Imagine cozying up on a chilly evening with a bowl of something so comforting and savory that it warms you from the inside out. That delightful dish is none other than Stick of Butter Rice. Combining simple yet flavorful ingredients, this recipe is sure to dazzle your taste buds and make a fantastic addition to any meal table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: With minimal effort, you can create an incredibly satisfying dish.
- Ultimate Comfort Food: The perfect choice when you’re craving something warm and inviting.
- Versatile Side: Pairs impeccably with a wide range of main courses for a complete meal.
- Irresistible Taste: The savory blend of soups and buttery rice is a flavor match made in heaven.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Stick of Butter Rice lies in its simplicity. With just a few ingredients, each plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Let me walk you through them:
- 1 stick butter (½ cup): This is what gives the rice its rich, creamy texture and flavor.
- 1 can condensed French onion soup: Adds a savory, deep onion flavor that elevates the dish.
- 1 can condensed beef broth soup: Provides a base-level umami and savory note that’s irresistible.
- 1 cup white rice (rinsed): The base of the recipe; make sure to rinse it to remove excess starch for fluffy grains.
Variations
Customization is the heart of home cooking, and this recipe for Stick of Butter Rice is wonderfully adaptable. Whether you’re looking to enhance flavors or accommodate dietary preferences, here are some fun variations:
- Add Some Veggies: Stir in sautéed mushrooms or peas for extra nutrition and a pop of color.
- Herbal Note: Add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley before serving for a refreshing twist.
How to Make Stick of Butter Rice
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 400℉ and prepare a baking dish with non-stick spray to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom. This initial step makes the rest seamless.
Step 2: Assemble the Ingredients
Rinse the white rice under cold water until it runs clear, and place it evenly in the baking dish. Pour over the French onion and beef broth soups, then gently stir to mix.
Step 3: Butter It Up
Place a whole stick of butter right in the center of your rice mixture. This is where the magic happens—it melts into the rice, infusing every grain with buttery goodness.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Cover your dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil, give it another gentle stir, and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes for that coveted golden-brown top.
Pro Tips for Making Stick of Butter Rice
- Even Distribution: To ensure even cooking, distribute the rice as evenly as possible in the baking dish before adding the soups.
- Butter Placement: Center the butter on top of the rice so it melts evenly, coating each grain perfectly.
- Covered Cooking: Keep the dish covered for the initial bake to allow the rice to fully absorb the flavors before browning.
- Patience Pays: Let the dish rest for a few minutes after baking; it allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
How to Serve Stick of Butter Rice
Garnishes
Consider sprinkling some fresh parsley over the top of your Stick of Butter Rice for a pop of color and a hint of freshness that complements the rich flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This buttery rice pairs greatly with roasted chicken or grilled steak—meats that can soak up the savory goodness. Adding a side salad can complement the richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re looking to impress, serve your rice in individual ramekins for a personal dinner service or use a mold to shape it into a neat mound on your plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover Stick of Butter Rice in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to three days. This way, it retains its moisture and flavors for future meals.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked rice. Transfer it into a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible, and it will keep for up to two months.
Reheating
Savor your rice again by reheating it in a microwave or on the stove over low heat. You might add a splash of broth or water to avoid dryness during reheating.
FAQs
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Can I use brown rice for Stick of Butter Rice?
You can use brown rice, but you may need to adjust the cooking time and liquid as it typically requires more of both to cook fully.
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Can I substitute the butter for a healthier option?
Absolutely! You can use a butter substitute like margarine or even olive oil to reduce the saturated fat content.
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Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
Yes, by using vegan butter and substituting vegetable broth for beef broth, you can enjoy a plant-based version of this dish.
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What can I do if I don’t have French onion soup on hand?
If you don’t have it, you can use a combination of beef broth with sautéed onions to mimic the flavor of French onion soup.
Final Thoughts
Stick of Butter Rice is a delightful comfort food that’s simple, yet so gratifying. Whether it’s a midweek meal or a special occasion catch-up with friends, this dish is bound to become a cherished staple in your home. Go ahead, give it a try and experience the cozy warmth for yourself. Happy cooking!
Print
Stick of Butter Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A savory and comforting baked rice dish infused with rich French onion and beef flavors, featuring tender white rice cooked with butter and flavorful soups, perfect as a hearty side or main course.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 stick butter (1/2 cup)
- 1 can condensed French onion soup (10.5 oz)
- 1 can condensed beef broth soup (10.5 oz)
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup white rice (rinsed, not instant)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it is at the right temperature for baking.
- Prepare baking dish: Lightly spray a baking dish with non-stick spray to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Rinse rice: Rinse the white rice thoroughly with water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch, ensuring fluffier cooked rice.
- Place rice in dish: Spread the rinsed rice evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Add soups: Pour both condensed French onion soup and beef broth soup over the rice, distributing evenly.
- Stir: Gently stir the rice and soups together with a mixing spoon to combine flavors without breaking the rice grains.
- Add butter: Place the stick of butter on top of the mixture, allowing it to melt during baking for added richness.
- Cover and bake: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes to allow the rice to absorb flavors and cook through.
- Remove foil and stir: Carefully remove the foil, stir the mixture gently to redistribute moisture, and continue baking uncovered for another 30 minutes until the rice is tender and slightly caramelized on top.
- Final stir and serve: Stir the baked rice one last time before serving hot, enjoying its savory, buttery goodness.
Notes
- Ensure the rice is not instant for proper texture and cooking time.
- You can add shredded cheese or herbs for extra flavor.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.
- Adjust baking time slightly for different oven calibrations or rice types.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
