This incredibly comforting Stick of Butter Rice is pure magic made with just 4 simple ingredients! Baked until perfectly tender and infused with rich, savory flavors, this no-fuss side dish will become your new family favorite. The recipe requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction – I promise you’ll want to make it again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Stick of Butter Rice
- Just 4 basic pantry ingredients needed
- Set-it-and-forget-it oven baking method
- No stovetop watching or stirring required
- Rich, buttery flavor that’s absolutely irresistible
- Perfect companion to homemade breakfast sausage or any protein
- Kid-approved and adult-adored
- Foolproof recipe – seriously impossible to mess up!
Let me tell you about my family’s all-time favorite rice dish! While I know the name might raise some eyebrows (yes, we’re using a whole stick of butter!), I promise this indulgent side dish is worth every single bite. The magic happens when the butter slowly melts into the rice as it bakes, creating the most incredible flavor and texture you’ve ever tasted.
Think of this as your new go-to comfort food side dish. The ingredients list couldn’t be simpler – long grain white rice, beef broth, French onion soup, and that glorious stick of butter. Most of these items are probably sitting in your pantry right now! While it may not win any beauty contests, the taste will blow you away. My kids literally cheer when they see me pulling out the ingredients to make this!
What I absolutely love about this recipe is how hands-off it is. Simply mix your ingredients in a baking dish, top with thinly sliced butter, cover, and let your oven do all the work. No watching the stove, no stirring, no fuss at all. It’s the perfect side dish for busy weeknights when you need something delicious but don’t have time to babysit a pot on the stove.
Ingredients Overview
Let me walk you through these simple but mighty ingredients that create magic in your baking dish! You might be surprised how just 4 pantry staples transform into something extraordinary.
- Long Grain White Rice: The star of our show! Long grain rice works best here because it stays fluffy and separate when cooked. The longer grains allow the rich flavors to coat each piece perfectly. While you might be tempted to swap in brown rice, stick with white rice for the perfect texture – trust me on this one!
- Beef Broth: This liquid gold provides the base for our rice to absorb. I love using beef broth instead of water because it infuses each grain with savory flavor, similar to my classic chicken and rice casserole. You can use low-sodium if you prefer, but regular works beautifully.
- Condensed French Onion Soup: This is our secret weapon! It adds an incredible depth of flavor with sweet caramelized onion notes. The condensed soup’s thickness also helps create that perfect rice texture we’re after.
- Full Stick of Butter: Yes, an entire stick! While it seems indulgent (okay, it is!), the butter creates an irresistibly rich flavor and helps prevent the rice from sticking together. As it melts, it creates little pockets of buttery goodness throughout the dish.
Success Tips & Tricks

Creating perfect stick of butter rice is surprisingly simple, but these tips will ensure success every time – just like my hearty potato soup!
- Don’t Peek Too Early: Keep that foil sealed tight for the first 30 minutes. This creates a steam chamber that helps cook the rice perfectly.
- Butter Placement Matters: Slice your butter thinly and distribute it evenly across the top. This helps it melt uniformly into the rice mixture.
- Pan Selection: Use a 9×13 baking dish for best results. This gives the rice enough space to cook evenly without getting mushy in the center.
- Rest Time: Let the rice stand for 5-10 minutes after baking. This allows the remaining liquid to be absorbed and ensures perfectly fluffy rice.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let me walk you through making this incredibly rich and buttery rice dish! The process is wonderfully simple, but the results are absolutely amazing.
First, gather your ingredients:
- 1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 can beef broth (10.5 oz)
- 1 can condensed French onion soup
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) butter
Preparing the dish:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F and grab a 9×13 inch baking dish
- Pour the uncooked rice into your baking dish
- Add the beef broth and French onion soup – give everything a good stir
- Slice your butter into thin pats (about 1/8 inch thick) and arrange them evenly across the top
- Cover the dish tightly with foil – this step is crucial for perfectly cooked rice!
Just like my favorite gooey butter cookies, this recipe relies on butter for its incredible richness. The butter will melt and create the most amazing flavor as it bakes!
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions

This rice is incredibly versatile! Here are some of my favorite ways to serve and customize it:
Delicious Add-ins:
- Sautéed mushrooms (or a can of mushrooms, drained)
- Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley
- Caramelized onions for extra onion flavor
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top
This rice pairs beautifully with my slow-cooked chicken and gravy for the perfect comfort meal. For special occasions, serve it alongside a beautiful crème brûlée cheesecake for dessert!
Make-Ahead Tips:
While this rice is best fresh from the oven, you can prepare it in advance. Just reheat it in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to maintain its creamy texture. The butter makes it reheat beautifully without drying out!
FAQs & Final Thoughts
Frequently Asked Questions
I don’t recommend substituting brown rice in this recipe. Brown rice requires different liquid ratios and longer cooking times. The magic of this recipe comes from the perfect balance of ingredients with white rice.
While beef broth gives the best flavor, you can use chicken broth in a pinch. The taste will be slightly different but still delicious! Just avoid using water – the broth adds so much flavor.
Yes! While it’s best fresh, you can make it ahead and reheat it gently. Just add a splash of broth when reheating to maintain that creamy texture. It’s great for meal prep, especially paired with my Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad!
The key is keeping the foil tightly sealed for the first 30 minutes. If your rice is too wet, leave it uncovered in the oven for a few extra minutes. If it’s too dry, you might need to check your oven temperature or ensure your foil seal was tight enough.
Final Thoughts

You know those recipes that become instant family favorites? This is absolutely one of them! Every time I make this buttery rice, my kitchen fills with the most amazing aroma, and my family comes running. While it might not win any beauty contests, trust me – the taste is absolutely incredible.
I can’t wait for you to try this recipe! It’s proof that sometimes the simplest dishes make the biggest impact. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this rice will have everyone asking for seconds (and the recipe!).
If you make this stick of butter rice, snap a photo and let me know how it turned out – I love seeing your kitchen successes! Happy baking, friends! ♥

Stick of Butter Rice
Equipment (affiliate links)
- 1 8×8 inch baking dish
- 1 cooking spray
- 1 foil
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice NOT instant
- 10 oz condensed French Onion Soup
- 10 oz condensed Beef Broth
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter sliced thinly
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Spray an 8×8 inch baking dish with cooking spray.1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
- In prepared baking dish combine rice, soup and broth.1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
- Cut butter into slices and place on top of the mixture.1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
- Remove foil and bake 30 minutes more.1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
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