Did You Know the Secret to the World’s Creamiest Rice Involves an Entire Stick of Butter?

If you’ve ever wondered why restaurant rice tastes impossibly rich while yours falls flat, here’s the truth: it’s not just about technique—it’s about butter. And not just a pat or a drizzle, but a glorious, golden whole stick melted into every fluffy grain. This Best Stick of Butter Rice recipe isn’t just indulgent—it’s a revelation, turning humble rice into a velvety, decadent side dish that steals the spotlight.

I first tasted this buttery miracle at a tucked-away Louisiana supper club, where the chef whispered the “secret” with a wink: “Don’t be shy with the butter, cher.” Skeptical? I was too—until one bite sent me racing home to recreate it. Now, it’s my most requested potluck dish (yes, even over dessert!).

Why This Stick of Butter Rice Works Like Magic

Most rice recipes treat butter as an afterthought, but here, it’s the star. The fat coats each grain, locking in moisture while toasting the rice for a subtle nuttiness. And because butter is 15-20% water, it steams the rice from within, creating that signature luxuriously creamy texture. Science aside, the flavor is pure comfort—like the rice version of mashed potatoes swirled with butter.

One-pot wonder: No draining, no fuss—just melt, toast, and simmer.
Pantry-friendly: Only 4 ingredients (yes, butter counts as two in our hearts).
Forgiving: Forget timer anxiety—this rice stays tender even if you get distracted.

Ready to ditch bland rice forever? Let’s grab that butter and make magic…

Stick of Butter Rice

Print Recipe

A rich and flavorful rice dish made with a whole stick of butter for maximum creaminess.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:

1 cup long-grain white rice
1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
1 can (10.5 oz) condensed French onion soup
1 can (10.5 oz) beef broth
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust:

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
In a 9×9 inch baking dish, combine rice, butter (cut into pats), condensed French onion soup, beef broth, garlic powder, and black pepper.
Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove from oven, fluff rice with a fork, and let stand covered for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

You can customize the seasonings to taste.

Author: Trusted Blog

The Best Stick of Butter Rice – A Bowl of Comfort

There’s something magical about a dish that’s simple yet decadent, and this Stick of Butter Rice is exactly that. It’s creamy, rich, and the kind of side dish that steals the spotlight at any meal. Whether you’re serving it alongside roasted chicken or just enjoying a bowl on its own, this recipe is pure comfort in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup long-grain white rice – The foundation of this dish. I love using jasmine or basmati for their fragrant aroma, but plain long-grain works beautifully too.
1 (10.5 oz) can condensed French onion soup – This is the secret weapon! It adds depth and savory flavor without any extra effort.
1 (10.5 oz) can beef consommé – Don’t skip this—it gives the rice its rich, meaty undertones.
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter – Yes, a whole stick! It melts into the rice, making it luxuriously creamy.
½ teaspoon garlic powder – A little extra warmth and savoriness.
¼ teaspoon black pepper – Just enough to balance the richness.
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish) – A sprinkle of green adds freshness and a pop of color.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat & Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). While it heats, grab a 9×9-inch baking dish—no need to grease it, thanks to all that glorious butter!
Combine the Liquids: In a medium bowl, whisk together the condensed French onion soup and beef consommé. The mixture will be rich and fragrant—take a moment to appreciate how good it smells already!
Layer the Ingredients: Spread the uncooked rice evenly in the baking dish. Pour the soup mixture over the rice, making sure it’s fully submerged. Now, for the pièce de résistance—place the entire stick of butter right on top. Trust me, it’ll melt into every grain.
Season & Cover: Sprinkle the garlic powder and black pepper evenly over the top. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil—this traps the steam and ensures perfectly tender rice.
Bake to Perfection: Pop it in the oven and let it bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is fluffy and the top is golden. The butter will have worked its magic, leaving you with the creamiest rice imaginable.

As the aroma fills your kitchen, you’ll know something special is coming. The rice emerges buttery, savory, and utterly irresistible—ready to be scooped onto plates and devoured. But before we get to serving suggestions and variations, let’s talk about why this dish is so foolproof…

Pro Tips for the Best Stick of Butter Rice

Making the perfect stick of butter rice is easy, but a few expert tricks can take it from good to unforgettable:

Use high-quality butter – Since butter is the star, splurge on a good European-style butter for extra richness.
Let it rest – After cooking, let the rice sit covered for 5 minutes to absorb all that buttery goodness.
Toast the rice first – For nuttier flavor, sauté the dry rice in butter for 2 minutes before adding liquid.
Adjust liquid carefully – If using brown rice or wild rice blends, increase liquid slightly and cook longer.

Delicious Variations to Try

This versatile recipe welcomes creativity:

Garlic Butter Rice – Sauté 3 minced garlic cloves with the butter
Herbed Butter Rice – Stir in 1 tbsp fresh thyme or rosemary at the end
Parmesan Butter Rice – Fold in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan after cooking
Lemon Butter Rice – Add zest of 1 lemon and 1 tbsp juice with the butter

What to Serve with Butter Rice

This rich side dish pairs beautifully with:

Simple roasted chicken or turkey
Grilled salmon or shrimp
Braised short ribs or pot roast
Sauteed mushrooms and greens
Holiday meals as an alternative to mashed potatoes

The Benefits of Butter Rice

Beyond being utterly delicious, this recipe offers:

Comfort food magic – The creamy texture and rich flavor provide instant comfort
Simple ingredients – Just pantry staples for an impressive side
Time-saving – Ready in about 20 minutes with minimal hands-on time
Kid-friendly – Even picky eaters love this mild, buttery rice

Real-Life Tips from My Kitchen

After making this recipe countless times, here’s what I’ve learned:

The rice continues absorbing butter as it sits – if making ahead, add an extra tablespoon before reheating
Leftovers make incredible fried rice the next day
For parties, keep warm in a slow cooker on low for up to 2 hours
If the rice seems dry after cooking, stir in another pat of butter – no one will complain!

Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight side or a special dish for gatherings, this stick of butter rice never disappoints. Its simplicity lets the quality ingredients shine, creating a dish that feels both comforting and luxurious. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s earned a permanent spot in my recipe rotation!

Conclusion

There you have it—the creamiest, most indulgent Stick of Butter Rice you’ll ever make! This recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly extraordinary. With just a handful of pantry staples and, of course, that glorious stick of butter, you can whip up a side dish that steals the spotlight every time. Whether you’re serving it alongside a holiday roast or enjoying it as a comforting weeknight treat, this rice is guaranteed to satisfy.

Now it’s your turn! Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turns out. Did you add any personal twists? We’d love to hear your stories in the comments below. And if you’re craving more buttery goodness, be sure to check out our other cozy recipes like Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls or Creamy Mashed Potatoes—because you can never have too much comfort food.

FAQs

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While you can substitute margarine, we highly recommend sticking with real butter for the best flavor and texture. Margarine may alter the richness and creaminess that makes this dish so special.

What type of rice works best for this recipe?

Long-grain white rice is ideal for its fluffy texture, but you can also use jasmine or basmati rice for a fragrant twist. Avoid short-grain or sticky rice varieties, as they’ll make the dish too dense.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! Simply reheat it gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to revive the creaminess. Stir in a little extra butter if needed to bring back that luxurious texture.

Is there a way to lighten up this dish?

For a lighter version, you can reduce the butter by half and substitute low-sodium broth. However, keep in mind that the magic of this recipe lies in its decadence—sometimes it’s worth indulging!