This Stick of Butter Rice is the ultimate comfort food! Made with just four ingredients, it’s rich, buttery, and packed with flavor. Perfect for family dinners! 🍚🧈
Table of contents
Stick of Butter Rice: The Ultimate Comforting Rice Side Dish
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes rival the simplicity and rich flavor of Stick of Butter Rice. This baked rice recipe has captured the hearts of home cooks everywhere with its creamy texture and savory taste. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing a weeknight meal, Stick of Butter Rice is the perfect rice side dish to elevate your menu.
Why Choose Oven-Baked Rice for Your Meals?
If you’ve never tried baked rice in the oven, you’re in for a treat. Unlike stovetop methods, baking rice creates an even texture, ensuring each grain is perfectly cooked. The gentle, consistent heat of the oven allows the flavors of the dish to meld beautifully, making it ideal for recipes like Stick of Butter Rice.
Benefits of Oven-Baked Rice
- Hands-Off Cooking: No need to monitor the pot – let the oven do the work.
- Enhanced Flavor: Baking infuses the rice with rich, savory flavors from the ingredients.
- Perfect Texture: Say goodbye to mushy or undercooked rice.
Stick of Butter Rice: A Versatile Rice Side Dish
One of the best aspects of Stick of Butter Rice is its versatility. Whether paired with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or sautéed vegetables, it complements a wide range of dishes. Its creamy, buttery texture makes it a crowd-pleaser at potlucks, holiday feasts, or even casual family dinners.
What Sets This Baked Rice Recipe Apart?
- Simple Ingredients: Stick of Butter Rice uses pantry staples, making it an accessible option for any home cook.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of butter and savory broths creates a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat.
- Ease of Preparation: With minimal prep and the convenience of baking, this dish is perfect for busy days.
Tips for Making the Best Baked Rice in the Oven
While Stick of Butter Rice is a straightforward dish, a few tips can ensure the best results:
- Use Long-Grain Rice: For a fluffy texture, opt for long-grain varieties rather than short-grain or instant rice.
- Don’t Skip the Butter: The butter is key to achieving that creamy, rich flavor.
- Garnish for Freshness: Add sliced green onions or fresh herbs for a pop of color and flavor.
Serve Stick of Butter Rice for Any Occasion
Whether you’re looking for a cozy oven-baked rice dish or a reliable side for entertaining, Stick of Butter Rice delivers every time. Its comforting flavors and foolproof preparation make it a go-to recipe for any occasion. Serve it alongside hearty main courses or enjoy it as a standalone dish—it’s sure to be a hit!
Stick of Butter Rice isn’t just a baked rice recipe; it’s a classic that brings comfort and joy to every meal. Try it as your next rice side dish, and watch it become a family favorite.
Oven Baked Rice: Ingredients & Equipment
To make this Stick of Butter Rice recipe, you will need …
Ingredients
- uncooked long-grain white rice – Long-grain white rice is ideal for this recipe because it cooks evenly and achieves a fluffy texture. Brown rice and wild rice are also good options. However, they require a longer cooking time and additional liquid. Adjust the baking time and liquid ratio accordingly to ensure the rice cooks thoroughly without drying out. Avoid instant rice, as it can become mushy and lacks the structure needed for oven-baked rice.
- condensed French Onion Soup
- condensed Beef Consomme
- unsalted butter
- green onions or fresh herbs (optional)
Suggested Add-Ins
This creamy, buttery rice side dish is easy to customize, prepare, and serve, making it a reliable favorite for any occasion! Here are some suggested things you can add to your dish …
- Parmesan cheese before baking (for a crispy texture) or after baking (for a melted texture)
- Freshly sliced mushrooms or cream of mushroom soup
- Soy sauce
- Worcestershire sauce
- Baked apples
- Diced onions
- Blackeyed peas
- Water chestnuts
- Beef, pork, chicken, or shrimp (if you want some protein or want this to be the main dish rather than a side dish!)
Equipment
- 8×8-in. baking dish
- spoon or spatula for stirring
- aluminum foil
- hot mitts
Serving Suggestions for Stick of Butter Rice
1. Protein Pairings
Stick of Butter Rice complements proteins beautifully, enhancing their flavors while adding a comforting base to the meal:
- Roasted Chicken: The buttery rice pairs perfectly with the crisp, herbaceous flavors of roast chicken.
- Grilled Steak: Serve with a juicy steak for a rich and hearty combination.
- Pork Chops: The savory rice balances the tenderness of pan-seared or baked pork chops.
- Baked Salmon: Add a touch of elegance by pairing the rice with flaky, herb-crusted salmon.
- Barbecue Ribs: The creamy texture of the rice works well with smoky, tangy ribs.
2. Vegetable Side Dishes
Enhance your meal with fresh, vibrant vegetables to balance the richness of Stick of Butter Rice:
- Roasted Asparagus: A squeeze of lemon over roasted asparagus cuts through the buttery richness.
- Steamed Broccoli: A simple and healthy addition that pairs well with the rice’s savory flavor.
- Sauteed Green Beans: Add garlic and a touch of olive oil for a classic pairing.
- Glazed Carrots: Sweet, caramelized carrots complement the salty, buttery notes of the rice.
- Garden Salad: A crisp, refreshing salad with vinaigrette offers a light contrast.
3. Complementary Sauces and Gravies
Take your oven-baked rice to the next level with flavorful sauces and gravies:
- Mushroom Gravy: Drizzle over the rice for an extra layer of richness.
- Beef Au Jus: Perfect if served alongside roasted or grilled beef.
- Herb Butter Sauce: A blend of melted butter and fresh herbs enhances the rice’s natural flavors.
- Creamy Garlic Sauce: Add a hint of indulgence to the meal.
4. Family-Style Comfort Foods
Stick of Butter Rice works well as part of a hearty, family-style spread:
- Fried Chicken: Pair with crispy fried chicken for the ultimate comfort meal.
- Casseroles: Serve alongside creamy casseroles like green bean or broccoli cheddar.
- Meatloaf: A classic pairing that never goes out of style.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers: Use the rice as a filling for a creative twist.
5. Holiday or Special Occasion Ideas
This baked rice in the oven is perfect for festive gatherings:
- Thanksgiving Dinner: Serve as an alternative to mashed potatoes alongside turkey and cranberry sauce.
- Christmas Roast: Pair with prime rib or glazed ham for a luxurious holiday meal.
- Potluck Favorite: Bring Stick of Butter Rice to your next potluck – its rich flavor is sure to impress.
Stick of Butter Rice: FAQs
To reduce the fat and sodium content:
– Use reduced-sodium soups or homemade broths.
– Replace a portion of the butter with olive oil or a smaller amount of butter.
– Add vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas for added nutrients.
Yes, you can prepare Stick of Butter Rice in advance:
– Assemble the ingredients in the baking dish, cover it, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
– If reheating leftovers, add a splash of broth or water to restore moisture.
Absolutely! This oven-baked rice scales well. Use a larger baking dish to ensure even cooking, and keep the baking time consistent. For best results, stir the rice before serving to fluff it up.
– Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
– Reheating: Microwave individual portions with a splash of broth or water to prevent dryness. For larger quantities, reheat in the oven at 350°F, covered, until warmed through.
For a pop of color and flavor, garnish with:
– Sliced green onions
– Chopped parsley
– Fresh thyme
– A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese
Yes! Substitute the beef consommé with vegetable broth and the French onion soup with a vegetarian version. Ensure all ingredients align with your dietary preferences.
Other recipes you may enjoy
Stick of Butter Rice
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice NOT instant rice!
- 1 can condensed French Onion Soup 10.5 oz
- 1 can condensed Beef Consomme 10.5 oz
- 1 stick unsalted butter 1/2 cup, sliced thinly
- Sliced green onions or chopped fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Add the rice, soup, and broth to an 8×8-inch baking dish. Mix well.
- Cut butter into slices and place on top of the mixture.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake 30 minutes more.
- Before serving, fluff rice with a fork.
- Garnish with green onion or fresh herbs, if desired.
Notes
- Look for reduced sodium versions of the soup if desired.
- This oven-baked rice scales well. Use a larger baking dish to ensure even cooking, and keep the baking time consistent. For best results, stir the rice before serving to fluff it up.
Nutrition
Please note that the nutritional information listed on this page is an estimation based on the products I used. Ingredients and nutritional information can vary significantly between brands. Always be sure to read labels. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Nutrition info may contain errors, so please verify it independently. Likewise, recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them.
Originally published on July 17, 2020. Updated on January 20, 2025.
can this recipe be made in another way then oven, like rice cooker or slow cooker, pressure cooker?
Although I have never tried it, I think as long as the rice/water ratio is followed per the manufacturers’ instructions, it should be fine. Add everything the recipe says, adjusting the rice/liquid ratio, if necessary. I’d love to hear how it turns out if you try it this way.
OMG! My mom used to make a version of this but also dumped in a can of chicken. SUCH good memories! Thanks for posting this one!
I’ve been making this delicious side dish for years, with a couple differences. We add a small can of mushrooms. They go in the dish first, followed by the French Onion Soup, fill the empty can with rice and pour that on top of the soup, then pour the Beef Consomme soup on top of the rice, and top with a stick of butter. Bake uncovered for 45 minutes, stir, and bake 15 additional minutes. So delicious!
We LOVE this dish, but I hate heating up the kitchen when it’s hot out. Throw all ingredients into the pressure cooker & you’re ready to go in 10 minutes! For chicken rice, use golden mushroom soup & chicken stock. Also a winner-winner-chicken dinner!
Brown the uncooked rice in the.butter before adding the rest of the ingredients. Adds great flavor to rice. Microwave works fine