This Creamy French Onion Butter Rice is a cozy dish that combines buttery rice with rich, sweet onions. It’s creamy, comforting, and super easy to make!
Just picture this: warm, cheesy rice that fills your home with a delicious onion aroma. I can’t help but steal spoonfuls right from the pot—it’s that good! 😋
For me, this dish is a perfect side to any meal, or I enjoy it all on its own. It’s such a simple recipe that always impresses everyone at the table!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice: Long-grain white rice is perfect for this dish as it cooks evenly and stays fluffy. If you’re looking for alternatives, consider using basmati rice for a fragrant twist or quinoa for a gluten-free option!
Onions: Yellow onions are best for sweetness and caramelization. However, sweet onions, like Vidalia, can also work wonderfully if you prefer a milder taste.
Butter: Unsalted butter builds flavor without extra salt. If you want to make it dairy-free, swap with olive oil or vegan butter. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different.
Broth: Chicken broth adds depth, but vegetable broth can easily replace it for a vegetarian version. Homemade broth is excellent, but store-bought works just fine!
Cheese: Gruyère cheese is creamy and melts beautifully, but Swiss cheese is a great substitute. You can also use a mix of cheddar or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
How Do I Perfectly Caramelize Onions?
Caramelizing onions can seem tricky, but it’s all about patience and the right heat! Here are some simple steps to get those sweet, golden onions just right:
- Start with medium heat to ensure even cooking.
- Add just enough butter to coat the pan, which helps with flavor and prevents sticking.
- After adding the sliced onions, stir often at first, then reduce stirring to let them brown. This encourages caramelization.
- Cook for at least 25-30 minutes—don’t rush! If they start to burn, lower the heat.
- Add a pinch of salt to help draw out moisture, enhancing sweetness.
If the onions start to stick, a splash of broth or water can help deglaze the pan while adding more flavor!
Creamy French Onion Butter Rice Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Rice:
- 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice
For the Onion Mixture:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Broth and Cream:
- 3 ½ cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- ½ cup heavy cream
For Flavoring:
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 10 minutes to prep and 40-50 minutes total, including cooking time. You’ll spend some time caramelizing the onions to bring out their natural sweetness, and then the rice comes together easily. It’s a perfect dish for a cozy night in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Caramelize the Onions:
Start by melting 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions, stirring occasionally. Cook them for about 25-30 minutes until they become deeply caramelized and golden brown. Don’t rush this step—it’s where all the flavor starts!
2. Add Garlic:
Once the onions are beautifully caramelized, add in the minced garlic. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant. This will enhance the dish’s aroma and flavor.
3. Toast the Rice:
Now, stir in the rice along with the dried thyme. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the rice to lightly toast and absorb the flavors from the onion mixture. This helps to build depth in the dish!
4. Add Broth and Cook:
Pour in the chicken broth, then bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t stick!
5. Stir in Cream and Cheese:
After the rice is cooked, remove from heat and stir in the heavy cream, the shredded Gruyère cheese, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Mix everything together until the cheese is melted and the rice is creamy and dreamy.
6. Season to Taste:
Sprinkle in salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste—don’t be shy! This will really elevate the dish.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Serve your creamy French onion butter rice warm, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if you like. It makes a delightful side dish or a comforting main course! Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind that it will require a longer cooking time. Brown rice typically takes about 40-45 minutes to cook, so adjust the broth quantity accordingly and ensure it’s tender before serving.
What If I Don’t Have Gruyère Cheese?
No worries! If Gruyère isn’t available, Swiss cheese works perfectly as a substitute. You could also try a blend of mozzarella and parmesan for a different flavor profile while still keeping that creamy texture.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to bring back the creaminess.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Absolutely! To make this dish vegan, substitute the butter with vegan butter or olive oil, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream. Also, choose non-dairy cheese for the best results!
