Stick of Butter Baked Rice

Imagine the most comforting, buttery, perfectly fluffy rice you’ve ever tasted. Now imagine it being as easy as mixing a few simple ingredients, popping it in the oven, and just letting it work its magic. That’s what you’ll get with Stick of Butter Baked Rice. Yes, you heard that right—it’s a dish that’s not only foolproof but ridiculously delicious. The rice comes out perfectly tender, with the butter melting throughout, creating a rich, savory flavor that’s completely irresistible. Whether you’re pairing it with your favorite protein or using it as a side for any meal, this baked rice is a game-changer that everyone will love. You’ll want to make it again and again—trust me!

Why You’ll Love Stick of Butter Baked Rice

This recipe isn’t just for rice lovers; it’s for anyone who craves simplicity, flavor, and comfort in one dish. Here’s why it’s going to become a staple in your kitchen:

• Super Easy: No stirring, no watching the pot. Once you’ve mixed the ingredients, it’s pretty much hands-off. You just pop it in the oven and let it bake.
• Buttery Goodness: The rice is rich, buttery, and full of flavor, thanks to that entire stick of butter. It’s decadent but still simple enough for any meal.
• Perfectly Fluffy Rice: This method guarantees perfectly cooked rice every time, without worrying about burning it or having it come out too dry.
• Versatile: Whether you’re serving it as a side to a roast chicken, beef stew, or grilled vegetables, this rice goes with just about anything. It can also be enjoyed on its own with a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
• Family-Friendly: This dish is a hit with everyone—kids and adults alike! It’s comforting, delicious, and just the right amount of rich.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Stick of Butter Baked Rice:

• Rice: Long-grain white rice works best for this dish, but you can experiment with other types like jasmine or basmati if you prefer.
• Butter: A full stick of butter (yes, you need the whole stick) to create that luscious, rich flavor.
• Chicken Broth: For added flavor and moisture. You can use vegetable broth or water, but chicken broth gives the best taste.
• Onion Soup Mix: This brings an incredible savory flavor to the rice. You can find this in the seasoning aisle at the grocery store.
• Salt & Pepper: A pinch of each to taste.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Here’s how to make your Stick of Butter Baked Rice that’s going to make your taste buds do a happy dance:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gives it time to reach the perfect temperature to bake the rice evenly.

Step 2: Prep the Baking Dish

In a 9×13-inch baking dish, add your dry rice. Spread it out evenly in the dish so it’s ready to absorb all that buttery goodness.

Step 3: Add the Butter

Take your stick of butter and cut it into smaller pieces. Scatter the butter pieces evenly over the rice. No need to melt it beforehand; it will melt beautifully as it bakes!

Step 4: Pour the Broth and Seasoning

Pour the chicken broth over the rice and butter. Sprinkle the onion soup mix on top, then season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together briefly so the rice is evenly coated.

Step 5: Bake

Cover the baking dish with foil and pop it into the oven. Bake for 1 hour, checking about halfway through to make sure the rice is absorbing all the liquid.

Step 6: Let It Rest

Once the rice is cooked and all the liquid has been absorbed, take it out of the oven and let it sit, covered, for about 5 minutes. This allows the rice to fully fluff up and finish cooking in its own steam.

Step 7: Fluff and Serve

After resting, use a fork to fluff the rice. This will separate the grains and make it nice and light. Now, serve your buttery, delicious rice alongside your favorite main dish and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 300
Fat: 16g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 45mg
Sodium: 700mg
Potassium: 100mg
Calcium: 20mg

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

How to Serve Stick of Butter Baked Rice

This rice is versatile enough to be the star of any meal, but it pairs especially well with:

• Roast Chicken: The richness of the rice complements the savory flavors of roasted chicken perfectly.
• Beef Stew: This rice makes an excellent side to a hearty, flavorful stew.
• Grilled Vegetables: If you’re keeping it light, serve the rice with a side of grilled vegetables for a delicious, balanced meal.
• BBQ Ribs: The buttery rice goes wonderfully with smoky, flavorful BBQ dishes.

Additional Tips

• Add-ins: Feel free to get creative with your rice! Add some sautéed onions, garlic, or even shredded cheese for an extra boost of flavor.
• Make it a One-Pot Dish: To make it a full meal, you can add cooked chicken or vegetables right into the baking dish before baking. Everything will cook together for a complete, easy meal.
• Make it Ahead: You can prepare the rice ahead of time, cover it with foil, and refrigerate it before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time when you bake it.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A1: Yes, you can! Just keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook, so you may need to adjust the liquid and baking time.

Q2: Can I use water instead of chicken broth?
A2: You can, but chicken broth adds extra flavor to the rice. If you use water, the rice may be a bit more plain, so consider adding a bit more seasoning.

Q3: Can I make this recipe without onion soup mix?
A3: Absolutely! If you don’t have onion soup mix, you can substitute with a combination of dried onion flakes, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt.

Q4: Can I double the recipe?
A4: Yes! You can easily double the recipe, but be sure to use a larger baking dish to accommodate the extra rice and liquid. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time as well.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store any leftover rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth to keep it moist.

Q6: Can I freeze Stick of Butter Baked Rice?
A6: Yes! You can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Just let it cool completely before storing it in a freezer-safe container. Reheat it from frozen by adding a little extra liquid and baking it at 350°F until warmed through.

Q7: Can I make this dish spicier?
A7: Yes! You can add a bit of chili powder, crushed red pepper flakes, or even diced jalapeños for some heat.

Q8: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A8: While butter gives the best flavor, you can use margarine as a substitute. It may slightly alter the taste but will still give you that rich, creamy texture.

Q9: Can I add vegetables to this rice?
A9: Absolutely! You can stir in some frozen peas, corn, or diced bell peppers for extra flavor and color.

Q10: How do I prevent the rice from being too sticky?
A10: Make sure to fluff the rice with a fork after baking to separate the grains. Also, using long-grain rice (instead of short-grain) will help keep it from getting too sticky.

Conclusion

Stick of Butter Baked Rice is the definition of comfort food that’s easy, buttery, and perfect every time. It’s the ideal side dish for any occasion, from a family dinner to a potluck. Whether you’re serving it alongside a fancy main course or a simple grilled chicken, this rice will always steal the show. Ready to dig in? Get that butter out and start baking!

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