French Onion Butter Rice

Thank you so much for being here! Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner, looking for an easy weeknight side dish, or just craving something warm, buttery, and full of flavor — you’ve come to the right place. This French Onion Butter Rice is one of those simple recipes that punches way above its weight.

It’s rich, savory, comforting, and the kind of dish that tastes like it simmered on the stove for hours — even though it takes just minutes to prep. One bite of this golden, caramelized, buttery rice and you’ll understand why it’s become a staple in my kitchen… and in my heart.

What Is French Onion Butter Rice?

French Onion Butter Rice is a flavorful baked rice dish inspired by the deep, savory flavor of French onion soup. It’s made with just a handful of ingredients — including butter, onions, beef broth, and white rice — and comes together in one dish with practically no effort.

It’s the perfect side to roast chicken, pork chops, grilled steak, or even holiday meals. It’s also rich enough to stand alone with a green salad or a poached egg on top (yes, I’ve done it and YES you should too!).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Only 5 ingredients – And they’re all pantry-friendly.
• Ridiculously flavorful – Like French onion soup, but in rice form!
• One-dish wonder – Minimal cleanup and hands-off baking.
• Budget-friendly – Fancy taste, grocery-store ingredients.
• Pairs with everything – From weeknight meatloaf to holiday turkey.

What Does French Onion Butter Rice Taste Like?

It tastes like the comfort food of your dreams. Rich, buttery rice that’s baked to fluffy, tender perfection, with sweet caramelized onion flavor in every bite. The beef broth adds depth, the butter makes it indulgent, and the French onion soup mix infuses everything with that familiar savory punch.

The edges get a little golden and crispy, the center stays soft and fluffy — and the aroma while it’s baking? Incredible. I’m kicking myself for not having shot it baking because WOW.

Healthier Than You’d Expect

While this dish leans toward indulgent, it’s easy to lighten it up:

• Use unsalted butter to control sodium.
• Substitute brown rice for more fiber (just adjust liquid and cook time).
• Add veggies like mushrooms or peas to bulk it up with nutrients.
• Make it vegetarian with veggie broth and onion soup mix (look for meat-free versions).

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) French onion soup (condensed)
• 1 cup beef broth (or water with bouillon)
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, sliced
• 1 packet dry onion soup mix

Optional add-ins:

• 1/2 cup sautéed mushrooms
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan
• Chopped parsley, for garnish

Tools You’ll Need

• 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking dish
• Aluminum foil
• Medium mixing bowl (optional)
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Oven mitts (this gets HOT)

Ingredient Additions & Substitutions

• Brown rice: Increase liquid slightly and bake longer (up to 90 minutes).
• Vegetarian version: Use vegetable broth and vegetarian onion soup mix.
• Gluten-free: Double-check your soup and soup mix labels.
• Add protein: Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover roast beef.
• Mushroom lovers: Sauté mushrooms in butter first, then add before baking.

How to Make French Onion Butter Rice

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your baking dish.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

In your baking dish, stir together the rice, condensed French onion soup, beef broth, and onion soup mix until well combined.

Scatter sliced butter over the top (don’t stir it in!).

Step 3: Bake Covered

Cover tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes.

Step 4: Uncover and Finish

Remove foil and bake for an additional 30–35 minutes, until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. The top may start to get beautifully golden and crispy!

Step 5: Fluff and Serve

Fluff the rice gently with a fork. Top with fresh herbs, a sprinkle of cheese, or just serve as-is. Try not to eat it straight from the pan (no judgment if you do).

What to Serve with French Onion Butter Rice

This rice goes with everything but here are a few favorites:

• Roast chicken or turkey
• Meatloaf or Salisbury steak
• Grilled pork chops
• Seared ribeye or skirt steak
• A crisp green salad for balance
• Fried or poached egg for a cozy, simple meal

Tips for the Best Butter Rice

• Don’t skip the foil — it helps the rice steam perfectly.
• Check for doneness — If rice isn’t quite tender, cover and bake 5–10 more minutes.
• Add cheese at the end — Grated parmesan or mozzarella takes it over the top.
• Use a good-quality soup mix — It’s doing most of the seasoning work!
• Let it rest for 5 minutes before fluffing for the best texture.

Storage Instructions

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Microwave or heat on the stove with a splash of broth to keep it moist.

General Recipe Info

• Servings: 4–6
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 60–65 minutes
• Difficulty: Super easy

This dish is practically foolproof, and I love that I can throw it together while I prep other parts of dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use instant rice?

No, instant rice will overcook and turn mushy. Stick with long grain white or brown rice.

Can I make this on the stovetop?

It’s designed for the oven so the flavors meld and the rice bakes evenly. Stovetop may work but requires more babysitting and may burn.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Use a 9×13 pan and double all ingredients. Add 10–15 extra minutes to the baking time.

Can I add meat to make it a full meal?

Definitely. Stir in diced cooked chicken, ground beef, or sausage before baking or after fluffing.

In Conclusion

This French Onion Butter Rice is proof that the simplest ingredients can create the most soul-warming meals. With just one dish and a few pantry staples, you get buttery, savory rice packed with comforting flavor — the kind of side dish that quietly steals the spotlight.

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