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Easy French Onion Butter Rice (Rich, Buttery Side Dish)

A close-up of fluffy white rice topped generously with caramelized, crispy french onion butter rice topping.

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Create a rich, savory side dish that captures the comforting flavor of French onion soup using simple ingredients. This easy, buttery rice recipe pairs well with chicken or beef and is perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup (or substitute with 1 cup beef broth for a less creamy texture)
  • 2 cups long-grain white rice, uncooked
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of the butter. Once melted, add the sliced onions. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 15 to 20 minutes until the onions are deeply caramelized and soft.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the uncooked rice, condensed soup, beef broth, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to mix.
  4. Fold the caramelized onions into the rice mixture.
  5. Pour the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish. Dot the top evenly with the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.
  6. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Do not lift the foil during the first 40 minutes.
  7. Remove the foil. If using cheese, sprinkle the Gruyère evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, for 5 more minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Let the French onion butter rice rest for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork and serving hot.

Notes

  • For a deeper, more authentic French onion soup flavor, replace the cream of mushroom soup with 1 cup of good quality beef broth and add 1/4 cup of dry sherry or white wine when sautéing the onions.
  • If you prefer a one-pot stovetop method, sauté the onions, then add the rice, broth, and seasonings. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until liquid is absorbed. Stir in the butter at the end.
  • This rich savory rice is an excellent side dish for steak and chicken entrees.

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