French Onion Butter Rice

Introduction

French Onion Butter Rice is a comforting and flavorful side dish that takes simple ingredients to the next level. Caramelized onions add a rich sweetness, while herbs and Parmesan create a savory finish. It’s perfect alongside roasted meats or vegetables.

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onions are golden brown and caramelized, about 15 minutes.
2. Step 2: Add the rice to the saucepan with the onions and stir to coat the grains in butter. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the rice is slightly toasted.
3. Step 3: Pour in the beef broth, garlic powder, and thyme. Stir well, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
4. Step 4: Remove the pan from heat and fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in Parmesan cheese if using. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste.
5. Step 5: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use chicken broth instead of beef broth for a milder flavor.
• For extra richness, add a small knob of butter when fluffing the rice.
• Try adding a splash of white wine before simmering for depth.
• Substitute mozzarella or gruyere cheese for a different twist.

Storage

Store leftover rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to keep it moist, or microwave covered until heated through.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice can be used, but it will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust broth and simmer accordingly to ensure the rice cooks fully.

What if I don’t have fresh onions?

Frozen sliced onions can be used in a pinch, but fresh onions caramelize better and provide more flavor. Avoid pre-cooked or canned onions for this recipe.

French Onion Butter Rice

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 148 reviews

French Onion Butter Rice is a comforting and flavorful side dish that combines the richness of caramelized onions with tender, buttery long-grain white rice. Infused with garlic, thyme, and optional Parmesan cheese, this recipe offers a delicious twist on a classic rice preparation, perfect to accompany meats or vegetables.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 23 minutes
• Total Time: 33 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: French-inspired

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Caramelize the Onions: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onions become golden brown and caramelized, about 15 minutes. This develops a deep, sweet flavor that forms the base of the dish.
2. Toast the Rice: Add the rice to the saucepan with the caramelized onions and stir well to coat each grain with the butter. Continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes to slightly toast the rice, which enhances its nutty flavor.
3. Simmer: Pour in the beef broth along with the garlic powder and dried thyme. Stir everything together, then bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the rice simmer gently for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed.
4. Finish & Serve: Remove the saucepan from heat. Fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese if using, and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
5. Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the rice before serving to add a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve warm alongside your favorite main dishes.

Notes

• Using beef broth adds a richer flavor, but chicken broth or vegetable broth can be used as alternatives.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute broth with vegetable stock and omit Parmesan or use a vegan cheese alternative.
• If you prefer a stronger onion flavor, caramelize the onions a little longer until deeply browned but not burnt.
• Make sure to toast the rice briefly before simmering to prevent it from being mushy and to boost flavor.
• Adjust seasonings to your taste, especially salt, since broth and Parmesan contribute saltiness.

Keywords: French onion rice, butter rice, caramelized onion rice, savory rice side dish, easy rice recipe, side dish with onions