Stick of Butter Rice

Looking for a ridiculously simple yet insanely delicious side dish? Stick of Butter Rice is the answer! If you’ve never heard of it, you’re in for a treat. This buttery, savory, and slightly nutty rice dish is the kind of comfort food that makes you close your eyes after the first bite. And the best part? It takes minimal effort—just mix, bake, and enjoy.

Now, let’s be real. The name itself gives away the secret ingredient: a whole stick of butter. Yep, we’re not counting calories today! But trust me, that rich, buttery flavor is what makes this dish unforgettable. Plus, it pairs perfectly with almost any main course, making it a must-have in your recipe collection.

“This rice is so good, it could steal the spotlight from the main dish!” – Everyone who’s ever tried it.

Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a holiday gathering, or just because you’re craving something delicious, Stick of Butter Rice is sure to impress. Let’s dive into the details!

What is Stick of Butter Rice?

If you’re wondering what exactly Stick of Butter Rice is, think of it as a baked rice dish that transforms simple ingredients into something magical. It’s usually made with white rice, butter, beef broth (or another broth of choice), and seasonings. Some people call it butter baked rice, while others refer to it as southern-style buttery rice. Regardless of the name, it’s a dish that’s loved for its rich flavor and effortless cooking process.

Why Is It So Popular?

So, why do people go crazy for Stick of Butter Rice? Let’s break it down:

• Super easy to make: No fancy techniques or equipment required. If you can stir ingredients in a baking dish, you can make this rice.
• Insanely flavorful: The butter soaks into the rice, making it rich and packed with savory goodness.
• Pairs well with everything: From steak to chicken to seafood, this rice plays well with any main dish.
• Customizable: You can tweak the ingredients to match your taste (we’ll talk about variations later).
• Great for feeding a crowd: Since it’s baked, you can easily double or triple the recipe for larger gatherings.

Now that you’re convinced it’s worth trying, let’s talk about what you’ll need.

Ingredients Needed for Stick of Butter Rice

This dish is all about simple ingredients working together in perfect harmony. Here’s what you’ll need:

The Star Ingredient: Butter

Let’s talk about the real MVP here—butter. It gives the rice its signature richness and velvety texture. While some people use margarine or butter substitutes, nothing quite compares to real butter. If you want that melt-in-your-mouth experience, don’t skimp on this ingredient.

Best Type of Rice to Use

For the perfect Stick of Butter Rice, long-grain white rice is the best choice. It absorbs the buttery broth beautifully without turning mushy. If you prefer a slightly different texture, here are some options:

• Basmati Rice: Adds a slight nuttiness to the dish.
• Jasmine Rice: Slightly softer and more aromatic.
• Brown Rice: A healthier option, but it requires more broth and longer cooking time.
• Wild Rice Mix: Gives the dish a rustic, earthy flavor.

Broth and Seasonings for Extra Flavor

While butter is the heart of this dish, the broth is the soul. Beef broth is the most common choice because it gives the rice a deep, umami-packed flavor. However, you can easily swap it out:

• Chicken broth: Lighter but still flavorful.
• Vegetable broth: Great for a vegetarian-friendly version.
• Bone broth: Adds extra nutrients and a rich taste.

For an extra punch of flavor, some people add a can of French onion soup. It brings a slight sweetness and caramelized onion depth that takes this rice to another level.

How to Make Stick of Butter Rice – Step-by-Step Guide

Alright, enough talking. Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a perfect batch of Stick of Butter Rice in no time.

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a 9×9-inch baking dish or something similar in size. You don’t need to grease it—remember, we’re adding butter!

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

In the baking dish, mix together:

• 1 cup of uncooked white rice
• 2 ½ cups of broth
• 1 can of French onion soup (if using)
• ½ teaspoon of salt
• ½ teaspoon of black pepper
• ½ teaspoon of garlic powder

Stir everything together so that the seasonings are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Add the Butter

Now for the magic touch—the stick of butter. Slice it into small cubes and scatter them on top of the rice mixture. As it bakes, the butter will melt and seep into every grain, creating that irresistibly rich texture.

Step 4: Bake It

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 45-50 minutes. The rice will absorb all the liquid and become fluffy, buttery perfection.

Step 5: Fluff and Serve

Once done, remove it from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes. Use a fork to fluff the rice before serving.

Tip: If you like a crispy top layer, remove the foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.

That’s it! In just under an hour, you’ve got a rich, buttery side dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even though Stick of Butter Rice is a simple dish, a few missteps can mess up the texture or flavor. Let’s go over the most common mistakes and how to fix them.

Using the Wrong Type of Rice

Not all rice is created equal! If you use short-grain or sticky rice, you might end up with a mushy, clumpy mess instead of separate, fluffy grains.

Fix: Stick with long-grain white rice, basmati, or jasmine rice for the best results.

Not Enough Liquid or Overcooking

If your rice turns out too dry or hard, you probably didn’t add enough liquid. On the other hand, if it’s too mushy, you may have added too much broth or cooked it for too long.

Fix: The ideal ratio is 1 cup of rice to 2 ½ cups of liquid. Stick to the baking time of 45-50 minutes at 375°F.

How to Prevent Mushy or Undercooked Rice

Ever bite into your rice and find some grains crunchy while others are mushy? That usually happens when the liquid isn’t evenly distributed.

Fix: Give everything a good stir before baking and cover it tightly with foil to trap the steam.

Variations and Add-Ins for Stick of Butter Rice

One of the best things about this dish is how customizable it is! Here are some fun ways to put your own twist on it.

Garlic Butter Rice for Extra Flavor

If you’re a garlic lover, this version is for you! Simply add 1-2 cloves of minced garlic or 1 teaspoon of garlic powder to the rice mixture before baking. The result? A fragrant, garlicky masterpiece.

Cheesy Stick of Butter Rice

Want to take this dish to the next level? Add cheese! Stir in ½ cup of shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan right before serving. It melts beautifully and adds an extra layer of richness.

Adding Vegetables for a Healthier Twist

For a more balanced meal, toss in some veggies:

• Mushrooms: Adds a deep, earthy flavor.
• Bell Peppers: Gives the dish a little sweetness and crunch.
• Peas or Carrots: Perfect for a pop of color and extra nutrients.
• Spinach: Stir in fresh spinach right after baking for added greens.

Protein Additions: Chicken, Shrimp, or Sausage

If you want to turn Stick of Butter Rice into a one-pan meal, try adding protein:

• Chicken: Dice up cooked rotisserie chicken and mix it in after baking.
• Shrimp: Toss in some cooked shrimp for a seafood twist.
• Sausage: Brown some smoked sausage slices and stir them into the rice before baking.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Stick of Butter Rice is a fantastic side dish that pairs well with all kinds of meals. Here are some of the best ways to serve it.

Best Main Dishes to Serve with Butter Rice

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Have leftovers? Lucky you! Stick of Butter Rice stores well and reheats beautifully.

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Let it cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Add a splash of broth or butter and microwave for 1-2 minutes, or warm it up on the stovetop.

Tip: If reheating in the oven, cover the dish with foil and bake at 300°F for 10-15 minutes.

Health Considerations of Stick of Butter Rice

Let’s be honest—this dish is not exactly diet food. But hey, a little indulgence now and then never hurt anyone! That said, if you’re watching your intake, here’s what you need to know.

Caloric and Nutritional Breakdown

Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional content per serving (1 cup):

The biggest contributors to the calorie count? Butter and broth. But don’t worry—there are ways to lighten it up.

Healthier Substitutions: Can You Make It Lighter?

If you’re looking for a healthier version of Stick of Butter Rice, try these swaps:

• Use half the butter: Cutting back to ¼ cup still gives great flavor.
• Swap white rice for brown rice or quinoa: This adds fiber and protein.
• Use low-sodium broth: Helps reduce the sodium content.
• Try olive oil instead of butter: You’ll get a healthier fat profile while keeping the richness.

It won’t be exactly the same, but it’ll still be delicious!

Pro Tips for the Best Stick of Butter Rice

Want to make sure your Stick of Butter Rice turns out perfect every time? Here are some pro tips to keep in mind.

1. Toast the Rice First

For an extra depth of flavor, toast the uncooked rice in a dry skillet for 3-4 minutes before mixing it with the broth. This gives it a slightly nutty taste and prevents it from becoming mushy.

2. Use a Glass or Ceramic Baking Dish

Stick of Butter Rice bakes best in glass or ceramic dishes. Metal pans tend to heat unevenly, which can cause some parts to overcook while others stay undercooked.

3. Don’t Stir During Baking

Unlike stovetop rice, you don’t want to stir this dish while it’s in the oven. Stirring releases starch, which can make the rice gummy.

4. Let It Rest Before Serving

Once it’s out of the oven, give it 5-10 minutes to rest before fluffing it with a fork. This allows the steam to settle and gives you a better texture.

5. Make It Ahead of Time

Need to prep in advance? No problem! You can assemble everything the night before, cover it, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven (you may need to add 5 extra minutes to the baking time).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Still got questions about Stick of Butter Rice? No worries—I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common questions people ask.

Can You Make Stick of Butter Rice in a Rice Cooker?

Absolutely! While the oven-baked method gives it that rich, deep flavor, you can totally make it in a rice cooker if you’re short on time.

How to do it: Combine all ingredients in your rice cooker, stir well, and press the “white rice” setting. Once it’s done, let it sit for 5 minutes, fluff it up, and serve.

Note: You may need to reduce the liquid slightly (use about 2 cups instead of 2 ½) since rice cookers trap steam better than ovens.

What Are the Best Herbs and Spices to Add?

If you want to jazz up your Stick of Butter Rice even more, here are some great flavor boosters:

• Parsley: Adds freshness and color.
• Thyme or Rosemary: Brings in earthy, herby notes.
• Paprika: Gives a subtle smoky depth.
• Cajun Seasoning: Adds a bit of heat!
• Onion Powder: Enhances the savory taste.

Can You Use Margarine Instead of Butter?

You can, but let’s be honest—it won’t be quite the same. Margarine has less fat and more water, so it might not give you that same rich, buttery texture. But if you need a dairy-free alternative, try vegan butter or even olive oil for a healthier twist.

Is This Dish Gluten-Free?

Yep! As long as your broth and French onion soup are gluten-free, Stick of Butter Rice is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check labels, as some broths and soups contain hidden gluten.

How Do You Make It More Creamy?

If you’re in the mood for something even creamier, try this:

• Add ½ cup of heavy cream or sour cream before baking.
• Stir in cream cheese for a richer texture.
• Mix in melted cheddar or parmesan right before serving.

Why You Should Try Stick of Butter Rice Today

So, what makes Stick of Butter Rice such a must-try dish? It’s easy, flavorful, and pairs well with just about anything. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a holiday feast, this buttery, savory rice is sure to be a hit.

And the best part? You can customize it however you like. Add garlic, cheese, veggies, or even protein to turn it into a full meal. Once you try it, you’ll understand why this dish is a favorite in so many households!

“This is one of those recipes that once you make it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!” – Every butter rice lover.

So go ahead—grab that stick of butter and start cooking! Your taste buds will thank you.

Stick of Butter Rice

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• Author: Chef Grace
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

A rich and flavorful buttery rice dish that’s simple to make yet incredibly delicious. Perfect as a side for any meal!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Ingredients:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups beef or vegetable broth
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a baking dish, add the rice, broth, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
• Cover tightly with foil and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.
• Remove from the oven, fluff with a fork, and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.

• Prep Time: 5 min
• Cook Time: 40 min

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