French Onion Butter Rice Recipe
If you’re craving the deep, savory flavors of caramelized onions in a comforting, fluffy side dish, French Onion Butter Rice is about to become your new obsession. This baked rice is lusciously buttery, infused with the rich, unmistakable taste of French onion soup, and topped with optional Parmesan and parsley for a touch of elegance. It’s as effortless as it is irresistible—making it perfect for weeknights or special gatherings. Once you try French Onion Butter Rice, you’ll find yourself coming back for seconds… and maybe even thirds!

Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of French Onion Butter Rice lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of pantry staples and a couple of fresh touches, every ingredient truly counts—each one lending unique flavor, aroma, or texture to the final dish. Let’s break them down:
- Long-grain white rice: Fluffy, individual grains absorb all the flavorful broth without getting mushy.
- Unsalted butter: Adds a rich, velvety mouthfeel and enhances the rice’s earthy undertones.
- Condensed French onion soup: Delivers classic caramelized onion sweetness and depth in every bite.
- Beef consommé: Boosts umami and gives the rice its hearty, savory backbone.
- Garlic powder: Rounds out the overall flavor, adding a subtle aromatic warmth.
- Black pepper: Delicate heat and balance to counter all that creamy richness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): A sharp, salty punch that melts right into the hot rice—so good!
- Chopped fresh parsley: The final fresh green finishing touch, bringing color and brightness to your table.
How to Make French Onion Butter Rice
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
First things first: set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so everything is ready to go as soon as you’re done mixing. Grab a sturdy 9×9-inch baking dish—you’ll mix and bake everything in this one pan for ultimate convenience.
Step 2: Mix Everything Together
Add the rice, unsalted butter (cut into cubes for melting ease), condensed French onion soup, beef consommé, garlic powder, and black pepper directly into your baking dish. Stir gently to evenly distribute the rice and nestle the butter throughout. This quick prep ensures uniform flavor in every spoonful of French Onion Butter Rice.
Step 3: Cover and Bake
Seal the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This traps moisture and flavor, letting the rice steam in all that delicious liquid. Slide it into the oven and let it bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the grains are tender and have soaked up every bit of that rich broth.
Step 4: Fluff, Finish, and Serve
Carefully remove the pan from the oven and lift off the foil—watch out for hot steam! Fluff the rice with a fork, then stir in Parmesan cheese if you love a cheesy finish. Scatter with chopped parsley for a burst of freshness, and your French Onion Butter Rice is ready to wow your guests (or even just yourself!).
How to Serve French Onion Butter Rice

Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of toppings! Try a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley for color, and if you’re feeling indulgent, toss on some crispy fried onions for added crunch and even more onion goodness. If you’re a cheese lover, an extra dusting of Parmesan right before serving is always a winner.
Side Dishes
This savory rice dish is the perfect companion for roasted chicken, beef, or pork—its bold flavors make even the simplest proteins taste more special. Love a vegetarian meal? Pair French Onion Butter Rice with grilled vegetables or a crisp green salad for a complete supper.
Creative Ways to Present
Spoon the hot rice into individual ramekins for a dinner party, or mound it in a big family-style serving bowl and let everyone dig in. You can even use French Onion Butter Rice as a stuffing for roasted bell peppers or portobello mushrooms for a fun twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover French Onion Butter Rice is just as dreamy the next day. Let it cool to room temperature, then scoop into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The rice will keep its flavor and fluffy texture wonderfully.
Freezing
If you want to have some ready for busy weeks, good news! French Onion Butter Rice freezes well. Portion cooled rice into freezer-safe bags or containers, press out excess air, and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen up the grains, then warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. This brings back the rice’s original softness and helps revive all that delicious French onion flavor.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Absolutely, but you’ll need to adjust the baking time. Brown rice takes longer to cook and may require extra liquid—plan on an additional 15 to 20 minutes in the oven and check if more broth is needed before the end.
Is it possible to make French Onion Butter Rice vegetarian?
Yes! Simply substitute the beef consommé and French onion soup for vegetable-based versions. You’ll still get the same deep, savory notes without any meat products.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
You definitely can. Use a 9×13-inch baking dish and double all the ingredients; the cooking time may be slightly longer, so check the rice around the 45-minute mark and bake until tender and fluffy.
What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?
Feel free to swap in shredded Swiss, Gruyere, or even a dairy-free cheese alternative if you’re keeping the dish vegetarian or lactose-free. Each adds a different but delicious finishing flavor.
Will this work with other kinds of soup?
The classic flavor comes from French onion soup, but you can experiment with other savory condensed soups if you want to play around—think creamy mushroom for a different spin on French Onion Butter Rice!
Final Thoughts
Once you taste the cozy, savory goodness of French Onion Butter Rice, I’m confident it will become a shining star in your side dish rotation. Whether you serve it solo or alongside your favorite entree, don’t be surprised when friends and family ask for the recipe!
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French Onion Butter Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
French Onion Butter Rice is a flavorful and easy-to-make side dish that pairs perfectly with a variety of main courses. This baked rice dish combines the rich taste of French onion soup with buttery goodness, creating a comforting and satisfying addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
Butter:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
French Onion Soup Mixture:
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed French onion soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) beef consommé
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Additional:
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Baking Dish: In a 9×9-inch baking dish, combine rice, butter, French onion soup, beef consommé, garlic powder, and pepper. Stir to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Bake: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 40–45 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Finish: Remove from the oven, fluff the rice with a fork, stir in Parmesan cheese if desired, and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, top with crispy fried onions before serving.
- This dish complements roasted chicken, beef, or pork well.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 880 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg