There are some side dishes that steal the show, no matter what you serve them with. French Onion Butter Rice is one of those dishes. It’s buttery, deeply savory, and infused with the kind of rich onion flavor that makes you want to go back for seconds (or thirds, no judgment). The best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and bakes in the oven while you focus on the rest of your meal.
This is the kind of recipe you pull out when you need a no-fail side dish that tastes like you spent hours on it. The secret? A combination of French onion soup, beef consommé, and plenty of butter. The rice slowly absorbs all that flavor as it bakes, creating a dish that’s comforting, packed with umami, and practically melts in your mouth.
I started making this years ago when I needed something simple yet flavorful to serve with roasted chicken. It quickly became a staple in our house because of how effortless it is. You just mix everything together, pop it in the oven, and let the magic happen. No stirring, no babysitting the pot, no worrying about the rice sticking to the pan. It’s foolproof.
Whether you need an easy side for a weeknight dinner or something special to bring to a holiday gathering, this French Onion Butter Rice will never disappoint. Let’s get into the details!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Big, Bold Flavor – The deep, rich taste of French onion soup and beef consommé makes this rice unbelievably delicious.
✔ Easy, Hands-Off Cooking – No stirring, no boiling. Just mix, bake, and fluff.
✔ Pairs with Everything – From steak to chicken to pork, this side dish complements any meal.
✔ Make-Ahead Friendly – Stores well and reheats beautifully, making it great for meal prep.
✔ Crispy, Buttery Edges – The rice bakes up soft in the middle with golden, crispy edges that are absolutely addictive.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice – Jasmine or basmati works best for a fluffy texture.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter – Adds richness and keeps the rice from drying out.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) French onion soup – Brings deep onion flavor.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) beef consommé – Enhances the richness and depth of flavor.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder – Optional, but adds another layer of seasoning.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper – Balances the buttery richness.
Optional Add-Ins for Extra Flavor:
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese – Adds a nutty, salty finish.
- ¼ cup crispy fried onions – For a crunchy topping with even more onion flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce – Deepens the umami richness.
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme – A hint of herbs pairs beautifully with the onion flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven & Prep the Baking Dish
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish (or similar size) with butter or nonstick spray. This keeps the rice from sticking and adds extra flavor.
2. Mix the Ingredients
In the prepared baking dish, add:
✔ Uncooked rice
✔ French onion soup
✔ Beef consommé
✔ Butter (cut into small pieces)
✔ Garlic powder and black pepper
Stir everything together so the rice is evenly coated and the liquids are well combined.
👉 Tip: If you want extra depth of flavor, melt the butter in a skillet first and sauté the rice for 2-3 minutes before mixing it with the other ingredients. This gives the rice a subtle toasted flavor.
3. Bake the Rice
Cover the baking dish tightly with foil to trap the steam. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed most of the liquid and is tender.
👉 Why Cover the Dish? Keeping it covered allows the rice to steam, preventing it from drying out while absorbing all that buttery, oniony flavor.
4. Let It Rest & Fluff
Once the rice is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest (covered) for 5-10 minutes. This final step helps the rice absorb any remaining moisture and ensures a fluffy texture. (source: Ineskohl.info)
Use a fork to fluff the rice, gently mixing everything together so the butter gets evenly distributed.
5. Add Toppings & Serve
For extra texture and flavor, sprinkle the rice with:
✔ Parmesan cheese – Melts into the rice, adding a savory, nutty taste.
✔ Crispy fried onions – For crunch and even more French onion flavor.
✔ A little extra melted butter – Because more butter never hurts!
Serve immediately and enjoy every buttery, flavorful bite.
What to Serve with French Onion Butter Rice
This dish is so rich and flavorful that it pairs beautifully with simple proteins and roasted vegetables. Some of my favorite pairings include:
🥩 Steak or Beef Tips – The deep beefy flavor of the rice complements grilled steak or slow-cooked beef beautifully.
🍗 Roast Chicken or Turkey – A fantastic alternative to mashed potatoes for a comforting side dish.
🐖 Pork Chops or Roast Pork – The savory onion and beef flavors balance well with juicy pork.
🥦 Sautéed or Roasted Vegetables – Green beans, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts add a fresh contrast to the richness.
It’s also great on its own with a side salad for a quick and satisfying meal.
Tips for the Best French Onion Butter Rice
✔ Use Long-Grain Rice – Short-grain rice can get too sticky, while long-grain rice stays light and fluffy.
✔ Cover While Baking – This keeps the rice from drying out and helps it cook evenly.
✔ Let It Rest Before Fluffing – This final step ensures the best texture.
✔ Make It Extra Creamy – Stir in a little sour cream or cream cheese at the end for a creamy version.
✔ Want More Caramelized Onion Flavor? – Sauté sliced onions in butter and stir them into the rice before baking.
Storing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the microwave with a splash of beef broth or butter to keep it moist.
- Freeze: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as usual.
Final Thoughts
This French Onion Butter Rice is pure comfort food, loaded with flavor and buttery goodness. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight meal, a holiday side dish, or just because you’re craving something warm and savory, it always delivers.
What I love most is how effortless it is—you just mix everything together, bake, and let the oven do all the work. It’s one of those recipes that tastes like you spent hours on it, but actually takes just minutes of prep.
Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out for you! What did you serve it with? Did you add any extra toppings? I’d love to hear your variations. 😊
Happy cooking! 🍚✨
