Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice requires more liquid and longer cooking time than white rice. If using brown rice, add an extra ¼ cup of broth and expect to increase the cooking time by about 15-20 minutes. Check for doneness – the rice should be tender but still have a slight chew.

Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?

While the butter is definitely what makes this dish special, you can reduce it to half a stick for a lighter version. You could also use low-sodium broths and soups to reduce the salt content. Just be aware that reducing the butter will change both the flavor and texture of the finished dish.

My rice came out too mushy/too firm. What went wrong?

Rice texture problems usually come down to the liquid-to-rice ratio or cooking time. If your rice is too firm, it needs more liquid or cooking time. If it's mushy, your oven might run hot – try reducing the temperature to 400°F next time. Also, different rice brands can vary slightly in cooking requirements.

Can I add vegetables or protein to make this a complete meal?

Absolutely! Consider adding frozen peas during the last 5 minutes of baking, or stir in some rotisserie chicken after baking. Just remember that adding ingredients that release water (like mushrooms) might affect the liquid ratio, so you may need to adjust cooking time accordingly.

Stick of Butter Rice Recipe

This incredibly rich and flavorful Stick of Butter Rice transforms ordinary rice into a luxurious side dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. With just four simple ingredients and minimal hands-on time, this recipe creates a buttery, savory rice that pairs perfectly with almost any main course. The combination of beef broth and French onion soup infuses the rice with deep, complex flavors that make this humble dish absolutely unforgettable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ridiculously Simple: With just four ingredients and practically no prep work, this is possibly the easiest rice dish you’ll ever make.
Hands-Off Cooking: Once it’s in the oven, you’re free to focus on the rest of your meal—no stirring or babysitting required.
Restaurant-Quality Flavor: The combination of beef broth and French onion soup creates a depth of flavor that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Family Favorite: This rice consistently earns rave reviews from even the pickiest eaters—it’s that good!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Long grain white rice: The foundation of our dish. Long grain rice stays fluffy and separate when cooked, creating the perfect texture.
Beef broth: Adds a rich, savory depth that plain water simply can’t match. Feel free to use low-sodium if you’re watching your salt intake.
Condensed French onion soup: The secret weapon! This ingredient brings complex caramelized onion flavor without any chopping or sautéing.
Unsalted butter: The star of the show! A whole stick might seem indulgent, but it creates an irresistibly rich flavor and beautiful golden crust. Slice it thinly so it melts evenly across the top.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to customize this buttery goodness? Try these delicious twists:

Herb-Infused: Add a tablespoon of fresh thyme or rosemary before baking for an aromatic dimension.
Mushroom Lover’s Version: Substitute mushroom broth for beef broth, or add sautéed mushrooms halfway through cooking.
Parmesan Crust: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top during the final 10 minutes of baking for a crispy, cheesy crust.
Vegetarian Option: Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for an equally delicious meat-free version.

How to Make Stick of Butter Rice

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Grab an 8×8-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Combine the Liquids and Rice

Pour the cup of long grain rice into your baking dish. Add the beef broth and French onion soup, then give everything a good stir until well combined.

Step 3: Add the Butter

Take your stick of butter (thinly sliced) and arrange the pieces evenly across the top of the rice mixture. This might seem like a lot of butter, but trust me—it’s what transforms this dish from good to absolutely magnificent.

Step 4: Cover and Bake

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. This initial covered baking period allows the rice to absorb the flavorful liquids without drying out.

Step 5: Uncover and Finish Baking

After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 30 minutes. This uncovered baking creates that beautiful golden top and allows some of the liquid to reduce, intensifying the flavors.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let the rice sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This brief resting period allows the remaining moisture to distribute evenly through the rice.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Slice the butter thin: Thin slices melt more evenly than large chunks, creating better distribution of buttery goodness.
Don’t skimp on baking time: The full hour is necessary for perfect texture—the first 30 minutes cooks the rice, while the second 30 develops those amazing browned butter flavors.
Check for doneness: Different ovens may require slight adjustments in cooking time. The rice should be tender but not mushy when done.
Let it rest: Those few minutes of resting time make a difference in the final texture, allowing any remaining moisture to distribute evenly.

How to Serve

This luxurious rice pairs beautifully with so many main dishes:

Protein Pairings:

Serve alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked pork chops for a truly satisfying meal. The rich, savory flavors complement simple proteins perfectly.

Vegetable Sides:

Balance the richness with simple steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus. The contrast of light vegetables with the rich rice creates a perfect harmony on your plate.

Complete Meal Ideas:

For a complete comfort food dinner, pair with meatloaf and a simple green salad. The flavors complement each other wonderfully, and the entire meal feels like a warm hug.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This rice stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually continue to develop, making leftovers something to look forward to!

Freezing

Portion cooled rice into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Be sure to label with the date so you know when you made this delicious creation.

Reheating

For best results, reheat refrigerated leftovers in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to restore moisture. Cover loosely with a damp paper towel for perfectly moist rice. For frozen portions, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice requires more liquid and longer cooking time than white rice. If using brown rice, add an extra ¼ cup of broth and expect to increase the cooking time by about 15-20 minutes. Check for doneness – the rice should be tender but still have a slight chew.
Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?

While the butter is definitely what makes this dish special, you can reduce it to half a stick for a lighter version. You could also use low-sodium broths and soups to reduce the salt content. Just be aware that reducing the butter will change both the flavor and texture of the finished dish.
My rice came out too mushy/too firm. What went wrong?

Rice texture problems usually come down to the liquid-to-rice ratio or cooking time. If your rice is too firm, it needs more liquid or cooking time. If it’s mushy, your oven might run hot – try reducing the temperature to 400°F next time. Also, different rice brands can vary slightly in cooking requirements.
Can I add vegetables or protein to make this a complete meal?

Absolutely! Consider adding frozen peas during the last 5 minutes of baking, or stir in some rotisserie chicken after baking. Just remember that adding ingredients that release water (like mushrooms) might affect the liquid ratio, so you may need to adjust cooking time accordingly.

Final Thoughts

This Stick of Butter Rice recipe proves that sometimes the simplest dishes are the most memorable. The magic happens when those few basic ingredients transform into something so much greater than the sum of their parts. Whether you’re serving it alongside your Sunday roast or bringing it to a potluck, this rice will always be a welcome addition to the table. Give it a try tonight – it might just become your new go-to side dish!