If you love everything about classic French onion soup but crave something a little more hearty and hands-off, French Onion Soup Rice is about to become your new favorite comfort food. This dish transforms everything you adore — deeply savory broth, rich buttery flavors, and that irresistible aromatic warmth — into a baked rice side that’s as cozy as it is convenient. It’s ideal for those nights you want magic on the table with little effort (and very few dishes). Whether you serve it alongside grilled meats or let it shine as a centerpiece, French Onion Soup Rice delivers all that beloved bistro flavor with pantry staples and almost zero fuss.

French Onion Soup Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of simple, reliable ingredients, French Onion Soup Rice delivers unparalleled savory satisfaction. Every element plays its part, layering in flavor, color, and the irresistible aroma you’d expect from a French-inspired side dish.

Long Grain White Rice: Stay classic for fluffy grains that soak up all the delicious flavor without getting mushy.
Condensed French Onion Soup: The real MVP here, bringing all those signature caramelized onion notes right out of the can.
Beef Broth: Adds lush depth and ensures every spoonful is rich and savory — feel free to sub with chicken or veggie broth if you like.
Butter (sliced): Dotting the surface lets it melt in and create a luscious, slightly crisp top layer.
Sliced Mushrooms (optional): For an earthy, umami lift — totally optional but highly recommended!
Garlic Powder: One little pinch gives a subtle garlicky warmth throughout the rice.
Onion Powder: Amplifies that oniony foundation, making every bite aromatic and flavorful.
Salt and Black Pepper: To taste — don’t skip, especially since broths and soups vary in seasoning.
Chopped Fresh Parsley (optional): Sprinkling this on just before serving adds fresh color and a hint of herbal brightness.

How to Make French Onion Soup Rice

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), so that it’s perfectly ready for your rice once you finish assembling everything. Grab a 9×9-inch baking dish (or something similar in size) and give it a light coating with nonstick spray or a little extra butter to keep the rice from sticking.

Step 2: Combine All the Ingredients

Add your uncooked long grain white rice right into the prepared dish, followed by the condensed French onion soup, beef broth, garlic powder, onion powder, and mushrooms if you’re opting in. Use a spoon (or even a spatula) to stir everything together directly in the dish — no extra mixing bowl needed! This lets all the flavors begin mingling before they even hit the oven.

Step 3: Butter It Up

Evenly distribute those slices of butter over the top of your rice mixture. As the French Onion Soup Rice bakes, the butter will melt and seep down, lending a heavenly richness while helping to form the start of a golden, tempting crust on top.

Step 4: Bake Covered

Cover the whole dish tightly with foil. This is the secret to supremely tender, evenly cooked rice — it traps steam and lets the grains absorb every drop of broth and soup. Slide it into your hot oven and bake for 30 minutes, which is the perfect interval for allowing everything to meld without risking overcooked rice.

Step 5: Bake Uncovered

After the initial 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil and send your dish back into the oven for another 25 to 30 minutes. This uncovered phase cooks off any excess liquid and encourages those irresistibly toasty, buttery edges to develop. When nearly all the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is fluffy and tender, it’s ready for the finishing touch.

Step 6: Fluff and Garnish

Once out of the oven, let the French Onion Soup Rice rest for a few minutes. Fluff it gently with a fork to release any steam and keep each grain separate. Finish by scattering chopped fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and a little fresher flavor if you’d like. Then, just try to resist diving right in spoon first!

How to Serve French Onion Soup Rice

Garnishes

You can never go wrong with a simple shower of fresh parsley, but for a special treat, consider a generous sprinkle of shredded Gruyère or mozzarella cheese during the last 10 minutes of baking. The gooey, melty layer offers a nod to traditional French onion soup and makes every bite extra decadent.

Side Dishes

This is the best kind of side for grilled steak, roast chicken, or any meaty main you love — the savory notes of French Onion Soup Rice pair beautifully with protein. If you like, serve it with sautéed green beans, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Scoop this rice into individual ramekins for an irresistible dinner party side, or serve it family style right from the baking dish. For an extra bit of drama, top each serving with a crouton or mini toast and a fast melt under the broiler to mimic classic soup presentation. Your guests will love the surprise twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover French Onion Soup Rice keeps beautifully. Let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors develop even more overnight, making the second round somehow even tastier!

Freezing

If you’d like to prepare this rice in advance, simply spoon cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. It can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, pop your French Onion Soup Rice into the microwave with a splash of broth or water and cover lightly to keep the steam in. Alternatively, warm it in the oven, covered, at 300°F until heated through, adding a bit more liquid as needed to keep it moist and fluffy.

FAQs

Can I make French Onion Soup Rice vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just swap both the beef broth and condensed soup for their vegetarian versions. Plenty of stores carry condensed vegetarian onion soup, and a good vegetable broth works wonders without sacrificing flavor.

What type Side Dish

Long grain white rice is the gold standard here because it stays fluffy and absorbs all that amazing broth. If you only have brown rice, just know it may need a bit more liquid and a longer bake time.

Can I add cheese directly to the rice?

Of course! For a cheesy French Onion Soup Rice, sprinkle shredded Gruyère, mozzarella, or a mix on top during the final 10 minutes of baking. It melts into a delectable, bubbling blanket you’ll want on every bite.

Is it okay to add meat or other proteins?

Definitely. Stir in some cooked and chopped rotisserie chicken, browned sausage, or even leftovers from grilled steak for a heartier main dish that’s still as simple as ever.

What if I don’t have a 9×9-inch pan?

No worries! Any similar-sized (about 2-quart) baking dish will work. If you use a larger or smaller dish, just keep an eye on the baking time — rice thickness can affect how quickly it cooks.

Final Thoughts

This French Onion Soup Rice is the perfect hybrid of everything cozy and satisfying, all while being so easy to throw together, you’ll wonder why you ever made rice any other way. Whether you’re feeding family or friends, it always hits the spot. Give it a try soon — I promise it will earn a forever spot in your dinner rotation!

French Onion Soup Rice Recipe

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4.5 from 21 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

French Onion Soup Rice is a delicious and comforting side dish that combines the flavors of French onion soup with fluffy white rice. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner at home or as a tasty accompaniment to grilled meats or roasted vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1 cup long grain white rice
1 can (10.5 oz) condensed French onion soup
1 cup beef broth
½ cup butter (sliced)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional:

1 cup sliced mushrooms
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
Combine Ingredients: In the dish, mix rice, French onion soup, beef broth, garlic powder, onion powder, and mushrooms if using. Place butter slices on top.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for 25-30 more minutes until rice is tender.
Finish and Serve: Fluff rice with a fork, garnish with parsley, and serve.

Notes

You can use chicken or vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
For a cheesy twist, add Gruyère or mozzarella on top for the last 10 minutes of baking.
This dish pairs well with grilled meats or roasted veggies.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American