French Onion Butter Rice

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When you’re craving a side dish that’s simple to make but tastes like it came from a cozy French bistro, this French Onion Butter Rice is exactly what you need. With rich, caramelized onion flavor, buttery rice, and a golden top that adds just the right amount of texture, this dish turns everyday ingredients into a warm, satisfying favorite. It’s the kind of comfort food that goes with everything—chicken, steak, or even just a green salad.

What makes this dish even better is how incredibly hands-off it is. With just a few pantry staples and one baking dish, the oven does most of the work for you. The result is a fragrant, melt-in-your-mouth rice dish with that nostalgic, savory depth of classic French onion soup. No fancy techniques. Just cozy, baked perfection.

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Why You’ll Love This French Onion Butter Rice

• Incredibly flavorful with minimal effort
• Uses simple, affordable ingredients you likely already have on hand
• Pairs with almost any main dish
• Oven-baked for easy prep and clean-up
• Perfect for both weeknights and holiday dinners

This is one of those recipes that surprises people every time. They expect regular rice, but what they get is something rich, savory, and totally crave-worthy.

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What Kind of Rice Should I Use?

For the best texture, go with long-grain white rice such as jasmine or basmati. These types stay fluffy and separate well during baking, which is exactly what you want in a dish like this. Avoid short-grain or sticky rice varieties as they can become mushy.

If you prefer a slightly nutty flavor, you can also use brown rice, but keep in mind it will need a longer baking time and extra liquid. Either way, don’t skip the butter and onion soup mix—they’re the flavor powerhouses here.

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Ingredients for the French Onion Butter Rice

Each ingredient in this dish plays a crucial role in creating its rich, savory profile. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

• Long-grain white rice – The foundation of the dish, it cooks up fluffy and absorbs all the savory flavors.
• French onion soup (canned) – Provides the bold onion flavor and a bit of moisture. This is the secret to that irresistible umami taste.
• Butter – Adds richness, depth, and that melt-in-your-mouth finish.
• Beef broth – Enhances the flavor with a meaty undertone that pairs perfectly with the onions.
• Diced yellow onion – Adds texture and sweetness once caramelized.
• Garlic powder – Gives a warm, savory boost without overpowering.
• Salt & pepper – Balances and enhances all the flavors.

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How To Make the French Onion Butter Rice

This dish is wonderfully simple. Follow these steps to bake it to perfection:

Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch or similar-sized baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

In the baking dish, mix together 1 cup of long-grain white rice, 1 can of French onion soup, 1 cup of beef broth, ½ diced yellow onion, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 3: Add the Butter

Slice ½ cup (1 stick) of butter into pats and place evenly across the top of the rice mixture. This helps the rice brown and adds that rich buttery finish.

Step 4: Bake Covered

Cover tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. This traps in the moisture and lets the rice soak up all the flavor.

Step 5: Bake Uncovered

Remove the foil and bake for another 30 minutes. This allows the top to get golden and slightly crispy, which is one of the best parts!

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let the dish sit for 5 minutes before fluffing and serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if you like a pop of color and freshness.

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Serving and Storing French Onion Butter Rice

This cozy side dish serves about 4 to 6 people, making it ideal for family dinners or as a potluck contribution. Its savory richness pairs wonderfully with a variety of mains, and the texture only improves slightly upon sitting, making leftovers a bonus.

To store, let the rice cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of beef broth or water and microwave covered until warm to restore its softness without drying it out.

For longer storage, freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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What to Serve With French Onion Butter Rice?

This versatile dish shines alongside a wide range of proteins and vegetables. Here are some pairing ideas:

🍽️ Roasted Chicken

Classic roast chicken and this savory rice make a comforting and balanced plate.

🥩 Grilled Steak

Serve it with grilled sirloin or ribeye for a hearty, satisfying dinner.

🍟 Seared Salmon

The richness of the rice complements the freshness of pan-seared or baked salmon beautifully.

🌿 Steamed Green Beans

Add a splash of color and crunch with a simple side of green beans tossed in butter and garlic.

🌱 Garlic Mushrooms

Sautéed mushrooms echo the earthy undertones in the rice and boost the umami factor.

🥜 Pork Chops

Try it with pan-seared or oven-baked pork chops—the combination is super comforting.

🍳 Fried Eggs

Top a warm bowl of the rice with a crispy-edged fried egg for an easy, satisfying brunch.

🥗 Side Salad

Lighten things up with a crisp green salad dressed in vinaigrette to balance the richness.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but it will require more liquid and a longer cooking time. Expect to add an additional 20 to 30 minutes to the bake time, and consider increasing the broth by 1/2 cup to prevent it from drying out.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply replace the beef broth with vegetable broth and ensure your French onion soup is vegetarian-friendly. The flavor will still be deliciously savory.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish a few hours in advance and store it in the fridge covered with foil. Just add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it’s going straight from fridge to oven.

Is this freezer-friendly?

Very much so. After cooking, portion it out into airtight containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Why does the top get crispy?

The uncovered baking time at the end allows the butter to crisp the top layer of rice, giving it that irresistible golden finish. It’s one of the highlights of this dish!

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest side dish board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use a different broth or tweak the spices? Maybe you added mushrooms or extra onions?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other cook smarter.

Explore beautifully curated comfort food recipes and side dishes on Tanya Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for flavorful meals!

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Conclusion

This French Onion Butter Rice is more than just a side dish—it’s comfort in a pan. With its golden top, buttery base, and rich onion flavor, it’s bound to become a staple at your dinner table. Whether you’re serving it for guests or keeping it simple on a weeknight, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

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