Rice. Just make sure veggies aren’t too watery.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes! Simply double all the ingredients and use a larger baking dish (like a 9×13). The cook time stays roughly the same, but check that the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid before serving.

Do I need to rinse the rice?

Rinsing long-grain white rice is optional, but can help produce a fluffier final dish. If you have a few extra seconds, rinse under cold water until it runs clear and drain well before mixing with the other ingredients.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving comfort and big flavor with minimal fuss, French Onion Butter Rice is ready to swoop in and steal the show. It’s that rare side dish you’ll catch yourself daydreaming about all week long. Grab your ingredients, gather your loved ones, and let this buttery, savory rice become your new go-to favorite. Enjoy every spoonful!

French Onion Butter Rice Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

French Onion Butter Rice is a flavorful and comforting side dish that is easy to make. This baked rice dish combines the rich flavors of French onion soup mix with buttery goodness, creating a delicious accompaniment to any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups beef broth
1 packet (1 ounce) dry French onion soup mix
1/2 cup unsalted butter, sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Garnish:

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the dish: In a 9×9-inch baking dish, combine the rice, beef broth, dry French onion soup mix, olive oil, and black pepper. Stir well to mix.
Add butter: Place slices of butter on top of the mixture.
Bake: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 1 hour until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Fluff and garnish: Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve.