French Onion Butter Rice (Printable)

Rich, savory rice infused with golden caramelized onions and buttery goodness.

# What You'll Need:

→ Rice & Broth

01 - 1 cup long-grain white rice (Basmati or Jasmine)
02 - 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

→ Onions & Aromatics

03 - 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
04 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
05 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
06 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
07 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
08 - 1 bay leaf

→ Seasoning & Garnish

09 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
10 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
11 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
12 - 1/4 cup grated Gruyère cheese (optional)

# How-To Steps:

01 - Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add sliced onions with a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring frequently, for 18–20 minutes until deeply golden and caramelized.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and dried thyme; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add rice and toast for 2 minutes, stirring constantly until grains are well coated and slightly translucent.
04 - Pour in vegetable broth, add bay leaf, remaining 1 tablespoon butter, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
05 - Remove from heat. Discard bay leaf, fluff rice with a fork, and let stand covered for 5 minutes. Stir in fresh parsley and top with Gruyère cheese if desired. Serve warm.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The caramelized onions create an umami richness that makes everyone think you spent hours over the stove
  • It transforms humble rice into a side dish that steals the spotlight from whatever you serve it with
  • Leftovers reheat beautifully, sometimes tasting even better the next day
02 -
  • Rushing the caramelization process is the biggest mistake you can make because those deep golden onions are what make this dish extraordinary
  • Resist the urge to lift the lid while the rice simmers because that steam is what ensures perfectly cooked grains
  • The standing period is not optional because it allows the moisture to redistribute evenly throughout the rice
03 -
  • Slice your onions as thinly and evenly as possible so they caramelize at the same rate
  • A heavy bottomed Dutch oven or cast iron skillet will give you the most even heat distribution
  • Grate your own cheese instead of buying pre grated because it melts so much better

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