If you’ve ever needed a reliable, foolproof side dish that pleases the whole family, look no further than the Stick of Butter Rice recipe. This incredibly simple yet irresistible dish requires only four pantry-staple ingredients, making it a go-to favourite for even the busiest weeknights. With just a few basic components, you can create a buttery, flavorful rice that complements any main course effortlessly. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or someone who’s never stepped foot in the kitchen, this recipe guarantees success—no culinary expertise required.

While it’s not the healthiest option on the table, it’s undoubtedly one of the most comforting indulgences. The rich, caramelized onion flavour combined with the creamy butter creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s worth every bite. This Stick of Butter Rice Recipe is the perfect balance of simplicity and decadence—ideal for days when you want something cosy without the hassle.

Why You’ll Love Stick of Butter Rice Recipe

The beauty of this dish lies in its sheer simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a flavour-packed side dish that’s more than the sum of its parts. The magic of this Stick of Butter Rice Recipe comes from the fusion of condensed French onion soup and beef broth, which infuses the rice with an incredible, savoury richness. The stick of butter, placed strategically atop the rice, slowly melts as it cooks, infusing the dish with deep, buttery goodness.

There’s an undeniable comfort in every bite. The caramelized onion flavour from the soup melds with the broth, creating an almost casserole-like quality. The result is a perfectly cooked, ultra-fluffy rice that’s not only rich in flavour but also irresistibly satisfying. While it’s not a dish you’d necessarily label as “healthy,” its decadent taste and convenience make it the perfect treat for when you want to indulge without a lot of effort.

Ingredients You Need for the Perfect Stick of Butter Rice

To make the perfect Stick of Butter Rice, you’ll only need four key ingredients, all of which you probably already have in your pantry:

1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice (not instant): The rice needs to be able to absorb the flavours of the soup and broth, so long-grain rice is your best bet for texture and consistency.
1 (10 oz) can of condensed French Onion Soup: This soup provides the signature flavour of the dish, offering both sweetness and savoury notes from the caramelized onions.
1 (10 oz) can of condensed Beef Broth: The beef broth adds richness and depth to the rice, balancing the sweetness of the onion soup and giving the dish its hearty flavour.
1/2 cup (one stick) unsalted butter, sliced thinly: The butter is the star ingredient, creating a creamy texture and delivering a rich, indulgent taste.
Garlic powder (optional): For those who enjoy a little extra flavour, a sprinkle of garlic powder can add a touch of savoury warmth.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Cook Stick of Butter Rice

Preparation:

Preheat the oven to 425°F. This high temperature ensures the rice cooks evenly while the butter melts slowly over it, infusing the rice with flavour.
Spray an 8×8-inch baking dish with cooking spray. This will prevent the rice from sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Combine the rice, soup, and broth in the baking dish. Stir them together until they’re well-mixed, ensuring the rice is fully coated with the liquids.
Slice the butter and place it on top of the mixture. Distribute the butter slices evenly over the rice. As the dish bakes, the butter will melt, creating a rich, creamy texture.

Cooking Instructions:

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. The foil traps the steam, allowing the rice to cook properly without drying out.
Remove the foil and bake for another 30 minutes. This step allows the rice to crisp up slightly and absorb the full flavour of the butter and broth.
Fluff the rice and add optional chives. Once cooked, use a fork to fluff the rice, ensuring the grains are light and separate. If desired, sprinkle some chopped chives for a touch of freshness and colour.
Total baking time is 1 hour. After an hour of baking, your Stick of Butter Rice should be perfectly cooked and full of flavour.

Tools for This Recipe

An 8×8 casserole dish: This size is perfect for this recipe, providing enough space for the rice to cook evenly while retaining moisture.
A can opener: You’ll need this to open the cans of French onion soup and beef broth.
A butter dish: For slicing the butter evenly before adding it to the dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Stick of Butter Rice

Overcooking the rice: Timing is crucial to achieving the perfect fluffy rice. If left in the oven too long, the rice can become too soft or even mushy. Stick to the recommended cooking time to avoid this.
Skipping the butter-melting step: Don’t skimp on the butter or attempt to skip the step of placing it on top. The butter slowly melts into the rice, contributing to the dish’s rich, creamy texture and flavour.
Using too much liquid or not enough: The ratio of rice to liquid is essential. Too much liquid can result in soggy rice, while too little will leave the rice undercooked.
How to fix sticky or mushy rice: If your rice ends up sticky or mushy, try reducing the liquid next time or cooking the rice for a little less time.

Substitutions and Variations

While the original Stick of Butter Rice Recipe is perfectly delicious as is, there are a few easy modifications you can make to suit your preferences or add variety:

Adding canned mushrooms: Stirring in a can of sliced mushrooms will give the dish an earthy flavour and extra texture.
Topping with parmesan cheese: A sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top before baking will add a savoury, cheesy element that’s hard to resist.
Using regular beef broth and powdered onion soup mix: If you don’t have canned French onion soup, you can replace it with beef broth and onion soup mix for a similar flavour profile.

What to Serve with Stick of Butter Rice

This rich and comforting rice pairs well with a variety of main dishes:

Creamy Garlic Chicken: The creamy sauce from the chicken complements the buttery rice perfectly, creating a satisfying and balanced meal.
Steelhead Trout: The light, flaky texture of the trout contrasts nicely with the richness of the rice.
Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes: The hearty flavours of steak and potatoes are the ideal accompaniment to this indulgent side dish.

For vegetable side dishes or salads, consider these options:

Easy Glazed Carrots: Sweet and savoury, they balance the richness of the rice.
Stovetop Asparagus: The slight bitterness of asparagus pairs wonderfully with the creamy rice.
A salad with Homemade Olive Garden Dressing: A fresh, tangy salad provides a refreshing contrast to the heavy, buttery rice.

FAQs

Do I need to rinse the rice first?

No, there’s no need to rinse the rice. The starch in the rice helps thicken the broth and gives the dish its creamy texture.

Can I use instant rice?

While you can use instant rice, the texture may not be as fluffy or as satisfying as long-grain white rice.

What if I don’t like onions or French onion soup?

You can use onion powder or skip the onions altogether, though it will alter the flavour profile slightly.

What does adding butter to rice do?

Butter enriches the rice with a creamy, indulgent texture and enhances its natural flavour.

What can I add to rice to make it tasty?

A pinch of garlic powder, fresh herbs, or a squeeze of lemon juice can add a burst of flavour.

Can You Use Brown Rice?

Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid ratio, as brown rice takes longer to cook.

Serving a Crowd, Can I Double the Recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to use a larger baking dish and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Conclusion

Mastering the Stick of Butter Rice Recipe is a simple yet rewarding culinary endeavour. With just a few pantry-staple ingredients, you can create a comforting, buttery side dish that’s perfect for any meal. Don’t hesitate to experiment with your own twists—whether it’s adding extra herbs or switching up the broth. Once you’ve mastered this recipe, you’ll find yourself making it for every family gathering, weeknight dinner, or special occasion.

Easy Stick of Butter Rice Recipe