Name: French Onion Butter Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 cup long-grain rice; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 large onion, thinly sliced; 3 cups beef or vegetable broth; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, for garnish; Grated Gruyère cheese, for topping (optional)

Jump to Recipe

French Onion Butter Rice is a delightful dish that’s creamy, savory, and bursting with flavor! Imagine sitting down to a bowl of perfectly cooked rice, enveloped in rich, buttery onions and topped with melty cheese—pure comfort food. This recipe has quickly become a family favorite in our home, reminding me of those cozy gatherings around the dinner table. Did you know that the classic French onion soup inspired this dreamy rice dish? It’s great for any night of the week and can easily swap spots on the table with other popular comfort foods like mac and cheese or risotto. With its simple preparation and impressive flavors, you’re going to love making it just as much as your family will enjoy eating it!

What is French Onion Butter Rice?

So, what’s in a name? French Onion Butter Rice is just as tasty as it sounds! But why the “French” in the title, you ask? Well, the rich flavors of caramelized onions and savory broth give it a classic French twist that warms your heart and soul. Remember the saying, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”? You might want to keep that in mind when serving this dish! Whether you’re stirring it up for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this dish is bound to impress. Why not give it a try today?

Why You’ll Love This

What makes French Onion Butter Rice special? First, it’s all about that comforting, creamy texture that makes your taste buds dance. Imagine each fluffy grain of rice just soaking up all the delicious flavors of butter and broth—it’s magic on your plate! Second, making this dish at home is super cost-effective, allowing you to indulge without breaking the bank. Lastly, don’t forget about the toppings! With fresh parsley and optional Gruyère cheese, this dish takes on a whole new level of indulgence. If you enjoy our Easy Broccoli Cheese Casserole, you’ll definitely want to add this to your repertoire, too. So why not gather those ingredients and whip up a batch for your family tonight?

How to Make

Quick Overview

Making French Onion Butter Rice is refreshingly simple and incredibly satisfying. With just a few ingredients and a bit of patience as you caramelize the onions, you’ll have a dish that’s both easy and flavorful. In around 40 minutes, you could have this fantastic rice sitting on your dining table, ready to be enjoyed!

Ingredients

1 cup long-grain rice
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 large onion, thinly sliced
3 cups beef or vegetable broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, for garnish
Grated Gruyère cheese, for topping (optional)

Step-by-Step

Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it’s bubbling. This will add a rich flavor base for your onions.
Caramelize the Onions: Add the thinly sliced onions to the pan. Stir them frequently and let them cook for about 15-20 minutes, until they turn golden brown and caramelized. The aroma will be divine!
Add the Rice: Stir in the rice and cook for another 2-3 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb all those lovely onion flavors.
Pour in the Broth: Add the beef or vegetable broth, dried thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil!
Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 18-20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Fluff and Garnish: Remove from heat, let it sit covered for 5 minutes, and then fluff the rice with a fork. Serve it up with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Gruyère cheese, if desired.

What to Serve French Onion Butter Rice With

French Onion Butter Rice pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes! Consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad for freshness, or maybe some grilled chicken for protein. You could even enjoy it with a side of roasted vegetables to complement the flavors. For drinks, a light white wine or sparkling water with lemon would complete this delicious meal perfectly!

Top Tips for Perfecting

Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have Gruyère cheese, feel free to use any melty cheese you have on hand, like mozzarella or cheddar.
Timing Adjustments: Don’t rush the caramelizing process; it truly makes all the difference in flavor. Take your time!
Avoiding Mistakes: Ensure you stir the rice frequently after adding it to the onions; this helps prevent sticking and ensures even cooking.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Got leftovers? Store your French Onion Butter Rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, it can be frozen for up to a month! When reheating, simply add a splash of broth or water to help restore its creamy consistency and heat it on the stove or in the microwave until warm.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Yes, but keep in mind that the cooking time will be longer for brown rice.

Is this dish vegetarian?
Using vegetable broth makes it vegetarian-friendly. Just ensure your toppings are also vegetarian!

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Just store it in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to serve.

Conclusion

French Onion Butter Rice is not just a side dish; it’s a heartwarming experience that brings family and friends together. Its creamy goodness and rich flavors make it a dish everyone will love. So, gather your ingredients and enjoy this comforting meal today! You won’t regret it!