This incredibly easy Stick of Butter Rice recipe has become one of my most requested and beloved side dishes! If you’re searching for a simple yet profoundly flavorful addition to your family dinner, holiday spread, or potluck gathering, look no further. Made with just 4 ingredients (and yes, a whole stick of butter is proudly one of them!), this recipe transforms humble components into an irresistibly delicious, fluffy rice dish. Often hailed as French Onion Rice due to its key savory ingredient, it’s a game-changer for busy cooks and anyone who appreciates maximum flavor with minimal effort.

If you’re anything like me, you appreciate meals that are not only delicious but also wonderfully easy to prepare. This Stick of Butter Rice exemplifies that philosophy. It’s a simple, one-dish recipe that requires barely any active cooking time. All you need to do is combine the ingredients, stir them gently, strategically top them with an entire stick of butter, cover, and let your oven do the rest of the work. Forget hovering over the stovetop or juggling a rice cooker – this recipe frees up valuable counter space and your precious time, especially during bustling holiday dinners!

After approximately an hour in the oven, these few simple ingredients undergo a magical transformation, emerging as a pot of flavorful, perfectly fluffy, and incredibly rich rice. It’s a side dish that consistently earns rave reviews, and I can confidently say it’s destined to become your family’s favorite go-to rice recipe. In fact, my husband has gone on record to declare it the best rice he has ever tasted!

Beyond its deliciousness, the sheer convenience of this buttery rice makes it a true winner. Since it’s baked in a single dish, cleanup is an absolute breeze – no multiple pots, pans, or prep bowls to wash. This means less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your meal and company. Talk about a win-win for any home cook!

Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Easy Rice Recipe:

1. Effortlessly Easy: With just four basic ingredients and a single baking dish, this buttery rice practically makes itself. It’s the ultimate foolproof recipe, perfect for beginners or seasoned cooks seeking a stress-free side. Minimal prep means more time for you!
2. The Ultimate Side Dish: Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner, a festive holiday feast, a family gathering, or a friendly potluck, this baked rice casserole consistently steals the show. Its universally appealing flavor profile and comforting texture make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that pairs well with almost any main course.
3. Unforgettable Flavor: Don’t let the short ingredient list fool you! This rice is bursting with rich, savory depth. The French onion soup infuses every grain with a wonderful umami quality, while a whole stick of butter melts down, coating the rice in a luxurious, creamy, and undeniably decadent flavor that’s simply irresistible.
4. Incredibly Versatile: This recipe offers fantastic flexibility. You can easily adapt it using beef broth, beef consomme, or even bouillon. Plus, for those times you prefer to keep the oven off or need a quicker cooking method, there’s a super easy Instant Pot version available, giving you options for any occasion.

Key Ingredients for Our Stick of Butter Rice

The beauty of this Stick of Butter Rice lies in its simplicity, using just four readily available ingredients that create an astonishing depth of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to make this beloved dish:

• Long-Grain Rice: You’ll need 1 cup of uncooked long-grain white rice. This includes varieties like regular long-grain, basmati rice, or jasmine rice. Long-grain rice is crucial for achieving the desired fluffy, distinct grain texture, as it tends to cook up light and separate. Avoid instant or short-grain varieties, which will yield a different result.
• French Onion Soup: This is where much of the incredible savory flavor comes from! Look for condensed French onion soup, usually found alongside other condensed soups like cream of chicken or mushroom. Sometimes it’s simply labeled “onion soup.” If a can isn’t available, you can substitute it with one packet of dry French onion soup mix combined with an equal amount of beef broth (as outlined in the substitutions section below).
• Beef Broth or Consomme: You’ll need 1 ¼ cups of beef broth or beef consomme. This typically equates to one standard can (about 10.5 ounces). The rich beef base complements the French onion soup beautifully, providing a deep, robust flavor that truly elevates the rice from a simple side to something special.
• Butter: The star of the show! Yes, you will use an entire stick of butter (½ cup). Don’t be shy! This generous amount of butter is essential for achieving the incredibly rich, moist, and flavorful consistency that makes this dish famous. As it melts into the rice while baking, it creates a luxurious texture and taste that’s simply unparalleled.

For precise measurements and nutritional information, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Simple Step-by-Step Instructions

Step One: Prepare the Dish. Preheat your oven to 400ºF (204ºC). Lightly coat a medium-sized baking dish (a 10.5×7″ or 8×8″ dish works wonderfully for moist rice, while a 9×13″ will yield slightly firmer rice) with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Add 1 cup of uncooked long-grain rice to the bottom of the prepared dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step Two: Add Liquids. Pour the condensed French onion soup and beef broth (or beef consomme) directly over the rice in the baking dish. It’s important to add both liquids at this stage so they can evenly hydrate the rice during cooking.

Add the Butter for Unbeatable Flavor

Baking Your Perfect Buttery Rice

Step Five: Initial Bake (Covered). Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This creates a steamy environment, crucial for cooking the rice evenly and ensuring it becomes wonderfully fluffy. Bake in your preheated 400ºF (204ºC) oven for exactly 30 minutes.

Instant Pot Instructions for Quick Butter Rice

If you’re a fan of the Instant Pot and wondering if this simple Stick of Butter Rice recipe can be adapted for your electric pressure cooker, you’re in luck! Yes, you can absolutely make a delicious Instant Pot Stick of Butter Rice with just a few minor adjustments, perfect for when you need a speedy side dish. Here’s how to do it:

1. Adjust Rice Quantity: For the Instant Pot, you will need to increase the amount of uncooked rice to 2 ¼ cups. However, keep the quantities of the remaining ingredients (French onion soup, beef broth, and butter) exactly the same as listed in the oven recipe. This specific ratio ensures proper cooking in the pressure cooker.
2. Combine Ingredients: Add the adjusted amount of rice, the can of French onion soup, and the beef broth into the inner pot of your 6 or 8-quart Instant Pot. Stir all the ingredients well to ensure the rice is evenly distributed and submerged in the liquids.
3. Add Butter: Slice your full stick of butter into several pats and place them evenly on top of the rice and liquid mixture.
4. Secure and Seal: Place the lid on your Instant Pot and turn it to the “sealing” position. Ensure the steam release valve is set to “sealing.”
5. Pressure Cook: Set the Instant Pot to cook for 6 minutes on manual (or high pressure).
6. Natural Pressure Release: Once the timer beeps, indicating the cooking cycle is complete, turn off your Instant Pot. Allow the pot to perform a natural pressure release (NPR) for 10 minutes. This natural release is important for the rice to finish cooking properly and achieve a fluffy texture.
7. Quick Release and Fluff: After 10 minutes of natural release, carefully switch the steam release valve to “venting” to perform a quick pressure release for any remaining pressure. Once all the pressure has been safely released and the float valve drops, remove the lid. Fluff the perfectly cooked rice with a fork and serve immediately.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Leftover Rice

Proper storage is key to enjoying your delicious Stick of Butter Rice leftovers safely and deliciously. Cooked rice can be a breeding ground for bacteria if not handled correctly, so always ensure quick cooling and proper storage.

• Refrigeration: As soon as the rice has cooled down (ideally within one hour of cooking), transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. Store it promptly in the fridge, where it will remain fresh and safe to eat for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, allow the cooked rice to cool completely. Then, transfer the cooled leftovers into freezer-safe bags or airtight containers. Remove as much excess air as possible before sealing. This rice freezes beautifully and can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Instructions: It’s generally recommended to reheat cooked rice only once to ensure food safety and maintain the best texture. Only take out the portion you intend to eat in a single serving. To reheat, place the rice in a microwave-safe dish with 1-2 tablespoons of water or broth (this helps to re-introduce moisture and prevent drying). Cover the dish loosely and heat in the microwave until it’s piping hot throughout. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a covered oven-safe dish with a splash of liquid at 300°F (150°C) until thoroughly heated. Allow it to cool briefly after reheating, then fluff with a fork and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Perfect Stick of Butter Rice Every Time

Achieving perfectly fluffy, flavorful, and moist Stick of Butter Rice is simple with these expert tips:

• The Covered and Uncovered Baking Method: This two-stage baking approach is the secret to ideal texture. Covering the dish tightly with aluminum foil for the first half of the baking time creates a steaming environment, allowing the rice to absorb the liquids thoroughly and cook tenderly. Removing the foil for the second half ensures any excess moisture evaporates, resulting in distinct, fluffy grains rather than sticky or mushy rice. If you prefer to avoid single-use products, a casserole dish with a tight-fitting lid works just as well.
• Use the Correct Type of Rice: This Stick of Butter Rice recipe is specifically designed for long-grain white rice (such as regular long-grain, Basmati, or Jasmine). Substituting with other types of rice can drastically alter the outcome. Instant rice will become mushy, while wild rice or short/medium-grain rice like Arborio have different liquid absorption rates and cooking times, leading to undercooked or overly soft results. Stick to long-grain for success!
• Allow for Essential Resting Time: Once your rice is finished baking, it’s crucial to let it “rest” for 5-10 minutes, still covered or in the warm dish, before fluffing. This resting period allows the steam to redistribute evenly throughout the rice grains, completing the cooking process and firming up the individual grains. If you fluff it too soon, the rice can release too much steam, resulting in a wet, sticky, or clumpy texture. Patience here truly pays off!
• Don’t Skimp on the Butter: The full stick of butter is not just for flavor; it contributes significantly to the texture. It melts and coats each grain, preventing them from sticking together and adding to the overall moistness and richness. Using less butter will result in a drier, less flavorful rice.

What Kind of Rice Works Best for This Recipe?

For this simple yet satisfying side dish, the choice of rice is crucial for achieving the perfect texture and absorption of flavors. We highly recommend using long-grain white rice. This is your standard, everyday rice type that cooks up light and fluffy, with individual grains that don’t clump together.

Excellent Choices:

• Standard Long-Grain White Rice: The most common and reliable choice, found in almost any grocery store.
• Basmati Rice: Known for its aromatic qualities and long, slender grains that cook up distinctly separate.
• Jasmine Rice: A fragrant, slightly sticky long-grain rice that also works wonderfully, offering a subtle floral aroma.

Types to Avoid (and why):

• Instant Rice (AKA Minute Rice): This par-cooked rice is designed for extremely fast cooking and will become mushy and overcooked in this recipe’s baking time.
• Wild Rice: While healthy and unique, wild rice is botanically a grass, not true rice, and has a much longer cooking time and different liquid requirements.
• Short or Medium-Grain Rice (like Arborio, Sushi Rice): These varieties are starchier and designed to absorb liquid to become creamy or sticky (like risotto or sushi). They will not yield the fluffy texture desired for this dish.
• Brown Rice: (*Note: While I haven’t tested it extensively for this specific recipe, brown rice typically requires significantly more liquid and a longer cooking time than white long-grain rice. It could potentially work with considerable adjustments to the liquid-to-rice ratio and baking duration. If you decide to experiment, please let me know your results in the comments!)

Delicious Variations to Customize Your Rice

This Stick of Butter Rice is fantastic as is, but it’s also a wonderful base for creative variations. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!

• Rich Consomme Rice: For an even deeper, more concentrated beef flavor, swap out the beef broth for 1 can (10.5oz) of beef consomme soup. If you want to lean entirely into the consomme flavor, you can even replace both the beef broth and the French onion soup with two cans of beef consomme.
• Savory Mushroom Rice: Elevate the earthy notes by adding 1 small can of drained mushrooms (sliced or whole buttons work well) to the rice, broth, and soup mixture before baking. The mushrooms will absorb the savory liquids and add another layer of deliciousness.
• Hearty Rice with Chicken: To make this a more substantial one-dish meal, cut ½ pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs into 1-inch chunks. Season the chicken pieces to taste with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs. Stir them in with the uncooked rice, broth, and soup. Cook as directed in the recipe, ensuring the chicken reaches a minimum internal temperature of 165ºF (74ºC) before serving. This transforms the side into a complete, comforting entree!
• Garlic & Herb Infusion: Add a teaspoon of garlic powder and a half teaspoon of dried thyme or rosemary to the rice mixture before baking for an aromatic twist.
• Cheesy Goodness: For a decadent finish, sprinkle ½ cup of shredded Gruyère or Parmesan cheese over the rice during the last 10-15 minutes of baking, or immediately after it comes out of the oven.

Handy Substitutions to Fit Your Pantry Needs

Don’t have every ingredient on hand? No problem! Here are some easy substitutions to ensure you can still make this incredible Stick of Butter Rice:

• Without French Onion Soup: If you don’t have a can of condensed French onion soup, you can create a similar flavor profile. Substitute it with 1 ¼ cups of extra beef broth (or water) combined with 1 package of dry onion soup mix. Lipton is a very popular brand for dry onion soup mix, but many generic versions work well too.
• Beef Broth Alternatives: The 1 ¼ cups of beef broth can be easily substituted. You can use another standard can of beef broth (10.5oz), beef consomme, or even 1 ¼ cups of water combined with beef bouillon cubes or powder (follow package directions for equivalent strength). In a pinch, chicken broth or chicken bouillon can also be used, though it will result in a slightly different flavor profile.
• Making it Gluten-Free: The core ingredients in this recipe (rice, butter, beef broth) are typically gluten-free. However, it is absolutely essential to check the packaging of your French onion soup (or dry onion soup mix) and beef broth to verify they are certified gluten-free, as ingredients can vary by brand. For dry onion soup mix, many popular brands like Lipton contain gluten, so look for specifically labeled gluten-free brands such as Knorr or various generic/organic options.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need to rinse the rice before baking?

No, for this recipe, rinsing the rice is not necessary. The starch from the unrinsed rice actually helps to thicken the liquid slightly and contributes to the overall texture, without making it overly sticky thanks to the covered/uncovered baking method and resting time.

Can I use a different kind of broth?

While beef broth or consomme is highly recommended for the classic savory flavor, you can use chicken broth in a pinch. The flavor profile will be slightly different, but it will still yield a delicious buttery rice.

What if I don’t have a whole stick of butter?

The full stick (½ cup or 8 tablespoons) of butter is crucial for the signature rich flavor and moist texture of this dish. While you can reduce it slightly if absolutely necessary, it will impact the final taste and mouthfeel. I highly recommend sticking to the full amount for the best results.

My rice turned out a bit mushy, what happened?

Mushy rice can often be a result of too much liquid, insufficient baking time (especially uncovered), or not allowing the rice to rest after cooking. Ensure you’re using the correct rice type (long-grain), measure liquids precisely, and don’t skip the resting step!

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! While not traditional for this specific “Stick of Butter Rice,” you can stir in finely diced carrots, celery, or peas along with the rice and liquids at the beginning. Sautéing them briefly before adding can enhance their flavor. Be mindful that some vegetables might release extra moisture, potentially requiring slight adjustments to cooking time.

Main Course Recipes That Pair Perfectly:

This savory Stick of Butter Rice is an incredibly versatile side that beautifully complements a wide range of main dishes. Its rich, umami-packed flavor makes it an ideal partner for roasted meats, poultry, and hearty casseroles. Here are some of our favorite main course pairings:

• Air Fryer Chicken and Veggies: A quick and healthy main that pairs wonderfully with the comforting richness of the rice.
• Sheet Pan Sausage and Peppers: The savory, slightly smoky flavors of sausage and peppers are a natural match for this flavorful rice.
• Crock Pot Pepper Steak: The tender beef and rich gravy of pepper steak find a perfect companion in this buttery rice, soaking up all the delicious juices.
• Mayo and Parmesan Chicken: This flavorful and moist chicken dish is elevated by the simple yet rich notes of the butter rice.
• Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Chicken: The creamy sauce of this chicken dish is fantastic spooned over a bed of our French Onion Rice.