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Say goodbye to boring rice and hello to stick of butter rice, the ultimate side dish that’s as easy to make as it is tasty! It’s the most delicious side dish, richly flavored and outrageously comforting. This recipe is a delightful throwback that combines just four simple ingredients to create a dish that’s both creamy and comforting. The magic happens when the butter melts into the rice, infusing it with rich flavor that pairs beautifully with any main course. It’s a surefire hit at family dinners or potlucks, and I promise your loved ones will be begging for the recipe after just one bite.

A close-up of a casserole dish filled with baked stick of butter rice. A wooden spoon is partially lifting a portion, revealing the layers. Finely chopped herbs are sprinkled on top.

Dive into the most delicious recipe for stick of butter rice and enjoy mouthful after mouthful of this super tasty potluck and holiday side dish.

Also try spam fried rice, cheesy rice, red-skin mashed potatoes and this skillet cornbread. Or, for something unusual, kimchi fried rice!

A spoonful of caramelized French onion stick of butter rice is held above a bowl, with a pat of butter on top. In the foreground, there are asparagus spears on a plate.

Why You’ll Love It

Easy to whip up: Five minutes is all it takes to prepare this stick of butter rice recipe and pop it into the oven.
Basic pantry staples: Minimal ingredients using mostly pantry staples.
Kids love it: The entire family will ask for this on repeat. It’s that good!
Potluck perfect: The ideal side dish for a potluck, which is why it is sometimes called funeral rice or church rice. You can easily double or triple the recipe if needed.

A close-up of a spoonful of funeral, with pieces of onion and rice visible, held above a white plate with asparagus in the background.

Stick of Butter Rice Ingredients

A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Long-grain white rice: This type of uncooked rice is known for its fluffy texture and separate grains when cooked. It absorbs the flavors from the broth and soup beautifully, creating a rich, savory base for the dish. I don’t recommend instant rice for this recipe.
Beef broth: Adds depth and a meaty, umami flavor to the rice, enhancing its savory profile.
Condensed French onion soup: Gives the dish a concentrated onion flavor with a slightly sweet and tangy edge.
Garlic powder: This seasoning adds a subtle hint of garlic that complements the onion and beef flavors, elevating the overall savory taste.
Unsalted butter: The butter infuses the dish with creamy richness as it melts, coating each grain of rice for a luxurious texture and buttery taste.
Fresh chopped parsley: Adds a pop of color and a fresh taste.

Ingredients for cooking on a marble countertop: a bowl of rice, a bowl of broth, a stick of butter with some slices cut, a can of french onion soup, and a small bowl of garlic powder with a spoon.

How to Make Stick of Butter Rice

For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.

Combine ingredients: In the prepared dish, add the long-grain white rice, beef broth, condensed French onion soup, and garlic powder. Stir everything together to mix up those flavors.
Add butter: Top the rice mixture with slices of unsalted butter. Cover the dish tightly with foil to trap moisture for even cooking.
Bake: Bake in the oven for 30 minutes with the foil on. Then, discard the foil and bake for 30 minutes until the rice is fully cooked.
Fluff and serve: Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

A white baking dish filled with a brown butter baked rice. A wooden spoon rests in the dish, next to a stick of butter. Sliced butter and cooked asparagus are visible in the background.

Substitutions and Variations

Load it with veggies: Add mushrooms, corn, peas, or carrots to make it similar to fried rice.
Protein add-ins: Fold in cooked chicken or cooked ground beef.
Rice swaps: Long-grain white rice is recommended, but you could use brown rice instead.
French onion soup: It’s best to use a can of French onion soup, but in a pinch, you could use a package of dry French onion soup mix. You can use other ingredients in its place, like beef consommé soup, Worcestershire sauce, vegetable broth, onion powder, low-sodium beef broth, and so on.

A bowl of stick of butter rice garnished with parsley sits next to a casserole dish of rice, a plate with asparagus, and a few butter sticks on a white counter.

Serving Suggestions

Appetizer: Start with something bright and cheery like my Christmas focaccia.
Main: This stick of butter baked rice pairs nicely with turkey or the perfect roast chicken. Serve it with other veggies like these rainbow carrots.
Dessert: You’ve got to try my gumdrop nougat (which makes a fun gift idea, too) or this soft and moist gingerbread loaf.

A wooden spoon holds a serving of homemade stick of butter rice casserole over a white baking dish, with the golden brown, crispy top visible.

How to Store Stick of Butter Rice

Store: Leftover rice can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezer: This is a great recipe to freeze as well. Freeze any leftovers in an airtight container or Ziploc bag for up to 3 months.
Thaw: Pop your frozen rice dish into the fridge and let it defrost overnight.
Reheat: Reheat in the microwave for a few minutes or in a baking dish in the oven until warmed through.

A bowl of stick of butter rice topped with a square of butter, garnished with herbs. Nearby are asparagus spears on a plate and slices of butter on a dish.

Top Tips

Check and tweak seasoning: We don’t add salt to this recipe as there is plenty in the beef broth and French onion soup; however, you can season with salt to your liking.
Use long-grain rice: Stick with long-grain white rice for the best texture. It absorbs the flavors without getting mushy, delivering a perfect balance of fluffiness and bite.
Slice the butter evenly: Distribute butter slices evenly across the rice mixture. This ensures the butter melts uniformly, infusing every grain with creamy richness.
Add a pop of freshness: For extra flavor and color, garnish the finished rice with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of green onions. It brightens the dish and balances out the rich buttery taste.
Check for doneness: After baking, fluff the rice with a fork and ensure it’s fully cooked. If it’s too firm, cover the dish with foil again and bake for an extra 5 to 10 minutes.
Serve it warm: Stick of butter rice is best served right out of the oven while the flavors are fresh and the butter is still luscious. If reheating, add a touch of broth to maintain the creamy texture.

A baked rice dish with a crispy brown top layer of rice and onions in a white casserole dish. Beside it is a stick of butter on a wrapper, and a sprig of parsley on a white surface.

Brown Butter Rice FAQs

Can I substitute the beef broth or French onion soup?

Absolutely! Chicken broth can be used as a lighter alternative to beef broth, and mushroom soup can replace French onion soup for a different twist. Just note that these substitutions may alter the flavor profile.

How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan?

Spraying the baking dish with nonstick cooking spray (I used this one!) before adding the ingredients helps prevent sticking. Stirring the ingredients well and covering the dish tightly with foil during the first baking stage also helps retain moisture and even cooking.

Can I make this in a rice cooker?

Yes, you’ll need to adjust the liquid, melt the butter first, and use the regular rice setting. Skip the foil in this instance.

Can I make stick of butter rice gluten-free?

Yes! Just ensure that the beef broth and French onion soup you’re using are gluten-free. Some brands may contain gluten, so check the labels carefully.

A bowl of stick of butter rice, with a casserole dish and a plate of asparagus on a white tablecloth.

Stick of Butter Rice Recipe

5 from 3 votes

Stick of Butter Rice

Dive into the most delicious recipe for stick of butter rice and enjoy mouthful after mouthful of this super tasty potluck and holiday side dish.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients 

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Grease a square 8-inch baking dish or a 9 × 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
  • Add rice, broth, French onion soup, and garlic powder to the prepared baking dish and stir to combine.
  • Top with sliced butter and cover tightly with foil.
  • Bake in a preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes.
  • Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with parsley, if desired.

Notes

Check and tweak seasoning: We don’t add salt to this recipe as there is plenty in the beef broth and French onion soup; however, you can season with salt to your liking.
Use long-grain rice: Stick with long-grain white rice for the best texture. It absorbs the flavors without getting mushy, delivering a perfect balance of fluffiness and bite.
Slice the butter evenly: Distribute butter slices evenly across the rice mixture. This ensures the butter melts uniformly, infusing every grain with creamy richness.
Add a pop of freshness: For extra flavor and color, garnish the finished rice with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of green onions. It brightens the dish and balances out the rich buttery taste.
Check for doneness: After baking, fluff the rice with a fork and ensure it’s fully cooked. If it’s too firm, cover the dish with foil again and bake for an extra 5 to 10 minutes.
Serve it warm: Stick of butter rice is best served right out of the oven while the flavors are fresh and the butter is still luscious. If reheating, add a touch of broth to maintain the creamy texture.

Nutrition

Calories: 405kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 64mg | Sodium: 635mg | Potassium: 422mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 709IU | Vitamin C: 0.01mg | Calcium: 36mg | Iron: 1mg
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Once you try this tasty golden butter rice, regular rice will never be the same! This incredibly flavorful and comforting dish is the perfect side for all your favorite festive proteins – think roast chicken, pork, succulent turkey or fall apart salmon. This dish is perfect with literally all of this proteins.

Other Side Dish Recipes to Try

Bella Bucchiotti

Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.

 

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Recipe Rating




5 from 3 votes

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