There’s something magical about a dish that uses an entire stick of butter and somehow makes it feel completely justified. When I first heard about “Stick of Butter Rice,” I’ll admit I was skeptical. However, after one bite of this incredibly rich, savory side dish, I understood why it has become a beloved staple in kitchens across the country.
This isn’t your ordinary rice pilaf or basic steamed rice. Instead, this recipe transforms humble white rice into a luxurious, restaurant-quality side dish that pairs beautifully with everything from grilled chicken to roasted vegetables. Moreover, the combination of garlic, onion soup mix, and Parmesan cheese creates layers of flavor that will have your family asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe
Incredibly Simple Yet Impressive
Despite its gourmet taste, this recipe requires minimal hands-on time. You simply layer the ingredients, pop the dish in the oven, and let the magic happen. Furthermore, there’s no stirring, no monitoring, and no risk of burning the rice on the stovetop.
Always Turns Out Perfect
Unlike stovetop rice that can become mushy or stick to the pan, this oven-baked method produces fluffy, perfectly cooked grains every time. Additionally, the foil covering creates the ideal steaming environment for consistent results.
Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Profile
The rich, buttery base combined with savory onion soup mix and nutty Parmesan creates a flavor combination that appeals to both adults and children. Even picky eaters tend to love this comforting side dish.
Essential Ingredients
Main Components
- 1 cup long-grain white rice – The foundation of our dish
- 1 stick unsalted butter – Provides richness and helps develop flavor
- 1 packet dry onion soup mix – Adds instant savory depth
- 3 cups chicken broth – Creates a flavorful cooking liquid
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic – Enhances the aromatic base
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds nutty, salty complexity
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper – Balances the rich flavors
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley – Provides color and freshness
Serving Suggestions
This versatile side pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, grilled steak, baked salmon, or pork tenderloin. Additionally, it complements Mediterranean dishes and works beautifully alongside roasted vegetables for a vegetarian meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing Your Workspace
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Next, select a 2-quart baking dish that will accommodate all the ingredients comfortably. Then, spread the uncooked rice evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
Creating the Flavor Base
Heat a medium saucepan over medium heat and add the stick of butter. Once the butter melts completely, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown, as this can create a bitter taste.
Building the Cooking Liquid
Pour the chicken broth into the saucepan with the butter and garlic mixture. Bring this combination to a gentle simmer, then stir in the onion soup mix and black pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for another minute to ensure the soup mix dissolves completely.
Assembly and Baking
Carefully pour the hot broth mixture over the rice in your baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil, ensuring no steam can escape. Bake for exactly 45 minutes, or until the rice appears tender and has absorbed all the liquid.
Final Touches
Remove the dish from the oven and immediately stir in the grated Parmesan cheese while the rice is still hot. Let the rice rest for 3-5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and incorporate fully. Finally, garnish with fresh parsley and an additional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving.
Creative Serving Ideas
Dinner Party Presentation
Transform this humble side dish into an elegant accompaniment by serving it in individual ramekins. Additionally, top each portion with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or crispy fried onions for added texture.
Family-Style Comfort
Serve directly from the baking dish for a cozy, family-style meal. Furthermore, consider pairing it with a simple green salad to balance the richness of the rice.
Delicious Recipe Variations
Herb-Infused Version
Replace the parsley with a mixture of fresh thyme, rosemary, and chives for a more sophisticated herb profile. This variation pairs exceptionally well with roasted lamb or beef.
Mushroom Lover’s Twist
Sauté 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms with the garlic before adding the broth. This addition creates an earthy, umami-rich version that vegetarians will particularly enjoy.
Spicy Kick Variation
Add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the broth mixture for those who enjoy a bit of heat. Alternatively, stir in a few dashes of hot sauce before serving.
Vegetarian-Friendly Option
Simply substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth to make this dish completely vegetarian. The flavor remains rich and satisfying while accommodating dietary preferences.
Make-Ahead Tips
Partial Preparation
You can assemble the entire dish up to 4 hours before baking. Simply cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. However, you may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
Leftover Storage
Store any leftover rice in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent the rice from drying out.
Freezing Instructions
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze portions for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in the microwave with a bit of added liquid.
Important Notes
Rice Selection Matters
Long-grain white rice works best for this recipe because it maintains its shape and doesn’t become mushy during the extended baking time. Avoid using short-grain or instant rice varieties.
Butter Temperature Tips
Using cold butter straight from the refrigerator is perfectly fine, as you’ll be melting it anyway. However, if you’re in a hurry, cut the butter into smaller pieces to speed up the melting process.
Foil Coverage is Critical
Ensure your foil seal is tight to prevent steam from escaping during baking. This steam is essential for properly cooking the rice and achieving the perfect texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
While you can substitute brown rice, you’ll need to increase the cooking time to 60-75 minutes and add an additional ½ cup of broth. Brown rice requires more liquid and time to become tender.
What if I don’t have onion soup mix?
You can make your own by combining 1 tablespoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon dried thyme. This homemade version works just as well as the packaged variety.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely! Replace the butter with olive oil or vegan butter, and omit the Parmesan cheese. You might want to add extra herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice to enhance the flavor.
Why is my rice still crunchy after 45 minutes?
This usually indicates that your oven temperature is too low or the foil wasn’t sealed properly. Check your oven calibration and ensure the foil creates a tight seal over the baking dish.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, you can easily double all ingredients and use a larger baking dish. However, you may need to increase the baking time by 10-15 minutes to ensure even cooking throughout.
How do I know when the rice is perfectly done?
The rice should be tender when pierced with a fork, and all the liquid should be absorbed. If there’s still liquid remaining after 45 minutes, continue baking in 10-minute intervals until absorbed.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 309
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 18g
- Protein: 7g
| Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Serves: 6
This Stick of Butter Rice recipe proves that sometimes the simplest ingredients create the most memorable dishes. With its rich, comforting flavors and foolproof preparation method, it’s destined to become a regular feature on your dinner table.