Name: French Onion Soup Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: French-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme); 1 cup long-grain white rice; 2 cups beef broth; ½ cup dry white wine (optional, can substitute with more broth); 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese; ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

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French Onion Soup Rice is everything you love about the classic bistro soup, wrapped up in an irresistibly cozy rice dish. Imagine the deep, caramelized sweetness of onions, the rich hug of beef broth, melty cheeses, and the simple comfort only a steaming forkful of rice can provide. This is a recipe that brings big flavor without much fuss, bound to win hearts whether you serve it as a star side or a main event all its own.

French Onion Soup Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of French Onion Soup Rice is in its handful of humble, everyday ingredients that work magic when combined. Each item plays a special part: onions for deep flavor, rice for substance, cheese for that crave-worthy finish, and brothy goodness to tie it all together.

Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps caramelize the onions for authentic French onion flavor.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Prevents the butter from burning while bringing a touch of fruity complexity.
Yellow onions, thinly sliced (2 large): The backbone of the dish, providing sweet, savory depth.
Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Lends aromatic warmth that pairs perfectly with the onions.
Fresh thyme leaves (1 teaspoon) or dried thyme (1/2 teaspoon): A sprinkle of herby brightness for that French bistro aroma.
Long-grain white rice (1 cup): The canvas that soaks up all the savory flavors without getting mushy.
Beef broth (2 cups): Intensifies the soup-like depth; use a good-quality broth for best results.
Dry white wine (1/2 cup, optional): Adds acidity and balance, but more broth works just fine if you skip it.
Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Brings umami and that savory “can’t-put-your-finger-on-it” depth.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors without overwhelming.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A subtle kick to round things out.
Gruyère cheese, shredded (1 cup): Essential for that classic French onion soup stretch and flavor.
Mozzarella cheese, shredded (1/2 cup): Melts beautifully for extra gooeyness.
Fresh parsley, chopped (2 tablespoons): A vibrant, herby finishing touch for color and freshness.

How to Make French Onion Soup Rice

Step 1: Caramelize Those Onions

Set a large skillet or saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the butter and olive oil, letting them melt together and start to sizzle. Toss in the sliced onions and take your time—stir the onions regularly so they soften, then turn gorgeously golden and caramel-sweet after about 25 to 30 minutes. Patience is the secret sauce here; the slower, the better!

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Once the onions are caramelized, stir in the chopped garlic and a sprinkle of thyme. Let them cook for just a minute, releasing their perfume and waking up the pan. Suddenly, your kitchen will smell like a Parisian café in late autumn!

Step 3: Toast the Rice

Pour the uncooked rice right into the onion mixture and stir well. This simple step toasts the rice a bit, which gives it extra flavor and helps it absorb all the brothy goodness you’ll add next.

Step 4: Simmer with Broth and Wine

Pour in the beef broth, wine (if using), and Worcestershire sauce. Add your salt and pepper, then give everything a good stir. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Let the rice cook undisturbed for 18 to 20 minutes, until the grains are tender and the liquid is mostly gone.

Step 5: Add the Cheese and Fluff

Take the pot off the heat and fluff the rice gently with a fork, savoring the aroma. Sprinkle the Gruyère and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top, then cover the pot for two more minutes. The cheese will melt into dreamy ribbons over your French Onion Soup Rice. Uncover and shower on the parsley for a pop of green.

How to Serve French Onion Soup Rice

Garnishes

For that picture-perfect finish, add a little extra chopped parsley on top, along with a few extra thyme leaves or even a crack of fresh black pepper. If you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of crispy fried onions or a scattering of golden breadcrumbs is a lovely nod to classic French onion soup.

Side Dishes

French Onion Soup Rice plays well with almost anything. It’s perfect alongside a garlicky roast chicken, seared steaks, or grilled mushrooms for a vegetarian plate. A crisp green salad dressed in sharp vinaigrette or simple steamed green beans brings freshness and balance to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive family dinner, serve the rice straight from the skillet at the table for a rustic feel. Or, spoon it into ramekins, top with an extra slice of Gruyère, and broil for a few minutes—just like French onion soup itself. For gatherings, try stuffing bell peppers or tomatoes with French Onion Soup Rice, then bake until bubbling and golden.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pack any leftover French Onion Soup Rice into an airtight container, and slide it into the fridge as soon as it’s cooled. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making it a wonderful meal-prep option or next-day lunch.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze French Onion Soup Rice! Cool it completely, spoon into freezer-safe containers or bags, and freeze for up to two months. Be sure to label it, so you can find this comforting treasure when you need it most.

Reheating

Gently reheat individual portions in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to loosen things up, or warm larger amounts on the stove over low heat. Stir often, and consider sprinkling on a fresh handful of cheese just before serving for melty magic all over again.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely, but you’ll need to adjust the liquid and cooking time. Brown rice typically needs more broth and around 45 minutes to cook through. The result will be a nuttier, heartier French Onion Soup Rice.

Is there a vegetarian-friendly substitute for beef broth?

Definitely! Opt for a rich vegetable broth or a mushroom broth to keep the depth of flavor while making the dish completely vegetarian. You might even add a splash of soy sauce for extra umami.

What if I don’t have Gruyère cheese?

No Gruyère? No problem. Swiss, Emmental, or even a sharp white cheddar will still give you that classic, melty French Onion Soup Rice vibe—just be sure to use a cheese that melts smoothly.

Can I add protein to make it a main dish?

Sure thing! Stirring in sautéed mushrooms, crumbled veggie sausage, or even cooked shredded chicken will bulk up this dish and transform it from a side into a satisfying entrée.

What wine pairs best with French Onion Soup Rice?

A crisp, dry white such as Sauvignon Blanc or an unoaked Chardonnay makes a lovely pairing, echoing the flavors in the dish. Prefer red? A light Pinot Noir is great, too, especially if serving with beef or mushrooms.

Final Thoughts

If you love cozy, irresistible comfort food, you’ll want to make French Onion Soup Rice part of your regular rotation. With its simple techniques and wow-factor flavor, it brings all the elegance of French cooking right to your home kitchen. Go ahead—give this recipe a try, and let it warm your weeknight or impress your guests!

French Onion Soup Rice Recipe

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4.5 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

French Onion Soup Rice is a delightful twist on the classic soup, combining caramelized onions, gooey cheese, and tender rice into a comforting dish that’s perfect as a side or vegetarian main.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
1 cup long-grain white rice

Additional Ingredients:

2 cups beef broth
½ cup dry white wine (optional, can substitute with more broth)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

Caramelize Onions: In a skillet, cook onions in butter and olive oil until caramelized. Add garlic and thyme.
Add Rice: Stir in rice and toast. Pour in broth, wine, and Worcestershire sauce.
Cook: Simmer covered until rice is tender. Fluff with a fork.
Add Cheese: Sprinkle Gruyère and mozzarella, melt, and garnish with parsley.
Serve: Enjoy warm as a side or main dish.