If you’re looking to wrap yourself in a warm, savory hug in the form of a side dish, French Onion Soup Rice is your new go-to comfort food. Imagine all the melty, buttery charm of a classic French onion soup, but in an irresistibly easy rice bake that’s rich, deeply flavorful, and so simple to create. Whether you dress it up with golden Gruyère or serve it rustic and unfussy, French Onion Soup Rice will steal the show at any dinner table, impress guests at potlucks, or simply become that weeknight winner you crave again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of French Onion Soup Rice lies in its simplicity—just a few everyday ingredients bring out layers of classic flavors. Each one is essential, combining to deliver that familiar taste with very little effort (and almost zero prep work!).
- Long-grain white rice: Delivers individual grains that soak up the savory goodness without getting mushy.
- Condensed French onion soup: Packs an instant wallop of rich, caramelized onion flavor—no onions to slice or sauté.
- Beef broth: Deepens the dish with umami and savory notes that wrap every grain in richness.
- Unsalted butter: Brings silkiness and a sumptuous texture along with buttery overtones.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds a punch of tangy complexity, making all the other flavors pop.
- Grated Parmesan or Gruyère cheese (optional): For the irresistible melty, cheesy finish that transforms this from cozy to utterly decadent.
- Fresh thyme (optional): Invites a hint of herbal brightness and a dash of color for that elegant touch.
How to Make French Onion Soup Rice
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
Set the mood for coziness by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grab a 2-quart baking dish—you want enough room for the rice to spread out and soak up all those delicious flavors. Lightly grease if you wish for easier cleanup later.
Step 2: Mix the Main Ingredients
Pour the uncooked long-grain rice directly into the baking dish. Then add the condensed French onion soup, beef broth, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce. Give everything a good stir so the rice gets an even coating of that irresistible soup and broth combination.
Step 3: Add Butter for Extra Richness
Scatter the pieces of unsalted butter right over the top of the rice mixture. As the French Onion Soup Rice bakes, the butter will melt and infuse every bite with richness and a velvety texture.
Step 4: Cover and Bake
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Pop it into the oven and let the magic happen for 40 to 45 minutes. The steam will help the rice cook up tender while marrying all the savory flavors together. You’ll know it’s ready when most of the liquid is absorbed and the rice is fluffy.
Step 5: Fluff, Top, and Finish (Optional)
Carefully remove the dish from the oven and lift the foil—watch out for the steam! Gently fluff the rice with a fork. If you want to go full-on French Onion Soup mode, sprinkle the top with a generous handful of grated Parmesan or Gruyère cheese. Slide the casserole dish back into the oven uncovered for about 5 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Top with fresh thyme if you want a little herbal lift and a pop of color.
How to Serve French Onion Soup Rice
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of fresh thyme gives French Onion Soup Rice a dash of freshness and a restaurant-worthy finish. For extra indulgence, try a scattering of crispy fried onions or a dusting of additional cheese. No matter how you garnish it, this dish is irresistibly inviting straight out of the oven.
Side Dishes
French Onion Soup Rice steals the spotlight as a side for classic roast chicken, grilled steak, or even a saucy pork chop. Pair it with a crisp green salad or some garlicky green beans for a well-balanced plate, or use it as a hearty bed for your favorite slow-cooked roast.
Creative Ways to Present
Spoon your French Onion Soup Rice into individual ramekins for an elegant dinner party starter, or ladle into a rustic baking dish and let everyone help themselves family-style. You can even use it as a cozy stuffing for roasted vegetables or bell peppers for a novel twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover French Onion Soup Rice in an airtight container in the fridge, and it’ll keep fresh for up to four days. The flavors only deepen and get even more savory after a night in the refrigerator.
Freezing
French Onion Soup Rice is freezer-friendly, making it a great make-ahead side. Let it cool completely, portion it out, and seal in freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to two months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, pop individual portions in the microwave with a splash of broth or water, or warm larger amounts in a covered oven-safe dish at 325°F. Stir midway through and add a little extra cheese on top if you want to refresh that melty finish.
FAQs
Can I make French Onion Soup Rice vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the beef broth with vegetable broth, and use a vegetarian-friendly French onion soup (just check the label). The dish will still be hearty, full-flavored, and delicious.
What other cheeses can I use for the topping?
Gruyère is traditional, but feel free to get creative—Swiss, mozzarella, or even a sharp white cheddar brings a delicious twist to French Onion Soup Rice. Use whatever makes your tastebuds happiest!
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
You can swap in brown rice, but you’ll need to increase the baking time by at least 15–20 minutes and possibly add a little more broth, since brown rice cooks more slowly and absorbs extra liquid.
Is French Onion Soup Rice gluten-free?
As long as your condensed French onion soup and Worcestershire sauce are labeled gluten-free, this recipe can easily fit into a gluten-free diet. Always double-check ingredient labels to be sure.
Can I make French Onion Soup Rice on the stovetop?
Definitely! Just combine everything in a saucepan, cover, and simmer gently on low for about 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally. It’s a great way to save oven space during big holiday meals.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about transforming simple pantry staples into pure comfort, and French Onion Soup Rice proves it every single time. Whip it up when you need an unfussy, crowd-pleasing side—or top it with cheese and herbs for an extra-special treat—and soon it’ll be a staple in your kitchen, too.
Print
French Onion Soup Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
French Onion Soup Rice is a comforting and flavorful side dish that combines the rich taste of French onion soup with tender rice, baked to perfection. This easy recipe is sure to become a favorite at any meal.
Ingredients
Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
French Onion Soup Mixture:
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed French onion soup
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can beef broth
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cut into pieces)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
Toppings:
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan or Gruyère cheese for topping (optional)
- Fresh thyme for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Prepare Rice Mixture: In a 2-quart baking dish, combine the uncooked rice, French onion soup, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine evenly.
- Add Butter: Dot the top of the mixture with butter pieces.
- Bake: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 40–45 minutes until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Fluff Rice: Remove from the oven and gently fluff the rice with a fork.
- Add Toppings: If desired, sprinkle with Parmesan or Gruyère cheese and return to the oven uncovered for 5 minutes to melt.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh thyme before serving.
Notes
- You can make this dish on the stovetop by simmering the mixture in a covered saucepan over low heat for 20–25 minutes.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth and onion soup.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 810 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
