If you have ever craved a comforting, buttery, and perfectly tender rice dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then the Stick of Butter Baked Rice Recipe is exactly what you need in your culinary arsenal. This simple yet spectacular recipe turns ordinary rice into an extraordinary side that melts in your mouth, thanks to a full stick of butter and savory broth baking together in harmony. It’s no wonder this baked rice has become a beloved classic for cozy family dinners or special gatherings where you want to impress without fussing around for hours.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These straightforward ingredients come together to create a rich, flavorful, and satisfyingly tender rice dish. Each component plays an essential role, from the creamy butter infusing every grain, to the broth elevating the taste beyond plain water, and seasonings that bring just the right hint of savory goodness.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice: This rice cooks up fluffy and light, making it the perfect base for baking.
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter: The star of the dish, adding richness and a silky texture throughout the rice.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) chicken broth (or vegetable broth): Adds depth of flavor, turning simple rice into a savory delight.
- 1 1/2 cups water: Balances the liquid needed for perfect rice absorption without diluting flavors.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a mellow, aromatic punch that complements the butter beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and savory notes for complexity.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance all the other flavors.
How to Make Stick of Butter Baked Rice Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). A properly preheated oven ensures the rice cooks evenly and that buttery aroma infuses every bite.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
Grab a 9×9-inch baking dish and pour the rice inside. Spread it out evenly so each grain has room to absorb moisture and cook uniformly without clumping.
Step 3: Add the Butter
Cut your stick of butter into pieces and scatter it across the top of the rice. As it melts during baking, the butter will soak into the rice, creating a luscious, creamy texture that’s simply irresistible.
Step 4: Add Broth and Water
Pour in both the chicken broth and water. Then sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, plus salt and pepper to your liking. Give everything a gentle stir to combine the seasonings with the liquids just enough to distribute flavors without disturbing the butter chunks.
Step 5: Bake
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and moisture. Slide it into the oven and let it bake for one hour. This slow, gentle cooking method cooks the rice tender and infuses it deeply with buttery, savory goodness.
Step 6: Fluff and Serve
Once baked, carefully remove the foil, then fluff the rice gently with a fork. Fluffing releases excess steam and separates the grains for that light, fluffy finish that makes the Stick of Butter Baked Rice Recipe so delightful.
How to Serve Stick of Butter Baked Rice Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this dish visually and flavor-wise, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top. These bright green herbs add a pop of color and a fresh, slightly vibrant contrast to that comforting buttery base.
Side Dishes
The buttery richness of the baked rice pairs beautifully with grilled or roasted meats like chicken, pork chops, or steak. It also works wonderfully alongside sautéed vegetables or a crisp green salad to balance the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider baking the rice directly in individual ramekins topped with a small dollop of herb butter for a personal touch. Or serve it nestled under a saucy stew or curry to soak up every flavorful drop. The versatility of the Stick of Butter Baked Rice Recipe means it can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover baked rice should be cooled to room temperature and transferred to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it keeps fresh for up to 4 days, making for quick and comforting meal additions.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked rice in suitable portions for up to 2 months. Just be sure to use freezer-safe containers or bags, and label with the date so you can enjoy this buttery delight anytime you want without preparing from scratch.
Reheating
To reheat, sprinkle a little water over the rice to add moisture, then microwave covered or warm it gently on the stove in a pan until hot and fluffy again. This will help restore its soft, buttery texture and prevent dryness.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in the Stick of Butter Baked Rice Recipe?
Brown rice has a longer cooking time and requires more liquid, so it isn’t ideal to swap directly in this recipe. If you want to try it, adjust the baking time and increase the broth and water accordingly for best results.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan-friendly?
Absolutely! Simply use a plant-based butter substitute and vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and you’ll still enjoy all the rich, comforting flavors this recipe has to offer.
Can I add vegetables or proteins directly to the baked rice?
You can! Adding finely chopped vegetables or cooked protein can make this a more complete dish. Just make sure any additions are evenly chopped and pre-cooked if needed, then stir them in before baking.
Why should I cover the dish with foil during baking?
Covering the rice traps steam, which is crucial for cooking the rice evenly and keeping it moist. The foil also helps the butter melt into the rice thoroughly without drying the top.
What if I don’t have a 9×9-inch baking dish? Can I use another size?
Yes, you can use a similarly sized oven-safe casserole dish. Just ensure it’s big enough to allow the rice room to spread out for even cooking. Adjust baking times slightly if your dish is much larger or smaller.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a cozy, buttery side that’s both effortless and incredibly delicious, you can’t go wrong with the Stick of Butter Baked Rice Recipe. It’s one of those magical comfort foods that feels like it took hours but really comes together with just a few simple steps. I hope you give it a try soon—it might just become your go-to recipe for any meal that calls for a little extra love on the plate.
Print
Stick of Butter Baked Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Stick of Butter Baked Rice recipe features long-grain white rice baked to perfection with a generous stick of unsalted butter and savory chicken broth, resulting in a rich, fluffy, and flavorful side dish. Perfect for pairing with your favorite main courses, this easy oven-baked rice combines garlic and onion powder with simple seasoning for a delicious, hands-off meal accompaniment.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1 can (14.5 oz) chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure the rice cooks evenly and the butter melts perfectly during baking.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Spread the 1 cup of long-grain white rice evenly in a 9×9-inch baking dish to allow uniform cooking.
- Add the Butter: Place the stick of unsalted butter, cut into pieces, evenly distributed on top of the rice to infuse richness.
- Add Broth and Water: Pour in the 14.5 oz chicken broth and 1 1/2 cups water; then add 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir gently to combine the flavors evenly.
- Bake: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam, then bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour until the rice is fully cooked and fluffy.
- Fluff and Serve: Once baked, remove the foil and fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains before serving hot as a hearty side dish.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Ensure the baking dish is tightly covered with foil to prevent moisture loss.
- Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the dish better.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- This recipe can be doubled for a larger crowd using a bigger baking dish.
