Name: French Onion Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup long grain white rice; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped; 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed French onion soup; 1 (10.5 oz) can beef broth; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese; Chopped parsley for garnish

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If you crave comfort food with a punch of savory depth, French Onion Rice will absolutely steal your heart and become a regular on your table. Imagine the rich, caramelized flavor of classic French onion soup, but nestled into fluffy, buttery rice and finished with an irresistible cheesy topping. This dish turns a humble pantry staple into something extraordinary, perfect for weeknights or special occasions. Whether you’re serving it as a hearty side or letting it shine as the centerpiece, French Onion Rice is the ultimate cozy, crowd-pleasing favorite you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple, relying on everyday ingredients that each play a key role in building layers of flavor, mouthwatering aroma, and that signature golden color. Gather everything below, and you’ll be set for the most delicious French Onion Rice in under an hour.

Long grain white rice: Fluffy, separate grains that soak up every drop of that savory broth.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps the onions caramelize beautifully.
Yellow onion (finely chopped): The true star, lending sweetness and depth to every bite.
Condensed French onion soup: Delivers bold, classic flavor with ease—no hours spent at the stove required!
Beef broth: Infuses the rice with hearty, savory notes and keeps everything moist.
Garlic powder: A touch of extra flavor that complements the onions perfectly.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning—taste as you go for the perfect balance.
Shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese (optional): For a gooey, golden finish that makes this dish unforgettable.
Chopped parsley (optional): A fresh pop of color and brightness to garnish your finished French Onion Rice.

How to Make French Onion Rice

Step 1: Prepare and Sauté the Onions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when you are. In a medium oven-safe skillet or baking dish, melt the butter over medium heat. Add those finely chopped onions and let them cook, stirring occasionally, until they’re soft, golden, and smelling absolutely incredible—about 5 to 7 minutes. This step is where you start building all that sweet, savory flavor.

Step 2: Toast the Rice

Next, stir the rice right into the buttery, golden onions. Let it cook for another minute or two, just until the grains look a bit translucent and pick up some toasty notes. This quick toasting step gives your French Onion Rice even more flavor and helps keep the grains fluffy.

Step 3: Add Broth, Soup, and Seasonings

Pour in the condensed French onion soup, beef broth, garlic powder, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together to combine, making sure that all the rice is evenly coated in that luscious, savory liquid. This is where all the magic happens!

Step 4: Bake Until Tender

Cover your skillet or baking dish tightly with foil. Slide it into the oven and let it bake for about 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the rice is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed. No peeking—letting the rice steam undisturbed is the secret to perfect texture.

Step 5: Fluff, Cheese, and Serve

Remove the dish from the oven and carefully fluff the rice with a fork. If you’re a cheese lover (who isn’t?), sprinkle shredded mozzarella or Swiss over the top, then return the dish to the oven uncovered for 5 to 7 minutes. The cheese will melt into a bubbly, golden crown. Finish it all off with a sprinkle of chopped parsley, and your French Onion Rice is ready to steal the show!

How to Serve French Onion Rice

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley not only looks gorgeous but also adds a refreshing contrast to the rich, savory rice. If you want to go all out, a little extra cheese or even a few crispy fried onions on top will make French Onion Rice feel extra special.

Side Dishes

This dish is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with so many things. Try serving French Onion Rice alongside juicy steak, roasted chicken, or even some simple grilled veggies. It’s also a fantastic addition to a holiday table, balancing out heavier mains with its savory, comforting flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, spoon your French Onion Rice into mini ramekins and top each with cheese before broiling—everyone gets their own bubbling, cheesy portion! Or, use it as a base for a cozy rice bowl with sautéed mushrooms, roasted veggies, or even a soft-cooked egg for a weeknight dinner that feels restaurant-worthy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover French Onion Rice keeps beautifully in the refrigerator. Simply transfer it to an airtight container once it’s cooled, and it’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days. You’ll love having it on hand for quick lunches or easy dinners!

Freezing

If you want to freeze your French Onion Rice, let it cool completely, then pack it into airtight, freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To bring back that just-baked texture, reheat the rice gently in the microwave or in a covered skillet over low heat. You can add a splash of broth or water if it seems dry, and don’t forget to refresh it with an extra sprinkle of cheese or parsley just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice works, but it will need a longer baking time (about 60–70 minutes) and possibly a bit more broth since it takes longer to cook. The flavor will be nuttier and just as delicious.

Is there a way to make French Onion Rice vegetarian?

Yes, simply swap the beef broth and condensed French onion soup for their vegetarian counterparts. The dish will still be packed with flavor and just as satisfying!

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Definitely! French Onion Rice is a fantastic make-ahead dish. Prepare it up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate. When you’re ready, bake as directed, adding a couple of extra minutes if needed.

What kind of cheese is best for the topping?

Both mozzarella and Swiss cheese melt beautifully and complement the savory flavors, but Gruyère is also a classic, especially if you want a more French onion soup-inspired taste. Feel free to use your favorite or mix them for extra flavor!

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes! Just use a larger baking dish and make sure to stir the ingredients well so everything bakes evenly. Add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed, and you’ll have plenty of French Onion Rice for everyone.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this French Onion Rice, you’ll understand why it’s such a beloved favorite in my kitchen. It’s easy, deeply flavorful, and always impresses—whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself. Give it a go, and let this savory, cheesy comfort dish become your new go-to side!

French Onion Rice Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This French Onion Rice recipe is a comforting and flavorful baked side dish that combines tender long grain white rice with rich condensed French onion soup and beef broth. Enhanced by sautéed onions and optionally topped with melted mozzarella or Swiss cheese, it delivers a perfect blend of creamy, savory goodness that pairs wonderfully with steak, chicken, or roasted vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale

Rice Mixture

1 cup long grain white rice
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
1 (10.5 oz) can condensed French onion soup
1 (10.5 oz) can beef broth
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Topping

1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
Chopped parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the rice.
Sauté Onions: In a medium oven-safe skillet or baking dish, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped yellow onion and sauté for 5–7 minutes until soft and golden, bringing out their natural sweetness.
Add Rice and Toast: Stir in the long grain white rice, cooking it for 1–2 minutes to lightly toast the grains, enhancing the flavor and texture.
Combine Ingredients: Pour in the condensed French onion soup, beef broth, and sprinkle in the garlic powder along with salt and pepper to taste. Stir the mixture to combine everything evenly.
Bake Covered: Cover the skillet or baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and bake for 40–45 minutes. Bake until the rice is tender and all liquid has been absorbed.
Fluff Rice: Remove the foil and fork-fluff the rice to separate the grains for a light, fluffy texture.
Add Cheese (Optional): If using cheese, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 5–7 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Finish by garnishing with chopped parsley for a fresh finish. Serve the French Onion Rice warm as a delicious side dish.

Notes

To make this recipe vegetarian, substitute the beef broth and condensed French onion soup with vegetable broth and a vegetarian onion soup alternative.
This dish pairs excellently with steak, chicken, or a variety of roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American