Stick of Butter Rice

This Stick of Butter Rice recipe is one of those wonderfully simple, old-school comfort food dishes that completely surprises you with how flavorful it is. With just a handful of pantry staples, you get rich, buttery, perfectly tender rice that tastes like it took way more effort than it actually did. Best of all, it’s mostly hands-off and bakes up beautifully in the oven.

If you’re ever stuck wondering what to make for an easy side dish that everyone will love, this butter rice recipe is the answer. It pairs with almost anything, requires minimal prep, and delivers cozy, savory goodness every single time.

If you enjoy easy baked side dishes, be sure to check out my Oven Baked Rice Pilaf or Buttery Garlic Rice next for more inspiration.

a baking dish filled with golden buttery rice and fresh chives on top

Why You’ll Love This Stick of Butter Rice Recipe

I’ve made this recipe more times than I can count, and it never fails to impress. Here’s why it deserves a permanent spot in your recipe rotation:

• Ridiculously easy – no stovetop cooking, no babysitting, no stirring
• Big flavor from simple ingredients – butter, beef broth, and French onion soup do all the heavy lifting
• Perfect texture – fluffy rice with rich, buttery moisture throughout
• Crowd-pleaser – even picky eaters love this one
• Great for holidays and weeknights – fancy enough for guests, easy enough for busy days

This is one of those “dump and bake” recipes that feels almost too good to be true. You mix everything in one dish, slice butter on top, pop it in the oven, and let it work its magic.

What Is Stick of Butter Rice?

Stick of Butter Rice is a classic baked rice side dish that became popular for its simplicity and bold flavor. It traditionally uses:

• Long-grain white rice
• Condensed beef broth or consommé
• Condensed French onion soup
• A full stick (or half stick) of butter

The rice absorbs all that savory liquid as it bakes, resulting in tender grains infused with deep, comforting flavor. The butter melts over the top, keeping everything moist and adding richness without any effort.

Despite the name, this recipe actually uses ½ cup (1 stick) of butter, which is just enough to make the rice luxurious without being greasy.

What You’ll Need

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make this buttery baked rice:

• Long-grain white rice – uncooked; this gives you fluffy, separate grains
• Condensed beef broth or beef consommé – adds deep, savory flavor
• Condensed French onion soup – the secret ingredient that makes this dish shine
• Garlic powder (optional) – for extra warmth and flavor
• Butter – cut into pats so it melts evenly
• Chopped chives (optional) – for garnish and freshness

ingredients for stick of butter rice in prep bowls

Tools for This Recipe

You don’t need anything fancy for this recipe, which is another reason I love it so much.

• A 9×13 baking dish or similar oven-safe casserole dish
• Measuring cups
• Aluminum foil
• A sharp knife for slicing butter

That’s it. No skillet, no saucepan, no special gadgets.

How to Make Stick of Butter Rice

This is an overview of the process. Full ingredients and instructions are in the recipe card below.

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Add the Rice and Liquids

Pour the uncooked rice directly into the baking dish. Add the condensed beef broth and French onion soup. Sprinkle in garlic powder if using.

Step 3: Stir

Give everything a gentle stir to evenly distribute the rice and liquids.

Step 4: Add the Butter

Slice the butter into even pats and arrange them over the top of the rice mixture. Don’t stir—let the butter melt slowly as it bakes.

Step 5: Cover and Bake

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes.

Step 6: Uncover and Finish Baking

Remove the foil and bake for another 30 minutes until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 7: Fluff and Serve

Let the rice rest for 5 minutes, then fluff gently with a fork. Garnish with chopped chives if desired.

baked butter rice fresh from the oven

Pro Tips for Perfect Butter Rice

• Use long-grain white rice only. Short-grain or instant rice won’t work the same way and can turn mushy.
• Seal the foil tightly. This traps steam and ensures the rice cooks evenly.
• Don’t rush it. The full baking time is important for the rice to absorb all the liquid.
• Let it rest before fluffing. This helps the texture settle and improves flavor.

Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how customizable it is.

Swap the Broth

• Use chicken broth instead of beef for a lighter flavor
• Vegetable broth works if you want a vegetarian version (pair with vegetarian onion soup)

Add Veggies

Stir in one of these before baking:

• Sliced mushrooms
• Frozen peas
• Finely chopped carrots
• Diced bell peppers

Make It Extra Savory

• Add ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Sprinkle a little black pepper on top
• Finish with grated Parmesan cheese before serving

Turn It Into a Main Dish

Add cooked chicken, beef, or pork before baking to make it a complete one-dish meal.

What to Serve with Stick of Butter Rice

This buttery rice is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with so many mains:

• Roast chicken or baked chicken thighs
• Meatloaf or beef roast
• Grilled steak or pan-seared pork chops
• Baked fish with lemon and herbs

For a complete meal, add a simple green vegetable like steamed broccoli, green beans, or a crisp side salad.

Leftovers and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Reheating: Warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth
• Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture of the rice can change

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use brown rice?

No. Brown rice requires more liquid and a much longer cooking time, so it won’t work with this method.

Why is my rice still crunchy?

This usually means the dish wasn’t sealed tightly enough or needed a bit more time. Cover and bake an additional 10–15 minutes if needed.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble everything a few hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.