If you’ve ever wished for a rice recipe that’s downright irresistible and downright simple, the Stick of Butter Baked Rice Recipe is exactly what you need in your culinary life. This dish takes humble ingredients and transforms them in the oven into perfectly tender, buttery, flavorful rice that practically melts in your mouth. There’s something so comforting about the way a whole stick of butter seeps deep into every grain, giving you a luscious texture and richness that’s next-level delicious. Once you try this, it might just become your go-to side dish for everything from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Stick of Butter Baked Rice Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a starring role, contributing layers of flavor and that perfect, creamy texture you crave. You’ll love how easy these pantry staples come together to create something so special.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice: Provides the fluffy base that soaks up the buttery broth beautifully without getting mushy.
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter: The flavor powerhouse that adds richness and a silky mouthfeel to the rice.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) chicken broth (or vegetable broth): Infuses savory depth and moistens the rice while baking.
- 1 1/2 cups water: Balances the liquid ratio, ensuring perfect tenderness without sogginess.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a gentle, aromatic punch that complements the butter and broth.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Brings subtle sweetness and warmth to the flavor profile.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance every bite and round out the dish.
How to Make Stick of Butter Baked Rice Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This moderate temperature ensures the rice cooks evenly, absorbing all those luscious flavors as it bakes slowly.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
Grab a 9×9-inch baking dish and spread the long-grain rice evenly across its bottom. Even distribution helps the rice cook uniformly, so every grain gets its share of buttery goodness.
Step 3: Add the Butter
Cut the stick of unsalted butter into smaller pieces and scatter them evenly over the rice. As it melts during baking, the butter infuses the rice, making every bite decadently rich.
Step 4: Add Broth, Water, and Seasonings
Pour in the chicken broth and water, then sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper over the mixture. Give it a gentle stir to combine everything without disturbing the rice layer too much.
Step 5: Bake Covered
Seal the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam, creating a perfect cooking environment. Bake for 1 hour, allowing the rice to absorb the buttery, savory liquid and become tender and fluffy.
Step 6: Fluff and Serve
Carefully remove the foil, then fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains and release steam. Your buttery, flavorful Stick of Butter Baked Rice Recipe is now ready to elevate any meal.
How to Serve Stick of Butter Baked Rice Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra color and texture, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives on top just before serving. A light dusting of grated Parmesan cheese can also add a savory edge that pairs wonderfully with the buttery rice.
Side Dishes
This baked rice is a perfect partner for a wide variety of dishes. Serve it alongside roasted chicken, seared steak, or pan-fried fish. It also complements vegetable stir-fries and hearty stews beautifully, making it a versatile staple in your dinner rotation.
Creative Ways to Present
Try molding the rice in small ramekins before plating for a charming presentation. You can also add roasted nuts or dried cranberries for an unexpected twist, turning a simple side dish into a conversation starter at any dinner party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Stick of Butter Baked Rice Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. It stays fresh and tasty for up to 3-4 days, making it convenient for quick lunches or reheated dinners.
Freezing
If you want to make a bigger batch, this rice freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, label, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth to revive moisture. You can also microwave the rice covered with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out, stirring every minute or so until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this recipe?
Brown rice has a different cooking time and texture, so if you want to use it, increase the baking time and liquid slightly. It may take around 1 hour and 30 minutes to bake fully, but the buttery flavors will still shine through beautifully.
Is it necessary to cover the rice tightly with foil?
Yes, covering the dish tightly traps steam inside, which is key for cooking the rice evenly and keeping it moist. Without the foil, the rice may dry out, and you won’t get the perfect fluffy texture.
Can I substitute the butter with olive oil?
While you can substitute olive oil, the dish won’t have the same rich, creamy mouthfeel that the full stick of butter provides. For a healthier twist, you might try half butter and half olive oil, but butter is really the star of this recipe.
What if I don’t have chicken broth on hand?
Vegetable broth is an excellent substitute and works just as well in this recipe. You can also use water, but the broth adds essential depth of flavor, making the rice taste more savory and satisfying.
Can I add vegetables or protein to bake with the rice?
Definitely! Adding diced vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or mushrooms can boost the nutrition and taste. You can also add cooked chicken chunks or cooked sausage for a one-dish meal. Just make sure any added ingredients are pre-cooked, as the bake time is designed for rice.
Final Thoughts
There really is nothing quite like the joy of a homemade Stick of Butter Baked Rice Recipe gracing your table. It’s the kind of dish that feels comforting yet special, simple yet full of flavor. Whether you’re making it for a casual weekday meal or a festive gathering, this rice recipe never disappoints. Trust me, once you try it, this buttery baked rice will find a permanent spot in your recipe box and your heart.
Print
Stick of Butter Baked Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Stick of Butter Baked Rice recipe is an easy, comforting side dish featuring tender long-grain white rice bathed in rich chicken broth and a whole stick of butter, baked to perfection in the oven. The garlic and onion powder add subtle savory notes, making it a wonderfully flavorful accompaniment for any meal.
Ingredients
Rice and Liquids
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 can (14.5 oz) chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 1/2 cups water
Butter and Seasonings
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the rice.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Place the rice evenly in a 9×9-inch baking dish, spreading it out to create an even layer.
- Add the Butter: Cut the stick of butter into pieces and arrange them evenly on top of the uncooked rice.
- Add Broth and Water: Pour the chicken broth and water over the rice and butter in the dish. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, as well as salt and pepper to your taste, mixing gently to combine.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap the steam and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
- Fluff and Serve: Once baked, carefully remove the foil and fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains before serving.
Notes
- Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt level in the dish.
- You can substitute vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- Make sure to cover the dish tightly with foil to ensure the rice steams properly during baking.
- This recipe is perfect as a side dish for roasted or grilled meats and vegetables.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
