Stick Of Butter Rice

Indulge in the savory simplicity of Stick of Butter Rice, featuring uncooked long-grain white rice, French Onion Soup, beef consomme, and rich butter, baked to perfection for a delightful side dish.

Once upon a chilly evening, I found myself rummaging through the pantry looking for something comforting and easy to prepare for dinner. That’s when I stumbled upon some long-grain white rice and remembered a cozy recipe from my grandmother's kitchen—the Stick of Butter Rice. My grandmother, a woman of few ingredients but plenty of culinary secrets, often made this dish for family gatherings. It was her go-to recipe for impressing guests without breaking a sweat in the kitchen. The rich aroma of butter mixed with the savory notes of beef consomme and French Onion Soup would fill her kitchen, drawing everyone near. Now, every time I bake this dish, it feels like a warm hug from her, reminding me of the simple joys that good food and fond memories bring.

Stick of Butter Rice isn't just another rice dish; it's a revelation in simplicity and flavor. This recipe transforms pantry staples into a side dish that stands out at any dinner table.

• Effortless Preparation: With just a few minutes of prep time and straightforward instructions, this recipe is perfect for busy nights.
• Rich, Deep Flavors: The combination of beef consomme and French Onion Soup, along with a generous amount of butter, infuses the rice with incredible savory flavors that are hard to resist.
• Versatility: While it serves beautifully as a side, it can easily be the main event with just a few additions like mushrooms or shredded chicken.
• Crowd Pleaser: It’s a hit at potlucks and family dinners—everyone from the little ones to the adults seems to scoop up second helpings without hesitation.

Ingredients Notes

Every ingredient in this Stick of Butter Rice recipe contributes to its rich, comforting flavor profile. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why:

• Long-Grain White Rice: The foundation of the dish, long-grain rice stays fluffy and separates well, perfect for absorbing all the flavors.
• Onion and Garlic Powder: These provide a quick and easy way to layer in savory notes without the prep work involved with fresh onions or garlic.
• Black Pepper: A simple seasoning that adds a slight heat and enhances the other flavors in the dish.
• Beef Consomme: Offers a robust, deep meaty flavor that is much more intense than regular broth.
• Butter: It’s not called Stick of Butter Rice for nothing! Butter adds a creamy texture and rich flavor that makes the rice simply irresistible.
• French Onion Soup: This is the secret weapon of the recipe, providing a sweet and savory depth that ties everything together beautifully.

How To Make Stick Of Butter Rice

Here's how to make your own Stick of Butter Rice, guaranteed to be as delightful as it sounds:

1. Preparation: Start by preheating your oven to 425ºF. This high temperature is key to getting all the flavors to meld beautifully. Spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. Combining Ingredients: In your prepared baking dish, add rinsed long-grain white rice along with onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper for seasoning. Pour the undiluted beef consomme over everything, and dot the surface liberally with butter. This is where the dish gets its luxurious texture and rich flavor.
3. Baking Covered: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap in the moisture and flavor. This step is crucial for the rice to cook perfectly, absorbing all the savory liquids.
4. Final Baking Uncovered: After 30 minutes of baking covered, remove the foil to let the top get a bit golden and the edges crispy. This additional 20 to 30 minutes of baking uncovered makes all the difference, giving your rice that perfect texture.

Storage Options

Stick of Butter Rice keeps well, making it a great make-ahead dish. Once cooled, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat it in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the rice moist. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Variations and Substitutions

While Stick of Butter Rice is divine as written, feel free to tweak it to suit your taste or pantry availability:

• Broth Variations: Substitute chicken or vegetable broth for beef consomme for a lighter flavor or to make it vegetarian.
• Rice Options: Try using basmati or jasmine rice for a different aroma and texture.
• Add-Ins: Enhance the dish by adding sautéed mushrooms, peas, or cooked chicken pieces to make it a hearty main course.
• Vegan Adaptation: Use plant-based butter and vegetable consomme for a vegan version without compromising the creamy, rich texture and flavor.