Welcome to the world of mouthwatering side dishes! Today, we’re bringing you a recipe that will quickly become a family favorite: French Onion Rice. If you’re a fan of the comforting flavors of French onion soup, this dish will delight you with its rich, savory goodness. Whether you’re looking for the perfect side dish for a special dinner or something easy to make that’s packed with flavor, French Onion Rice is just what you need. Let’s dive into this hearty, flavorful creation that transforms a simple rice dish into something extraordinary!
Introduction
French Onion Rice is the ultimate comfort food that brings the flavors of classic French onion soup to your dinner table. With caramelized onions, beef consommé, and aromatic thyme, this dish is a savory delight that pairs perfectly with any main course. Originating from the American love for rich, comforting meals, French Onion Rice combines the essence of French onion soup with the simplicity of rice, creating a side dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Not only does this dish take minimal effort to prepare, but it also offers incredible depth of flavor with ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. It’s a must-try for fans of both cheesesteaks and French Onion Soup lovers. So, let’s get started on making this delicious side dish!
Ingredients for French Onion Rice
Here’s everything you’ll need to make French Onion Rice:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can beef consommé
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can French onion soup
- 1 ½ cups water
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Substitutions:
- Use vegetable consommé if you prefer a vegetarian option.
- For those sensitive to gluten, opt for a gluten-free French onion soup.
- You can replace white rice with brown rice for a healthier version, just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How to Make French Onion Rice – Step by Step
Here’s a simple breakdown of how to make this mouthwatering French Onion Rice recipe:
Step1: Caramelize the Onions
- Warm the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sugar, stirring frequently.
- Cook until the onions are very soft and caramelized. This should take about 25-30 minutes, giving the onions a sweet, rich flavor.
Pro Tip: Patience is key when caramelizing onions. Stir regularly to prevent burning, and if needed, lower the heat to ensure they turn a deep golden brown.
Step2: Prepare the Rice Mixture
- While the onions cook, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Add the rice, beef consommé, French onion soup, water, thyme, and season with salt and pepper.
- Stir everything together to ensure the rice is well-coated with the liquids and seasonings.
Step3: Add Caramelized Onions to the Rice
- Once the onions are caramelized to perfection, spread them evenly over the top of the rice mixture in the baking dish.
Step4: Bake the Dish
- Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 425°F for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil and stir the rice. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
Step5: Rest and Serve
- Let the dish stand for 5 minutes after baking. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving and garnish with fresh thyme or parsley, if desired.
Enjoy! Your French Onion Rice is now ready to serve.
Helpful Tips for French Onion Rice
- Tip 1: For extra depth of flavor, try adding a splash of dry white wine to the onions as they caramelize.
- Tip 2: If you like a crispy top layer, broil the dish for the last 5 minutes of baking to achieve a golden-brown finish.
- Tip 3: This recipe is very versatile. Add a handful of grated Gruyère cheese over the rice before the final bake for a cheesy twist.
Cooking Tips for the Best French Onion Rice
- French Onion Rice Cooking Techniques: Use long-grain rice for the best texture. Short-grain rice might become too sticky and change the consistency of the dish.
- Equipment Tips: A heavy-bottom skillet is best for caramelizing onions evenly. A glass baking dish is recommended for even heat distribution during the baking process.
Serving Suggestions for French Onion Rice
French Onion Rice pairs beautifully with a variety of main dishes. Here are some of our top recommendations:
- Grilled Chicken or Steak: The richness of the rice complements grilled meats perfectly.
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted carrots or Brussels sprouts for a balanced meal.
- Crisp White Wine: A light, crisp wine such as Sauvignon Blanc enhances the savory notes of the rice.
For a complete meal, consider serving French Onion Rice with a simple green salad and crusty French bread for dipping into the delicious caramelized onions.
Nutritional Information
French Onion Rice is not only delicious but also relatively low in calories for a side dish, making it a great choice for those looking for comfort food without the extra guilt.
- Calories: 135 kcal per serving
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 3g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fiber: 1g
Enjoy the nutritional value of French Onion Rice without compromising on taste. It’s a healthy, filling side that’s sure to satisfy.
Storage and Leftovers for French Onion Rice
French Onion Rice stores well and makes for excellent leftovers.
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Freeze: You can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in a skillet or in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
- Reheat: Add a little broth or water before reheating to keep the rice moist.
Pro Tip: Leftovers can be turned into a quick lunch by adding some sautéed vegetables or shredded chicken.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for French Onion Rice
1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but keep in mind it will take longer to cook. Adjust the cooking time accordingly by adding an extra 15-20 minutes.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare French Onion Rice in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time to ensure the rice is heated through.
3. What can I serve with French Onion Rice?
This dish pairs well with roasted meats like chicken or steak, as well as a fresh side salad. A glass of white wine makes a great pairing, too.
4. How do I prevent the rice from becoming mushy?
Be sure not to overcook the rice. Stirring it halfway through the baking process helps ensure even cooking and prevents mushiness.
Related Recipes for French Onion Rice Lovers
- Ultimate Cowboy Casserole Cornbread: A Hearty Meal
- Sausage Balls Recipe with Red Lobster Mix: Easy & Tasty
These recipes are perfect if you’re looking for more hearty, savory dishes like French Onion Rice!
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed this recipe for French Onion Rice. It’s a delicious, savory dish that brings the best of French onion soup into a hearty side. Whether you’re serving it with grilled meat or enjoying it on its own, this rice is sure to be a hit at your next meal. Don’t forget to share your version with us or let us know if you made any tweaks to the recipe. Happy cooking!
Print
French Onion Rice Recipe – Savory & Easy Side Dish Idea
Description
Welcome to the world of mouthwatering side dishes! Today, we’re bringing you a recipe that will quickly become a family favorite: French Onion Rice. If you’re a fan of the comforting flavors of French onion soup, this dish will delight you with its rich, savory goodness. Whether you’re looking for the perfect side dish for a special dinner or something easy to make that’s packed with flavor, French Onion Rice is just what you need. Let’s dive into this hearty, flavorful creation that transforms a simple rice dish into something extraordinary!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can beef consommé
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can French onion soup
- 1 ½ cups water
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Substitutions:
- Use vegetable consommé if you prefer a vegetarian option.
- For those sensitive to gluten, opt for a gluten-free French onion soup.
- You can replace white rice with brown rice for a healthier version, just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Instructions
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
- Warm the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sugar, stirring frequently.
- Cook until the onions are very soft and caramelized. This should take about 25-30 minutes, giving the onions a sweet, rich flavor.
Pro Tip: Patience is key when caramelizing onions. Stir regularly to prevent burning, and if needed, lower the heat to ensure they turn a deep golden brown.
Step 2: Prepare the Rice Mixture
- While the onions cook, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Add the rice, beef consommé, French onion soup, water, thyme, and season with salt and pepper.
- Stir everything together to ensure the rice is well-coated with the liquids and seasonings.
Step 3: Add Caramelized Onions to the Rice
- Once the onions are caramelized to perfection, spread them evenly over the top of the rice mixture in the baking dish.
Step 4: Bake the Dish
- Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 425°F for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil and stir the rice. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
- Let the dish stand for 5 minutes after baking. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving and garnish with fresh thyme or parsley, if desired.
Enjoy! Your French Onion Rice is now ready to serve.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
Buy Now →
Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
Buy Now →Notes
- Tip 1: For extra depth of flavor, try adding a splash of dry white wine to the onions as they caramelize.
- Tip 2: If you like a crispy top layer, broil the dish for the last 5 minutes of baking to achieve a golden-brown finish.
- Tip 3: This recipe is very versatile. Add a handful of grated Gruyère cheese over the rice before the final bake for a cheesy twist.
