When I was growing up, Sundays at Nonna’s house meant comfort food, laughter, and plenty of leftovers. While her roots were firmly Italian, she loved experimenting with flavors from around the world. One of her hidden gems? A dish she called “French Onion Rice.” Inspired by the rich, sweet flavors of French onion soup and the heartiness of an American casserole, it quickly became a family favorite. It’s buttery, savory, and beautifully simple — perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy side at a holiday table.
Today, I’m sharing my updated version of this classic, passed down with a little twist of nostalgia and a whole lot of flavor.
Why You’ll Love This French Onion Rice
- Simple Ingredients: Most are pantry staples!
- Versatile: A great side for chicken, beef, or even a vegetarian main.
- Comforting: Think of it as a hug in a bowl — with caramelized onion vibes.
Table of Contents
Ingredients (Serves 5)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) French onion soup (condensed)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) beef broth (or vegetable for vegetarian version)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional for extra flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Fresh parsley or chives (for garnish, optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the rice, French onion soup, broth, melted butter, and seasonings. If you’re adding fresh chopped onion, now’s the time. Stir until everything is well blended.
Step 3: Pour and Cover
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Cover tightly with aluminum foil — this helps the rice steam and stay tender while baking.
Step 4: Bake
Bake for 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the top is slightly golden and crispy.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before fluffing the rice. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives for a fresh pop of color and flavor.
Tips & Variations
- Add Cheese: Stir in shredded gruyère or mozzarella for a cheesy twist.
- Make it a Meal: Add cooked shredded chicken or mushrooms before baking to turn it into a full meal.
- Go Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium broth and soup to control the salt levels.
Pairing Suggestions
French Onion Rice pairs beautifully with:
- Grilled steak or roast chicken
- A crisp green salad
- Roasted vegetables or glazed carrots
It’s also a fantastic side for BBQs or potluck dinners — it disappears fast!
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth to keep it moist.
Why This Recipe Works
This dish brings together the caramelized depth of French onion flavor and the comforting texture of oven-baked rice. The butter infuses the grains with richness, while baking develops a golden top layer — the best part if you ask me!
Print
French Onion Rice
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 60
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American (with French inspiration)
Description
Savor the rich, savory flavors of French Onion Rice—an easy side dish that turns any meal into comfort food. Try this cozy recipe today!
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) French onion soup (condensed)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) beef broth (or vegetable for vegetarian version)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional for extra flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Fresh parsley or chives (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the rice, French onion soup, broth, melted butter, and seasonings. If you’re adding fresh chopped onion, now’s the time. Stir until everything is well blended.
Step 3: Pour and Cover
- Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Cover tightly with aluminum foil — this helps the rice steam and stay tender while baking.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake for 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the top is slightly golden and crispy.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before fluffing the rice. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives for a fresh pop of color and flavor.
Notes
- Add Cheese: Stir in shredded gruyère or mozzarella for a cheesy twist.
- Make it a Meal: Add cooked shredded chicken or mushrooms before baking to turn it into a full meal.
- Go Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium broth and soup to control the salt levels.
Keywords: french onion rice, baked rice recipe, easy rice casserole, comfort food, oven rice, nostalgic recipes, rice side dish, holiday sides, family recipes
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can substitute with brown rice, but keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook. Increase the baking time by 15–20 minutes and add an additional 1/4 cup of broth to prevent dryness.
2. Is French Onion Rice vegetarian?
The classic recipe uses beef broth and French onion soup, which typically contains beef stock. For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and a vegetarian-friendly French onion soup (read the label to check for hidden animal-based ingredients).
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before placing it in the oven.
4. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or stovetop with a splash of broth to revive its texture.
