Stick of Butter Rice
Stick of Butter Rice (Easy, Buttery Oven-Baked Rice)
Stick of Butter Rice is one of those deceptively simple recipes that people either grew up with—or immediately fall in love with the first time they try it. With just a handful of pantry ingredients and minimal effort, this dish delivers fluffy rice infused with rich, buttery flavor and just the right amount of savory depth.
It’s a classic comfort-food side dish, often passed down through family cookbooks and potluck tables. Baked in the oven instead of cooked on the stovetop, the rice absorbs all the butter and broth slowly, resulting in perfectly tender grains every time.
What Is Stick of Butter Rice?
Stick of Butter Rice is an oven-baked rice dish made with uncooked rice, broth, soup mix, and—true to its name—an entire stick of butter. Everything is combined in a baking dish, covered, and baked until the rice is fluffy and flavorful.
There’s no stirring, no watching a pot, and no guesswork. The oven does all the work.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only a few simple ingredients
- Practically hands-off
- Foolproof results
- Rich, comforting flavor
- Perfect side dish for almost any main
- Easy to double for a crowd
It’s especially popular for holidays, Sunday dinners, and potlucks.
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) French onion soup
- 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter
Optional additions:
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Sliced mushrooms or onions
Equipment You’ll Need
- 8×8-inch baking dish
- Aluminum foil
- Measuring cup
- Oven
Optional: nonstick spray for the baking dish.
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Step 2: Add the Rice and Liquids
Pour the uncooked rice into the prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
Add:
- Beef broth
- French onion soup
Stir gently to combine and evenly distribute the rice.
At this stage, the mixture will look very liquid—this is exactly what you want.
Step 3: Add the Butter
Place the entire stick of butter directly on top of the rice mixture.
You can leave it whole or cut it into a few large pieces to help it melt evenly.
Step 4: Cover and Bake
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.
During this time, the butter melts and the rice begins absorbing the flavorful liquid.
Step 5: Uncover and Finish Baking
After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil and return the dish to the oven.
Bake uncovered for an additional 30 minutes, or until:
- The rice is tender
- Most of the liquid is absorbed
- The top looks slightly golden
Step 6: Fluff and Serve
Remove the rice from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes.
Use a fork to gently fluff the rice, mixing in the melted butter throughout.
Garnish with fresh parsley or cracked black pepper if desired.
Tips for Perfect Stick of Butter Rice
- Use long-grain white rice for best texture
- Don’t substitute instant or quick-cook rice
- Keep the dish tightly covered during the first bake
- Let the rice rest before serving to finish absorbing moisture
Easy Variations
- Chicken Version: Use chicken broth instead of beef
- Garlic Butter Rice: Add 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Mushroom Rice: Stir in sliced mushrooms before baking
- Herb Butter Rice: Add thyme or rosemary
What to Serve With It
Stick of Butter Rice pairs beautifully with:
- Roast chicken
- Pork chops
- Meatloaf
- Baked ham
- Grilled steak
- Holiday mains
It’s neutral enough to go with almost anything, but flavorful enough to stand out.
Storage and Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
- Reheat in the microwave or oven with a splash of broth to restore moisture
Stick of Butter Rice is comfort food at its simplest—and best. It’s rich without being complicated, nostalgic without being outdated, and dependable every single time.
If you’re building a blog post with lots of images, this recipe offers plenty of visual moments: the uncooked rice, the dramatic stick of butter, the bubbling bake, and the fluffy finished dish. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday meal or a weeknight dinner, this is a side dish that always earns its place at the table. Enjoy
Stick of butter rice
Stick of Butter Rice is one of those deceptively simple recipes that people either grew up with—or immediately fall in love with the first time they try it.
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) French onion soup
- 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Pour the uncooked rice into the prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
- Add: Beef broth and French onion soup. Stir gently to combine and evenly distribute the rice. At this stage, the mixture will look very liquid—this is exactly what you want.
- Place the entire stick of butter directly on top of the rice mixture. You can leave it whole or cut it into a few large pieces to help it melt evenly.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.
- During this time, the butter melts and the rice begins absorbing the flavorful liquid. After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil and return the dish to the oven.
- Bake uncovered for an additional 30 minutes, or until: The rice is tender. Most of the liquid is absorbed. The top looks slightly golden
- Remove the rice from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes. Use a fork to gently fluff the rice, mixing in the melted butter throughout. Garnish with fresh parsley or cracked black pepper if desired.
