If you’ve ever adored the rich, caramelized flavors of classic French onion soup, wait until you try this comforting French Onion Soup Baked Rice Recipe. This dish takes the deep, savory taste of French onion soup and transforms it into a luscious baked rice side that’s both simple to prepare and utterly satisfying. It’s perfect for cozy dinners or whenever you want a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, packed with buttery goodness and that irresistible onion flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together effortlessly to create amazing depth of flavor and texture. Each component plays an important role in building the creamy, tender, and savory character that makes this baked rice irresistible.
- 1 cup long grain white rice: Provides a fluffy base that absorbs all the wonderful onion-rich liquids perfectly.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed French onion soup: The star ingredient loaded with classic onion flavor and seasoning.
- 1 cup beef broth: Adds extra richness and depth, though you can swap with chicken or vegetable broth if preferred.
- ½ cup butter (sliced): Melts over the rice while baking to create a luscious, creamy texture and buttery finish.
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional): Adds an earthy touch and a meaty texture that pairs beautifully with the onions.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the savory notes without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Intensifies the onion flavor for extra oomph.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential to balance all the rich flavors.
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh pop of color and a subtle herbaceous note.
How to Make French Onion Soup Baked Rice Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or a similarly sized dish to ensure nothing sticks and your rice caramelizes beautifully on the edges.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In your prepared baking dish, mix together the uncooked rice, condensed French onion soup, beef broth, garlic powder, onion powder, and sliced mushrooms if you’re adding them. Stir thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly distributed and the rice gets coated in that luscious onion soup base.
Step 3: Add Butter and Cover
Now, scatter the slices of butter evenly on top of your rice mixture. This will melt during baking, infusing each grain of rice with rich, creamy flavor. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and allow your rice to cook through gently.
Step 4: Bake Covered
Place the covered dish in the oven and bake for 30 minutes. This initial baking stage lets the rice soak up the flavorful liquids and start to soften without drying out.
Step 5: Uncover and Bake Until Tender
After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 25-30 minutes. During this time, the rice will become tender, and most of the liquid will absorb, concentrating all those delicious French onion flavors into every bite.
Step 6: Fluff and Garnish
Once the rice is perfectly cooked, fluff it gently with a fork to separate the grains. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top to add a burst of color and freshness just before serving.
How to Serve French Onion Soup Baked Rice Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is classic, but you can also add shredded Gruyère or mozzarella cheese in the last 10 minutes of baking to melt a decadent, golden crust on top. Crispy fried shallots or a light drizzle of truffle oil can elevate this dish into a restaurant-worthy side.
Side Dishes
This baked rice pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like steak or chicken, roasted vegetables, or even a simple green salad. Its robust flavors complement hearty mains beautifully while providing a comforting starch that brings the whole meal together.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the French Onion Soup Baked Rice Recipe in individual ramekins topped with a cheese crust for a fancy touch, or plate it family-style in the baking dish straight from the oven for a cozy, communal meal vibe. You could also spoon it into baked mushrooms or stuffed peppers as a unique twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover French Onion Soup Baked Rice Recipe stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a tasty leftover treat.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead, you can freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to retain texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to bring back the creamy consistency. Covering while reheating helps keep moisture locked in so the rice stays tender.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Brown rice will take longer to cook and may require additional liquid and baking time, so it’s best to stick with long grain white rice for the intended texture and timing.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Yes! Use vegetable broth and substitute the condensed French onion soup with a vegetarian-friendly brand or homemade soup to keep this recipe vegetarian.
Can I add cheese to the French Onion Soup Baked Rice Recipe?
Absolutely! Adding shredded Gruyère or mozzarella cheese in the last 10 minutes of baking gives the dish a wonderful melty, golden topping that enhances the classic flavors.
What if I don’t have condensed French onion soup?
You can make a quick homemade version by caramelizing onions and simmering them with beef broth and a little flour for thickness—although the canned soup keeps things super simple and consistent.
Can I prepare this recipe on the stovetop instead of baking?
This dish shines with the slow, even baking process that thoroughly cooks the rice and blends flavors, so stovetop cooking might not yield the same tender texture and caramelization. Baking is key here!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the French Onion Soup Baked Rice Recipe that transforms everyday rice into a decadent, flavor-packed side worthy of any dinner table. Whether you’re serving it as a cozy weekday comfort or for guests craving something deliciously different, this dish is a guaranteed winner. I hope you dive in and discover why I love sharing this unique twist on a classic soup. Happy baking and even happier eating!
Print
French Onion Soup Baked Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This French Onion Soup Rice is a comforting and flavorful baked rice dish that combines the savory depth of French onion soup with tender long grain rice. Perfect as a hearty side dish, it features a buttery, mushroom-infused base baked to perfection and garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Ingredients
Rice Mixture
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed French onion soup
- 1 cup beef broth
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
- salt and black pepper to taste
Topping
- ½ cup butter, sliced
- chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Combine Ingredients: In the prepared baking dish, mix together the uncooked long grain rice, condensed French onion soup, beef broth, garlic powder, onion powder, and sliced mushrooms if using. Stir until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Add Butter: Evenly distribute the sliced butter over the top of the rice mixture to ensure a rich, buttery flavor throughout the dish.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to allow the rice to absorb the liquid and begin cooking.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Fluff and Garnish: Gently fluff the cooked rice with a fork to separate the grains. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, then garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute beef broth with chicken or vegetable broth for different flavor profiles.
- For a cheesy variation, sprinkle shredded Gruyère or mozzarella cheese over the rice during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- This dish pairs beautifully as a side with grilled meats or roasted vegetables.
- Omitting the mushrooms can still yield a delicious, classic version of the dish.
