Stick of Butter Rice is a cozy dish that effortlessly brings comfort to your table with minimal effort. Imagine a perfect blend of savory soups, aromatic rice, and that signature stick of butter. It’s a heavenly side that complements any meal with its rich, buttery goodness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Pure Comfort: The combination of butter and soups creates a creamy, comforting dish that pairs with nearly any main course.
- Easy Peasy: With just a handful of ingredients, you can have this rice baking in the oven in no time!
- Versatile Pairings: This Stick of Butter Rice complements anything from roasted chicken to grilled veggies.
- Crowd Pleaser: It’s the perfect dish for potlucks and family gatherings, guaranteed to leave everyone satisfied.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Stick of Butter Rice lies in its simplicity. With just four ingredients, each plays a crucial role. Let’s break down their contributions to the dish.
- 1 stick butter (½ cup): This is where the magic happens! The butter melts into the rice, creating a velvety texture and rich flavor.
- 1 can condensed French onion soup: It infuses the rice with aromatic, savory flavors that elevate the entire dish.
- 1 can condensed beef broth soup: Adds depth and hearty notes to the rice, making it irresistibility savory.
- 1 cup white rice (rinsed): Choose long-grain for the best results and be sure to rinse it to remove excess starch.
Variations
Stick of Butter Rice is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to modify it to suit various tastes and dietary needs. Here are some delightful variations to try.
- Cheesy Delight: Stir in a cup of shredded cheddar cheese during the final baking to add a cheesy twist.
- Herb Infusion: Add a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme before serving for a burst of freshness.
How to Make Stick of Butter Rice
Step 1: Prepare Your Rice
Start by preheating your oven to 400℉. Rinse the white rice under cold water to remove excess starch. This ensures the grains remain separate and fluffy after baking.
Step 2: Assemble the Dish
Place the rinsed rice into a prepared baking dish sprayed with non-stick spray. Pour the cans of condensed French onion and beef broth soup over the rice. Gently stir to combine.
Step 3: Add Butter and Bake
Place the stick of butter on top of the rice mixture. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and stir before continuing to bake for another 30 minutes.
Pro Tips for Making Stick of Butter Rice
- Foil Tenting Techniques: When covering with foil, tent it slightly to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Optimal Butter Placement: Place the butter in the center for even melting and maximum flavor dispersion.
- Rinse That Rice: Don’t skip rinsing the rice; it’s crucial for achieving a light and fluffy texture.
- Timing Matters: Keep an eye on the final baking time to ensure the rice absorbs all flavors perfectly.
How to Serve Stick of Butter Rice
Garnishes
Top with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color and an extra layer of flavor that complements the savory profile.
Side Dishes
This rice pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or roasted vegetables, making it a versatile addition to any meal. It rounds out the plate by adding warmth and a buttery richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish in a rustic cast iron skillet right from the oven. Not only does it maintain the warmth, but it also adds charm and a touch of elegance to your table setting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld, making it even tastier the next day!
Freezing
For extended storage, freeze the rice in a heavy-duty freezer bag for up to a month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the rice in a covered baking dish at 350℉ for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Add a splash of broth if necessary to restore moisture.
FAQs
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Can I use brown rice instead?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but it will require a longer cooking time and may need an additional liquid.
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What if I can’t find French onion soup?
You can use a combination of onion soup mix and water or beef broth as an alternative.
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Is there a dairy-free option?
Substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative to make this dish dairy-free.
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How can I make this dish more flavorful?
Add some sautéed onions or garlic for an additional layer of flavor, or consider topping with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Final Thoughts
Stick of Butter Rice is a delightful classic that’s easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for weekday dinners or special gatherings, it’s sure to find a permanent place in your recipe collection. Give it a try, and watch it become a family favorite!
Print
Stick of Butter Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A savory baked rice dish featuring creamy French onion soup and beef broth, enriched with butter for a rich flavor. This easy-to-make casserole combines tender rice with hearty soups, baked to perfection for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup white rice (rinsed)
Liquids
- 1 can condensed French onion soup
- 1 can condensed beef broth soup
Fats
- 1 stick butter (1/2 cup)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400℉ (200℃) to ensure it’s at the right temperature before baking.
- Prepare baking dish: Spray a baking dish with non-stick spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Rinse rice: Rinse the white rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear, removing excess starch.
- Combine ingredients: Place the rinsed rice in the prepared baking dish. Pour both cans of condensed French onion and beef broth soup over the rice.
- Mix: Gently stir the rice and soups together using a mixing spoon to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Add butter: Place the stick of butter on top of the rice mixture for richness and flavor.
- Cover and bake: Cover the dish tightly with foil to trap steam and baked moisture, then place in the oven.
- Bake first phase: Bake for 30 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the flavors and soften.
- Stir again: Remove the foil carefully, stir the rice mixture gently to redistribute the ingredients, then cover again.
- Final bake: Continue baking uncovered for another 30 minutes, until the rice is tender and flavorful.
- Finish and serve: Stir the baked rice one last time, then serve hot and enjoy the savory comfort.
Notes
- Make sure to use rinse white rice, not instant rice, for the best texture.
- You can add herbs or spices like black pepper or thyme for extra flavor.
- Use a baking dish that fits all ingredients comfortably to ensure even cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
