If you’re in search of an irresistibly comforting, almost effortless side dish that will win over absolutely everyone at the table, look no further than Stick of Butter Rice. This Southern classic transforms humble pantry staples into a bubbling, golden-brown masterpiece with a richness you have to taste to believe. The magic is all in the technique—just stir, layer, and let the oven do the heavy lifting! You’ll never look at “rice” the same way again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just a handful of key ingredients come together for major flavor pay-off in Stick of Butter Rice. Each one plays a unique role, creating a dish with deep, savory notes and luscious texture that’s so much more than the sum of its parts!
- Long-grain white rice: Choose long-grain for fluffy, separate grains that soak up all that savory goodness, avoiding sticky or mushy results.
- Condensed French onion soup: A can of this soup delivers layers of caramelized onion flavor with practically zero effort—seriously, don’t skip it!
- Beef broth: Opt for low-sodium if you like, letting you adjust salt to taste; it deepens the color and adds savory umami richness.
- Unsalted butter (one stick): Sliced and arranged on top, the butter makes the grains tender and glossy while infusing every bite with creamy, crave-worthy flavor.
How to Make Stick of Butter Rice
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first: crank up your oven to 425°F. This higher-than-you-might-expect temperature ensures the rice cooks quickly and evenly while forming those unbeatable caramelized edges on top that everyone fights over.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
Grab a medium-sized baking dish (think 8×8-inch or similar), and add the uncooked long-grain white rice. Pour in the whole can of condensed French onion soup and the beef broth. Give it a good stir—you want every grain to mingle with that savory liquid so nothing bakes up dry or bland.
Step 3: Add the Butter
Now, lay out those pats of butter evenly across the surface, covering as much as you can. Don’t worry if the butter isn’t perfectly distributed—it’ll melt beautifully, self-basting your Stick of Butter Rice and helping the top layer turn perfectly golden.
Step 4: Bake Covered
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes to let the rice absorb all those luscious flavors without drying out on top. This is the secret to perfectly tender grains beneath a buttery crust!
Step 5: Bake Uncovered
After the first 30 minutes, remove the foil (careful of the steam!) and return the dish to the oven for another 30 minutes. This is where the magic really happens: the rice finishes cooking, the extra liquid evaporates, and the edges turn a little crisp and beautifully brown.
Step 6: Rest, Fluff, and Serve
Out of the oven, let your Stick of Butter Rice rest for about 5 minutes—just enough time for the grains to firm up a bit. Then grab a fork, fluff gently, and get ready for the best rice of your life!
How to Serve Stick of Butter Rice
Garnishes
For a pop of freshness and color, sprinkle on a handful of chopped fresh parsley just before serving. You can also add a dusting of black pepper or even a few paper-thin fried onions for extra crunch. Stick of Butter Rice has a deep, savory flavor base that absolutely loves a flash of something green or herbal.
Side Dishes
This rice is a dream alongside roasted chicken, juicy steak, or grilled vegetables—it soaks up sauces and juices like a champ. Add a crisp green salad or some buttered peas and dinner is set! For bigger gatherings, it handles doubling (or tripling) beautifully so everyone can have seconds.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to make it extra special? Scoop portions of Stick of Butter Rice into individual ramekins for a restaurant-style presentation. Or try topping with sautéed mushrooms, ribboned scallions, or a drizzle of Worcestershire sauce for a twist on the classic. It even makes a knockout base for a hearty grain bowl!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Stash any extra Stick of Butter Rice in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making for irresistible leftovers. Just be sure the rice is cooled completely before sealing, to avoid condensation and soggy grains.
Freezing
Stick of Butter Rice freezes surprisingly well! Cool it thoroughly, spoon into freezer-safe bags or containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight to keep the texture as fluffy as possible.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the rice, cover loosely with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel, and warm gently until steaming. You can also reheat covered in a 300°F oven for about 15 minutes. Avoid high heat or lots of stirring, which can make the rice mushy.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
You can, but brown rice takes much longer to cook and will need extra liquid. If you go this route, increase the cook time and check periodically for tenderness, adding more broth if necessary.
Can I make Stick of Butter Rice dairy-free or vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use vegetable broth instead of beef. Double-check that your soup base is vegan-friendly and you’re good to go.
What if I don’t have condensed French onion soup?
No worries—substitute another condensed soup like mushroom or even beefy mushroom for a different flavor. You can also sauté onions until golden, then add them with a little extra beef broth to mimic that signature taste.
Can I add extra flavors or mix-ins?
Definitely! Cooked mushrooms, a splash of Worcestershire, or even some shredded cheese on top can turn Stick of Butter Rice into a whole new side dish. Chopped spinach, peas, or herbs are all encouraged for personal flair.
Does it double well for a crowd?
Yes! Simply multiply all the ingredients and use a larger baking dish. You may need to add a few minutes to the bake time, but the process and results are just as reliably delicious.
Final Thoughts
If you need a dish that always steals the show and demands zero babysitting, give Stick of Butter Rice a try. It’s a little bit retro, a lot delicious, and almost too easy to become a new classic at your table. Grab that stick of butter and get baking—you’ll impress yourself and everyone else!
