Stick of Butter Baked Rice

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There’s something irresistibly cozy about this dish—golden-topped, buttery rice that’s baked until tender and kissed with just the right amount of crispy edges. I first stumbled across Stick of Butter Baked Rice during a particularly hectic week when I was craving something simple, satisfying, and hands-off. One pan, one stick of butter, and a little magic in the oven transformed my plain rice routine into something spectacular.

What I love most about this recipe is its versatility and reliability. Whether I’m making a quick family dinner, prepping a fuss-free side for guests, or just want something comforting, this baked rice delivers. The flavor from the butter seeps into every grain, and the slight caramelization on top gives it that toasty, nutty finish. Let me show you why this humble dish might just become your new favorite.

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Why You’ll Love This Stick of Butter Baked Rice

This isn’t your typical boiled rice—it’s baked to perfection with a full stick of butter that infuses every bite with rich flavor. The top layer becomes lightly golden, with a gentle crunch, while the inside stays fluffy and savory. You only need pantry basics to make it, and the oven does all the work. It’s comfort food without the complication. Whether you’re pairing it with a hearty roast or a simple salad, this rice is a scene-stealer.

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What Kind of Rice Works Best for Stick of Butter Baked Rice?

For the best texture and flavor, I always go with long-grain white rice—think Jasmine or Basmati. These varieties hold their shape well during baking and absorb the buttery broth beautifully without turning mushy. Avoid instant or quick-cook rice; they tend to become overly soft and lack the satisfying bite. If you’re tempted to try brown rice, be aware it’ll need a longer bake time and a bit more liquid to come out tender.

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Options for Substitutions

Don’t worry if you’re missing a few ingredients—this recipe welcomes creative swaps without losing its magic:

• Butter: If you’re dairy-free, use plant-based butter or even ghee for a nuttier taste.
• Rice: Swap white rice with brown rice (increase bake time and broth), or try wild rice for a chewier bite.
• Broth: Chicken broth gives a savory depth, but vegetable broth works great too for a vegetarian version.
• Add-ins: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or garlic powder for extra layers of flavor.
• Fresh herbs: Top with parsley, chives, or thyme if you like a fresh finish.

With these substitutions, you can adapt this baked rice to suit just about any dietary need or flavor preference.

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Ingredients for This Stick of Butter Baked Rice

Each ingredient in this recipe serves a simple but essential purpose, coming together to create a comforting and flavorful side dish that feels much more than the sum of its parts.

• Long-grain white rice – The star of the show. It bakes up fluffy yet firm, soaking in all the buttery goodness without getting soggy.
• Unsalted butter (1 stick) – Melts into the rice, giving it a rich, savory flavor and helping to create those golden, crispy edges.
• Beef or chicken broth – This adds deep umami flavor and is the liquid base that steams the rice while it bakes.
• Worcestershire sauce – A splash gives a subtle punch of tangy, savory depth that elevates the whole dish.
• Salt – Enhances the flavor and helps balance the richness of the butter.
• Black pepper – Adds just a hint of warmth and bite.
• Chopped parsley (optional) – For a little color and freshness at the end.

These ingredients come together in the oven to deliver a dish that’s both deeply flavorful and impossibly easy to make.

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Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Choose an 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking dish for this recipe—ceramic or glass works best. Lightly grease the dish if you’d like, although the butter will handle most of the non-stick work.

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Step 2: Rinse and Add the Rice

Measure out 1 cup of long-grain white rice and give it a quick rinse under cold water until the water runs mostly clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents it from getting gummy. Add the rice straight into your baking dish.

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Step 3: Stir in the Broth and Seasoning

Pour 2 ½ cups of beef or chicken broth into the dish. Add 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, ½ teaspoon of salt, and a generous pinch of black pepper. Stir everything together gently so the rice is evenly distributed.

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Step 4: Add the Butter

Cut 1 stick (½ cup) of unsalted butter into smaller chunks and scatter them evenly over the surface of the rice mixture. No need to stir them in—just let the butter melt into everything as it bakes.

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Step 5: Bake Covered

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes. This step steams the rice and gets it most of the way cooked through.

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Step 6: Bake Uncovered for Texture

After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 30 minutes. This is when the magic happens—the liquid finishes absorbing, and the top layer of rice starts to crisp up into golden, buttery perfection.

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Step 7: Fluff and Finish

Once done, let the rice sit for about 5 minutes before fluffing it gently with a fork. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley if desired, then serve warm.

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How Long to Cook Stick of Butter Baked Rice

The total baking time is about 1 hour, split into two parts:

• First 30 minutes covered: This steams the rice and allows it to absorb the broth gently.
• Second 30 minutes uncovered: This lets the excess moisture evaporate and creates those golden, buttery edges on top.

After baking, give it a quick 5-minute rest to let the rice settle before fluffing.

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Tips for Perfect Stick of Butter Baked Rice

• Rinse your rice: Removing surface starch prevents stickiness and clumping.
• Use hot broth: If you’re in a hurry, warm the broth before pouring it in to speed up cooking.
• Cover tightly: Use foil that seals snugly around the dish to lock in steam during the first phase of baking.
• Cut butter into pieces: This helps it melt evenly across the rice and infuses every corner of the dish.
• Don’t skip the uncovered bake: It’s essential for creating that beautiful, golden top layer.
• Add-ins go after baking: If you want to include cooked veggies or shredded chicken, stir them in after baking to avoid overcooking.

These little tweaks and tips make a big difference in turning a basic baked rice into something really special.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even with a simple recipe like Stick of Butter Baked Rice, a few missteps can throw things off. Here’s what to avoid:

• Using the wrong rice: Instant or parboiled rice can turn mushy or overcooked—stick to long-grain white rice for the right texture.
• Skipping the rinse: Unrinsed rice tends to clump and bake unevenly due to excess starch.
• Not covering tightly: If steam escapes during the first half of baking, the rice may not cook through properly.
• Using cold broth: Starting with cold liquid can lengthen cooking time and lead to uneven baking.
• Forgetting to fluff: Once it’s done baking, fluffing the rice breaks up any compacted grains and keeps the texture light.

Avoid these common pitfalls, and you’ll be rewarded with perfectly baked rice every time.

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What to Serve With Stick of Butter Baked Rice?

This dish is incredibly flexible—it works with cozy weeknight meals and elegant dinner spreads alike. Here are some pairing ideas:

Grilled Steak or Roast Beef

The rich, buttery rice balances out bold, meaty mains.

Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs

Crispy skin and juicy chicken meet their perfect match in this soft, savory rice.

Barbecue Ribs

Sticky, smoky ribs and golden rice make an indulgent comfort-food combo.

Sautéed Greens or Spinach

Add something fresh and light to contrast the richness of the dish.

Pan-Seared Salmon

The buttery rice pairs beautifully with flaky, well-seasoned fish.

Garlic Mushrooms

For a vegetarian-friendly pairing, the earthiness of mushrooms blends perfectly with the rice.

Simple Garden Salad

Keep it light with crunchy greens, tomatoes, and a vinaigrette to cut through the richness.

Smothered Gravy or Curry

Use the rice as a base to soak up sauces—just be sure to reduce salt a bit if your gravy is already salty.

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Storage Instructions

Stick of Butter Baked Rice stores well, making it ideal for meal prep or leftovers.

• Refrigerator: Let the rice cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: You can freeze the rice in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months. Be sure to press out any air to prevent freezer burn.
• Reheating: Add a splash of broth or water before reheating in the microwave or on the stovetop to restore moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.

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Estimated Nutrition

Please note: these values are estimates based on a standard recipe using white rice, unsalted butter, and beef broth.

• Calories: ~270 per serving
• Total Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 35mg
• Sodium: 480mg (may vary depending on broth)
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Protein: 3g

This recipe serves 4 to 6, making it a rich yet simple addition to a balanced meal.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of rice should I avoid using?

Avoid instant, parboiled, or short-grain rice. These tend to overcook or get mushy in the oven. Long-grain white rice works best.

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Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare and bake it fully, then refrigerate or freeze. Just reheat before serving, adding a bit of broth if needed.

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Can I make this with brown rice?

Yes, but it requires more broth (about 3 cups) and a longer cook time—around 75–80 minutes total.

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Is it possible to make this vegetarian?

Absolutely. Just use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth, and ensure your Worcestershire sauce is vegetarian-friendly.

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Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Use a 9×13-inch baking dish and double all ingredients. You might need to add 5–10 extra minutes to the baking time.

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How do I prevent the rice from drying out?

Be sure to cover it tightly during the first 30 minutes and don’t skip the resting time after baking.

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What if I want to add vegetables or protein?

You can stir in cooked mushrooms, peas, or shredded chicken after baking. Adding them beforehand may cause overcooking.

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Can I use salted butter?

You can, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to avoid overpowering the dish. Taste the broth mixture first before baking.

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Conclusion

Stick of Butter Baked Rice is one of those dishes that proves simplicity can still be indulgent. With minimal effort and basic pantry ingredients, you get a buttery, comforting side that elevates any meal. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep in rotation—reliable, adaptable, and always crowd-pleasing. Whether you’re serving a weeknight dinner or holiday feast, this rice brings warmth and flavor to the table every time.

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