Looking for a hassle-free yet delectable side dish to complement any meal? Look no further than Stick of Butter Baked Rice. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, this dish promises to delight your taste buds with its rich and flavorful goodness.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup long grain rice (not instant)
- 1 (10 ounce) can French onion soup (Campbell’s)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can beef broth
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, sliced
Directions:
1️⃣ Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F, ensuring that it’s nice and hot for baking your rice to perfection.
2️⃣ Combine Ingredients: In an 8×8 or 2-quart baking dish, combine the rice, French onion soup, beef broth, and slices of unsalted butter. This simple step sets the stage for the mouthwatering flavors to come.
3️⃣ Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil, sealing in all the savory goodness, and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This initial baking period allows the rice to begin absorbing the flavors of the broth and butter.
4️⃣ Bake Uncovered: After 30 minutes, remove the foil to allow the rice to bake uncovered for an additional 30 minutes. This step allows the rice to achieve the perfect balance of tenderness and flavor.
5️⃣ Serve: Once the rice is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven, fluff it with a fork to enhance its texture, and serve. Get ready to enjoy a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Nutrition:
- Calories: 200kcal
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 650mg
- Potassium: 100mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Vitamin A: 200IU
- Vitamin C: 1mg
- Calcium: 20mg
- Iron: 1mg
Prep Time: 5 Minutes With a mere 5 minutes of prep time, you can have this mouthwatering rice dish ready to pop into the oven, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your meal preparation.
Cook Time: 60 Minutes Allowing the rice to bake for a total of 60 minutes ensures that it absorbs all the delicious flavors of the French onion soup, beef broth, and, of course, the star ingredient – unsalted butter.
Serving and Storage Tips :
Serving Suggestions:
- As a Side Dish: This Stick of Butter Baked Rice pairs perfectly with a wide range of main dishes, from roasted chicken to grilled steak. Its rich flavor and fluffy texture make it an ideal complement to any meal.
- Garnish with Herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over the baked rice just before serving to add a pop of color and freshness.
- Add Cheese: For an extra indulgent twist, sprinkle grated Parmesan or Gruyère cheese over the baked rice during the last few minutes of baking. The cheese will melt into the rice, adding a deliciously savory flavor.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure the rice has cooled completely before transferring it to the container.
- Reheating: To reheat the leftover rice, place it in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out, and microwave on high in 30-second intervals until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a covered baking dish in the oven at 350°F until warmed to your liking.
- Freezing: Stick of Butter Baked Rice can also be frozen for longer storage. Allow the rice to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bag. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using one of the methods mentioned above.
Variations :
Looking to add a new dimension to your Stick of Butter Baked Rice? Here are some exciting variations to tantalize your taste buds:
1. Cheesy Delight:
- Ingredients: Mix in your favorite cheese such as sharp cheddar, Gouda, or Swiss before baking for a gooey, cheesy indulgence.
- Method: Sprinkle the cheese over the rice during the last 10 minutes of baking or until melted and bubbly.
2. Mediterranean Flair:
- Ingredients: Add a handful of chopped sun-dried tomatoes, black olives, and crumbled feta cheese to the rice mixture for a burst of Mediterranean flavors.
- Method: Mix the additional ingredients with the rice and bake as usual.
3. Tex-Mex Twist:
- Ingredients: Stir in a can of diced green chilies, a dash of chili powder, and a cup of corn kernels to give your baked rice a Tex-Mex kick.
- Method: Mix the Tex-Mex ingredients with the rice and bake as directed, garnishing with fresh cilantro before serving.
4. Herbed Infusion:
- Ingredients: Add a tablespoon of your favorite dried herbs such as Italian seasoning, herbes de Provence, or a combination of rosemary and thyme to infuse the rice with aromatic flavors.
- Method: Mix the dried herbs with the rice and bake as usual, adjusting the quantity to suit your taste.
5. Asian Fusion:
- Ingredients: Replace the beef broth with coconut milk and add a tablespoon of soy sauce, a teaspoon of grated ginger, and a clove of minced garlic for an Asian-inspired twist.
- Method: Mix the Asian-inspired ingredients with the rice and bake as directed, garnishing with sliced green onions before serving.
6. Veggie Medley:
- Ingredients: Incorporate a mix of diced vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms into the rice mixture for a colorful and nutritious variation.
- Method: Mix the diced vegetables with the rice and bake as usual, adjusting the baking time if needed to ensure the vegetables are cooked through.
7. Protein Boost:
- Ingredients: Add cooked protein such as diced chicken, shrimp, or tofu to the rice mixture for a hearty and satisfying meal.
- Method: Mix the cooked protein with the rice and bake as directed, ensuring the protein is evenly distributed throughout.
FAQs:
1. Can I use instant rice instead of long grain rice?
- Instant rice tends to have a different texture and may not absorb the flavors as well as long grain rice. It’s best to stick with long grain rice for this recipe.
2. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
- While you can use salted butter, it may result in a saltier dish. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the sodium content better, especially since the French onion soup and beef broth already contain salt.
3. Can I substitute the French onion soup with another type of soup?
- French onion soup adds a distinct flavor to this dish, but you can experiment with other types of soup for variations. However, keep in mind that it will alter the taste of the final dish.
4. How can I make this dish gluten-free?
- Ensure that the French onion soup and beef broth you use are gluten-free certified. Additionally, double-check that all other ingredients are gluten-free, including any optional add-ins.
5. Can I make Stick of Butter Baked Rice ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the rice mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. When you’re ready to bake, simply follow the baking instructions as usual.
6. Can I freeze Stick of Butter Baked Rice?
- Yes, you can freeze the baked rice for future use. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
7. What can I serve with Stick of Butter Baked Rice?
- This rice dish pairs well with a variety of main dishes, including roasted meats, grilled fish, or sautéed vegetables. It’s versatile enough to complement almost any meal.
8. How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the baking dish?
- Make sure to coat the baking dish with cooking spray or butter before adding the rice mixture. This will help prevent the rice from sticking as it bakes.
9. Can I add additional seasonings or herbs to the rice?
- Absolutely! Feel free to customize the dish with your favorite seasonings or herbs to suit your taste preferences. Just be mindful of the overall flavor balance.
10. Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
- Yes, you can double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish to accommodate a larger crowd. Adjust the baking time accordingly to ensure thorough cooking.
Stick of Butter Baked Rice is not only incredibly easy to prepare but also bursting with flavor. Whether served as a side dish or enjoyed on its own, this simple yet satisfying recipe is sure to impress even the most discerning palates. Give it a try and prepare to be amazed by the delicious results!