French Onion Rice Bake

French Onion Rice Bake, also known as “Stick of Butter Rice,” is a rich, savory side dish made with just a handful of pantry staples. Featuring tender baked long grain rice infused with the bold flavors of French onion soup and beef consommé, this dish is topped with butter slices that melt into every bite. It’s the perfect no-fuss side to serve with roast meats, grilled chicken, or even a simple salad.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Minimal ingredients: Only five main ingredients and no chopping required

• No-fuss preparation: Just mix, cover, and bake

• Deep, savory flavor: Beef consommé and French onion soup bring rich, umami depth

• Crowd-pleasing: A comfort food favorite that pairs with nearly any protein

• Budget-friendly: Simple pantry ingredients with big payoff

• Great texture: Buttery, soft rice with just the right amount of bite

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• long grain rice

• French onion soup (canned, 10.5 oz)

• beef consommé (canned, 10.5 oz)

• unsalted butter, cut into thin slices

• black pepper

• optional: fresh chopped parsley for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat Oven
   Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. Prepare the Rice Base
   Pour the uncooked long grain rice into an 8×8-inch baking dish.

3. Add Liquids and Seasoning
   Pour in the French onion soup and beef consommé. Stir together gently to combine. Sprinkle with black pepper.

4. Add Butter
   Lay the thin butter slices evenly over the top of the rice mixture.

5. Cover and Bake
   Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.

6. Uncover and Finish Baking
   After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 30 minutes, until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed all the liquid.

7. Serve
   Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

• Make it cheesy: Add shredded Swiss or Gruyère cheese in the last 10 minutes for a French onion soup twist.

• Add protein: Stir in cooked shredded beef, rotisserie chicken, or ground beef before baking for a full meal.

• Top with crispy onions: Sprinkle French fried onions on top during the last 10 minutes of baking for crunch.

• Use different rice: Substitute with jasmine or basmati rice, but avoid instant or quick-cooking varieties.

• Make it vegetarian: Use vegetable consommé and a vegetarian onion soup.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Add a splash of broth if rice has dried out.
Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat before serving.

FAQs

Can I use instant rice?

No, this recipe is designed for long grain rice. Instant rice will become mushy and overcooked.

What is beef consommé?

Beef consommé is a clarified, richly flavored beef broth. It has more depth than regular beef broth and is key to the savory flavor in this dish.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, simply double the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch baking dish. Baking time remains the same.

Can I use brown rice?

You can, but brown rice requires more liquid and longer cooking time. Adjust accordingly and monitor doneness.

Is French onion soup the same as onion soup mix?

No. French onion soup is a canned liquid soup, while onion soup mix is dry. Be sure to use the canned soup for this recipe.

Do I need to rinse the rice?

It’s not necessary for this recipe, as the rice cooks slowly and evenly while absorbing all the flavorful liquid.

Can I add mushrooms?

Yes, sliced mushrooms can be added before baking for an earthy flavor boost.

What proteins pair well with this dish?

Grilled steak, roasted chicken, or meatloaf all pair beautifully with this rice.

Is it very buttery?

Yes, it’s rich and buttery as the name “stick of butter rice” suggests, but not greasy. You can reduce the butter slightly if desired.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes, assemble the dish ahead and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before baking.

Conclusion

French Onion Rice Bake is a fuss-free, oven-baked side dish that brings maximum flavor with minimal effort. With rich French onion flavor, buttery texture, and warm, comforting vibes, it’s the perfect accompaniment to any weeknight dinner or holiday meal. It’s proof that simple ingredients can come together to create something truly satisfying.

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