French Onion Butter Rice is a rich and flavorful side dish that combines the savory taste of French onion soup with buttery, fluffy rice. Perfectly caramelized onions and a hint of melted cheese make this dish a comforting and easy addition to any meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comforting and Flavorful: Packed with deep, savory flavors from caramelized onions and butter.
Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples for a luxurious side dish.
Versatile: Pairs well with meats, roasted vegetables, or as a standalone dish.
One-Pot Wonder: Easy to prepare with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

White rice (long-grain or basmati)
Unsalted butter
French onion soup mix (or homemade seasoning)
Beef or chicken broth (for cooking rice)
Caramelized onions
Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and caramelized. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Rice
In a pot, combine rice, broth, and French onion soup mix. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer until the rice is cooked and absorbs the liquid (usually about 15–20 minutes).

Step 3: Add Butter and Onions
Once the rice is cooked, stir in additional butter and the caramelized onions. Mix well to evenly distribute the flavors.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Transfer the rice to a serving dish. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid ratio according to the package instructions for brown rice.

Q2: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Use vegetable broth instead of beef or chicken broth.

Q3: Can I use pre-cooked rice?
Yes, but reduce the broth amount to about 1/4 cup. Heat the rice with the broth, soup mix, and caramelized onions until warmed through.

Q4: How do I make homemade French onion soup seasoning?
Combine dried onion flakes, onion powder, garlic powder, beef bouillon granules, parsley, thyme, and a touch of black pepper.

Q5: Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, store the cooked rice in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of broth.

Q6: Can I add protein to this dish?
Absolutely! Diced chicken, ground beef, or even sausage work wonderfully.

Q7: What cheese works best for garnish?
While Parmesan is great, Gruyère or Swiss cheese also complements the flavors beautifully.

Q8: How can I avoid mushy rice?
Stick to the recommended rice-to-liquid ratio and don’t overcook. Fluff the rice with a fork after it’s done.

Q9: Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, peas, mushrooms, or green beans are excellent additions to enhance the dish.

Q10: How long can I store leftovers in the fridge?
Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently to maintain the buttery texture.

Enjoy this easy and indulgent rice dish that brings the comforting flavors of French onion soup to your table!

French Onion Butter Rice

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This creamy and flavorful French Onion Butter Rice combines the richness of butter, the savory depth of French onion soup, and tender rice. A simple yet elegant side dish that pairs wonderfully with almost any meal!

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Category: Side Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup long-grain white rice (or your preferred type of rice)
1 can (10.5 oz) French onion soup
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup water
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt (optional, depending on soup’s saltiness)
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

Cook the Rice:
- In a medium saucepan, cook the rice according to the package instructions. Typically, this involves adding rice and water to the saucepan, bringing it to a boil, then reducing the heat to low and covering it.
- Simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and water is absorbed.
Prepare the French Onion Butter Sauce:
- While the rice is cooking, melt the butter in a separate saucepan over medium heat.
- Once melted, add the French onion soup, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt (if using). Stir to combine and let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes.
Combine:
- Once the rice is cooked, add it to the saucepan with the French onion butter mixture.
- Stir well to coat the rice evenly with the sauce.
Simmer:
- Let the rice and sauce simmer together for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve hot as a side dish.