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Stick of Butter Rice has become one of my go-to dishes when I want something both comforting and effortless. With just a handful of pantry ingredients, it transforms simple rice into a savory side that feels extra special every single time. I love making this alongside roasted meats or even on weeknights when I want a cozy meal without much fuss.
The first time I made this, neighbors stopped by and the entire dish disappeared before I blinked. It is now on regular rotation at our Sunday dinners since everyone asks for that “buttery rice.”
Ingredients
- Long grain white rice: One cup gives you the fluffiest results and lets every kernel absorb flavor Avoid short grain varieties because they turn mushy
- Beef broth: One ten ounce can delivers a rich savory base Choose a low sodium version for more control over the salt
- Condensed French onion soup: One ten ounce can brings a sweet onion depth that works magic in the oven Try to select a well-known brand for best flavor
- Unsalted butter: Half a cup one stick sliced thin This is key to the dish’s creamy moist texture Go for high quality for superb flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare the Dish:
- Make sure your oven is heated to four hundred twenty five degrees Fahrenheit two hundred twenty Celsius Spray an eight by eight inch baking dish so the rice does not stick while baking
- Combine Rice and Liquid:
- Add one cup of long grain white rice one can of beef broth and one can of condensed French onion soup straight into your baking dish Use a spoon to blend everything together so the rice is evenly coated and distributed
- Add the Butter:
- Slice your butter as thinly as possible and layer the slices across the surface of the rice mixture The even layer will melt down and soak through every grain creating that signature creamy texture
- First Bake:
- Cover the dish tightly with foil to lock in the steam Put it in the oven and bake for thirty minutes This steaming period helps the rice soak up the delicious broth fully
- Finish in the Oven:
- Take off the foil and return to the oven for another thirty minutes Watch for the liquid to be absorbed and the rice to turn tender and a bit golden around the edges
- Serve:
- Let the baked rice sit for five minutes after removing from the oven Fluff gently with a fork and serve warm alongside your main course for best results
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Butter is my favorite part here The aroma as it bakes fills the entire kitchen and always brings my family to the table early My kids still talk about the first time they tasted that rich buttery crust on top
Storage Tips
To save leftovers cool the rice and store in an airtight container in your refrigerator It keeps for three to four days and reheats easily in the microwave For longer storage freeze portions in freezer safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before warming up
Ingredient Substitutions
If you prefer a milder flavor swap the beef broth for chicken or vegetable broth If you want it even richer sprinkle in a little garlic or add sautéed mushrooms Mixing in some frozen peas or broccoli works well too For a lighter version use low sodium broth and butter
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Serving Suggestions
Stick of Butter Rice is perfect as a side for holiday meals but I have served it solo topped with a fried egg for lunch With a sprinkle of chopped herbs it feels fancy without extra work Try it as a simple potluck dish or alongside a slow cooked pot roast
Cultural or Historical Context
This recipe is a classic for many Southern home cooks often appearing in family cookbooks and church potlucks for decades Its popularity soared thanks to how easy it is to throw together and how well it serves a crowd It embodies the magic of comfort food made simple
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of rice works best?
Long grain white rice is ideal for this dish because it remains fluffy and absorbs flavors well.
- → Can I substitute the beef broth?
Yes, chicken or vegetable broth works well and offers a different but delicious flavor profile.
- → Why use condensed French onion soup?
It adds a rich, slightly sweet onion flavor that deepens the taste of the rice without added complexity.
- → How should the butter be prepared?
Slicing the butter thinly and distributing it evenly ensures creamy richness throughout the dish as it bakes.
- → Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, sautéed onions, garlic, mushrooms, or broccoli can be mixed in for more texture and nutrition.
- → What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Gently reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, fluffing the rice with a fork to preserve texture.