Introduction

If you’re looking for a simple yet incredibly flavorful side dish, Stick of Butter Rice is the perfect choice! Not only is this easy, oven-baked rice recipe made with just a few pantry staples, but it also delivers rich, buttery goodness with every bite. Thanks to the combination of long-grain rice, beef broth, and a whole stick of butter, this dish turns out irresistibly savory and comforting. Best of all, it pairs well with almost any meal!

But what makes Stick of Butter Rice so special? And how can you make sure it turns out fluffy, buttery, and absolutely delicious every time? In this guide, we’ll cover:

The origins of this simple yet beloved dish
Which ingredients work best for perfect butter rice
Step-by-step instructions for making the best baked butter rice
Common mistakes to avoid for the best texture and flavor
Tasty variations to customize your butter rice recipe

What Is Stick of Butter Rice?

The Origins of Stick of Butter Rice

Despite its simple ingredients, Stick of Butter Rice has been a family-favorite comfort food for decades. While no one knows exactly where it originated, this dish has been passed down through Southern kitchens, where hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make recipes are always cherished.

Many people love this dish because:

It’s foolproof – Just mix everything, bake, and enjoy!
It pairs well with everything – Chicken, steak, or even veggies.
It’s packed with rich flavor – Thanks to butter and beef broth.

Even though this dish only requires a few ingredients, the key to its deep, savory taste is using quality rice, real butter, and a flavorful broth.

Why This Recipe Is So Popular

So, why do people swear by Stick of Butter Rice? Here’s why:

Minimal effort, maximum flavor – Just a handful of ingredients and no special cooking skills required.
Baked to perfection – Unlike stovetop rice, this oven-baked version comes out perfectly tender and rich every time.
Perfect for meal prep – Make a large batch and enjoy leftovers that taste even better the next day.

📌 Tip: The secret to the best Stick of Butter Rice is using the right type of rice and the best-quality butter. Let’s dive into how to choose the best ingredients!

Choosing the Best Ingredients for Stick of Butter Rice

To make Stick of Butter Rice truly rich and flavorful, it’s crucial to use the right ingredients. Although this recipe is simple, choosing high-quality components makes all the difference.

Best Type of Rice to Use

Not all rice is created equal! The type of rice you use will affect the texture and overall taste of your Stick of Butter Rice.

Long-grain white rice – The best choice! Stays fluffy and absorbs butter beautifully.
Basmati or jasmine rice – Adds a fragrant touch but may need slight adjustments in liquid.
Brown rice – Works but takes longer to cook and requires more broth.
Instant rice – Not recommended, as it turns mushy in this recipe.

📌 Tip: For best results, rinse your rice before cooking to remove excess starch, preventing it from becoming too sticky.

The Role of Butter & Other Key Ingredients

The butter in Stick of Butter Rice is what makes it irresistibly rich. Here’s why it’s essential:

Adds depth of flavor – The butter soaks into the rice, creating a silky, savory taste.
Creates a golden crust – When baked, the top layer develops a lightly crispy, buttery finish.
Balances the broth – The combination of butter and beef broth enhances the umami flavors.

📌 Tip: Use real butter, not margarine, for authentic taste and texture!

Butter is essential for Stick of Butter Rice, giving it a rich, creamy texture and deep flavor. It helps create a lightly crispy top layer while keeping the rice moist and buttery inside. Learn more about the history and uses of butter and why it’s such an important ingredient in cooking.

Other must-have ingredients include:

Beef broth – Adds richness and depth compared to water.
French onion soup mix – Enhances savory, umami flavors.
Seasonings like garlic powder or black pepper – Boosts the taste without overpowering.

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

Now that we’ve covered the best ingredients, let’s get into the step-by-step process of making Stick of Butter Rice! This recipe is super easy—just mix, bake, and enjoy.

Ingredients List for the Perfect Butter Rice

To make the best Stick of Butter Rice, you’ll need:

Main Ingredients:

1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked, rinsed)
1. (10.5 oz) can beef broth (or substitute with chicken broth)
1 (10.5 oz) can French onion soup
1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter (sliced into small cubes)

Optional Add-Ins for Extra Flavor:

1 teaspoon garlic powder (for a subtle garlic kick)
½ teaspoon black pepper (for slight heat)
½ teaspoon salt (adjust based on broth’s saltiness)
¼ cup sliced mushrooms (for added texture)
½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (for deeper umami flavor)

📌 Tip: If you love cheesy rice, sprinkle ¼ cup of shredded Parmesan over the rice before serving!

Detailed Cooking Instructions for the Best Results

📌 This method ensures your butter rice turns out perfectly fluffy and flavorful every time!

1: Preheat Your Oven

• Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

2: Combine the Ingredients

• In the baking dish, add the rinsed rice, beef broth, and French onion soup.
• Stir gently to mix the liquids with the rice.
• Evenly distribute the butter cubes across the top.

3: Bake Until Perfectly Tender

• Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
• Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed.
• Halfway through baking, stir gently to ensure even cooking.

4: Let It Rest & Serve

• Remove from the oven and let the rice sit for 5 minutes.
• Fluff the rice with a fork, ensuring the butter is evenly mixed.
• Serve warm with your favorite protein or vegetables!

📌 Tip: If you prefer a crispy top, uncover the rice for the last 10 minutes of baking.

I couldn’t find any highly relevant internal links for Stick of Butter Rice on pampamrecipes.com. However, you can add a related recipe suggestion like this:

📌 Looking for more comforting side dishes? Check out our delicious Rice-Based Recipes for more inspiration!

Nutritional Information – Is Butter Rice Healthy?

Stick of Butter Rice is undeniably delicious, but is it healthy? Let’s break down its nutritional profile and what makes it a hearty yet indulgent dish.

Health Benefits & Downsides of Butter Rice

Energy-rich meal – Packed with carbohydrates and fats, this dish provides a quick energy boost.
Source of good fats – Using real butter gives it a rich taste while adding beneficial fats.
Customizable – You can swap broth types, add veggies, or reduce butter to make it lighter.

However, there are a few downsides:

High in saturated fats – Butter adds flavor, but too much can increase cholesterol.
Sodium content – Canned broth and onion soup mix can be high in salt.
Carb-heavy – While satisfying, it may not be suitable for low-carb diets.

📌 Tip: Want a healthier version? Try using low-sodium broth, brown rice, and half the butter for a lighter alternative.

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Nutritional Breakdown Per 100g

Nutrient	Amount per 100g
Calories	320 kcal
Protein	5g
Fat	14g
Carbohydrates	40g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	420mg

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cooking Stick of Butter Rice

Even though this dish is super simple, a few mistakes can affect the flavor and texture. Here’s how to avoid them!

Why Your Rice Might Turn Out Mushy or Dry

If your Stick of Butter Rice doesn’t turn out just right, it could be due to:

Using the wrong rice – Short-grain or instant rice can make it too soft or sticky.
Not covering while baking – This traps moisture, so leaving it uncovered dries it out.
Too much liquid – Stick to the 1:2 rice-to-liquid ratio for fluffy rice.

📌 Tip: If the rice looks too wet, let it sit for 5 minutes before fluffing.

How to Get the Perfect Butter Flavor

Use high-quality butter – Real butter adds richness, while margarine lacks depth.
Distribute butter evenly – This helps the flavor spread evenly instead of pooling in one spot.
Don’t skimp on broth – Water makes it bland; a good-quality broth makes a difference!

📌 Tip: For an extra-rich taste, try browning the butter before adding it to the rice!

Best Variations & Additions to Stick of Butter Rice

Stick of Butter Rice is already a rich and flavorful dish, but you can easily customize it to suit your taste or make it even more delicious. Here are some tasty variations to try!

Cheesy Stick of Butter Rice

If you love cheesy, creamy rice, this variation is for you. Simply:

Add ½ cup of shredded cheese (cheddar, Parmesan, or Monterey Jack) in the last 10 minutes of baking.
Sprinkle extra cheese on top before serving for an extra cheesy bite.
Use a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for a gooey, melty texture.

📌 Tip: Want an ultra-creamy version? Stir in 2 tablespoons of cream cheese before serving!

Garlic & Herb Butter Rice

For a flavor-packed version, add fresh herbs and garlic:

Sauté 2 minced garlic cloves in butter before mixing with the rice.
Add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning or fresh chopped parsley.
Squeeze a little lemon juice after baking for a fresh, zesty kick.

📌 Tip: Want a spicier version? Add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a mild heat!

FAQs

What Is Stick of Butter Rice?

Stick of Butter Rice is an oven-baked rice dish made with long-grain rice, butter, beef broth, and French onion soup mix. Not only is it incredibly simple to prepare, but it’s also packed with a rich, buttery flavor that makes it a comforting favorite. Because of its ease and delicious taste, this dish has become a go-to side for many home cooks.

Is It Okay to Put Butter on Rice?

Absolutely! Butter enhances the flavor of rice, making it creamier and more satisfying. It also helps prevent the rice from sticking together.

How Much Butter Should You Use for Rice?

For this recipe, you’ll need ½ cup (1 stick) of butter. However, you can adjust the amount to your preference:

Use ¼ cup for a lighter version.
Use ¾ cup for extra richness.
Swap for olive oil if you want a healthier alternative.

Is Butter Rice Healthy?

While Stick of Butter Rice is delicious, it’s high in calories and fat due to the butter. You can make it healthier by:

Using less butter or swapping it with olive oil.
Choosing low-sodium broth to reduce salt intake.
Adding vegetables like mushrooms or peas for extra nutrients.

📌 Tip: Looking for more comforting rice dishes? Check out other easy rice recipes for more inspiration!

Key Tips for Storing and Reheating Stick of Butter Rice

Stick of Butter Rice is not only easy to make but also stores well for later meals. Whether you want to meal prep or save leftovers, here’s how to keep it fresh and reheat it properly.

How to Store Leftover Stick of Butter Rice

Refrigerate: Place cooled rice in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 2 months.
Avoid leaving at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent spoilage.

📌 Tip: Store rice in single-serving portions to make reheating easier!

How to Reheat Stick of Butter Rice Without Drying It Out

Rice can lose moisture when reheated, but these methods keep it fluffy and buttery:

Microwave: Add 1-2 tablespoons of broth or water, cover, and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway.
Stovetop: Warm in a non-stick pan over medium heat, adding a splash of broth and a small pat of butter.
Oven: Place in a covered baking dish with a little broth and bake at 300°F for about 10 minutes.

📌 Tip: Stir in a little extra butter when reheating to restore that rich, buttery texture!

Final Thoughts – Why You Should Try Stick of Butter Rice

By now, you’ve learned everything about Stick of Butter Rice—from choosing the best ingredients to cooking it perfectly and even adding fun variations. But why should you make this dish?

Why Stick of Butter Rice Is a Must-Try Dish

Easy to make – Just mix, bake, and enjoy!
Rich, savory flavor – Butter and broth create a deliciously deep taste.
Perfect side dish – Goes well with steak, chicken, or roasted veggies.
Customizable – Add cheese, herbs, or spices for different flavors.

Final Tip: Make It Your Own!

Whether you keep it classic or add your own twist, Stick of Butter Rice is sure to become a family favorite. Try it today and enjoy a dish that’s buttery, comforting, and completely irresistible!

📌 Want more easy, flavorful recipes? Check out our collection of comforting rice dishes for more inspiration!