If you’ve ever dreamed of combining the rich, caramelized goodness of French onion soup with the comforting texture of baked rice, this French Onion Soup Rice Recipe is exactly what your kitchen has been waiting for. It’s a warm, cheesy, and deeply savory side dish that brings together the best of both worlds — tender rice infused with the iconic flavors of sweet onions, hearty beef broth, and melted Gruyère cheese. Whether you serve it alongside a juicy steak or a simple weekday chicken dinner, this recipe promises to elevate any meal with its cozy, dinner-party-worthy charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All you need for this French Onion Soup Rice Recipe are a handful of simple pantry staples that come together to deliver maximum flavor. Each ingredient plays a crucial role: from the caramelized onions that add sweetness and depth, to the beef broth that enriches the rice, and the gooey melted cheese that brings it all together.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice: The perfect base that cooks up fluffy and soaks up all those savory flavors.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds richness and helps caramelize the onions beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps balance the butter and keeps the onions from sticking.
- 1 large yellow onion (thinly sliced): The star of the show, caramelized until golden and sweet.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed French onion soup: Concentrated flavor that gives the dish its classic French onion character.
- 1 cup beef broth: Adds deeper, meaty notes and helps cook the rice to perfection.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: A subtle hint of warmth and aroma to complement the onions.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and balances the sweetness.
- ½ cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese: The crowning glory, melted and bubbly on top for that irresistible gooey texture.
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a pop of freshness and color when serving.
How to Make French Onion Soup Rice Recipe
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
Begin by heating the butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onion and cook gently for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the onions to become golden and caramelized, softening into sweet, deeply flavorful strands that will infuse the rice with all their magic.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in a Baking Dish
While the onions caramelize, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a 2-quart baking dish, mix together the uncooked rice, condensed French onion soup, beef broth, garlic powder, and black pepper until well combined. Once your onions are perfectly caramelized, stir them right into this mixture for that unforgettable French onion taste.
Step 3: Bake Until Tender
Cover the baking dish tightly with foil to trap the steam inside. Bake in your preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has soaked up all the flavorful liquid. This slow baking step allows the rice to absorb every last bit of that rich, oniony broth.
Step 4: Add the Cheese and Finish Baking
Carefully remove the foil and fluff the rice gently with a fork. Sprinkle the shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese evenly over the top and return the dish to the oven uncovered. Bake for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until the cheese melts, bubbles, and starts to turn golden. This cheesy layer is what makes this French Onion Soup Rice Recipe an absolute crowd-pleaser.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, you can optionally sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a fresh, herbaceous contrast. Serve this warm as a rich, comforting side dish that pairs well with a range of mains or even as a satisfying vegetarian option if you substitute with vegetable broth.
How to Serve French Onion Soup Rice Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a vibrant color and a mild herbaceous touch that brightens up the rich, savory flavors of the dish. You can also add a few crispy fried onions on top if you want to double down on that classic French onion flavor and add a delightful crunch.
Side Dishes
This French Onion Soup Rice Recipe is a perfect companion to grilled or roasted meats such as steak, pork chops, or chicken. The cheesy, caramelized onion rice complements these dishes beautifully, balancing rich proteins with the hearty rice. For a vegetarian meal, serve alongside roasted vegetables or a crisp salad to add freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant dinner presentation, serve the rice in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets topped with cheese and broiled until bubbly. This makes for charming individual servings that feel gourmet. Alternatively, you could turn this recipe into a one-pot meal by stirring in cooked mushrooms or tender beef strips before baking for an all-in-one dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover French Onion Soup Rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes it a great option for meal prep or to enjoy as a tasty leftover course that reheats beautifully.
Freezing
You can freeze the rice in portions for up to 2 months. Just allow it to cool completely, scoop into freezer-safe containers, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Keep in mind the texture may soften slightly after freezing but the flavors will remain deliciously intact.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the rice gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out. If you want to revive the cheesy topping, pop it under the broiler for a few minutes until the cheese bubbles again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of rice for the French Onion Soup Rice Recipe?
Long-grain white rice works best for this recipe because it cooks evenly and absorbs flavors well, but you can experiment with basmati or jasmine rice for a slightly different aroma. Avoid quick-cooking rice as it may become mushy during baking.
Is there a vegetarian version of this French Onion Soup Rice Recipe?
Absolutely! Simply swap the beef broth with vegetable broth and use a vegetarian French onion soup. The cheese and caramelized onions provide plenty of flavor, making the dish just as satisfying without meat products.
Can I make this recipe on the stovetop instead of baking?
While baking helps the rice absorb flavors evenly and develop that wonderful cheesy crust, you can cook the rice separately on the stovetop and mix it with caramelized onions and soup. Then sprinkle cheese on top and broil briefly for a similar effect.
What’s the best cheese to use for the topping?
Gruyère is traditional and melts beautifully with a nutty flavor, but Swiss cheese is a great substitute if you prefer something milder. You could also try mozzarella for extra gooeyness, though it lacks the distinctive taste of Gruyère.
Can I add extra vegetables to the French Onion Soup Rice Recipe?
Definitely! Chopped mushrooms, spinach, or even diced bell peppers can be stirred in before baking to add more texture and nutrients. Just be mindful of moisture content to keep the rice from becoming too wet.
Final Thoughts
This French Onion Soup Rice Recipe is one of those hidden gems that once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again. It combines comfort and sophistication effortlessly, turning simple ingredients into a melt-in-your-mouth side dish that’s always a crowd favorite. So next time you want to impress friends or treat yourself to something cozy and flavorful, give this recipe a go — your taste buds will thank you!
Print
French Onion Soup Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
French Onion Soup Rice is a comforting baked side dish that combines caramelized onions, creamy condensed French onion soup, and tender rice topped with melted Gruyère cheese. It’s an easy-to-make recipe perfect for pairing with steak, chicken, or pork chops, offering rich flavors and a cheesy finish.
Ingredients
Rice and Soup Base
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed French onion soup
- 1 cup beef broth
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Onions and Fats
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion (thinly sliced)
Toppings and Garnish
- ½ cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the rice dish.
- Caramelize Onions: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter with olive oil. Add the thinly sliced onion and cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become golden and caramelized, developing a rich, sweet flavor.
- Combine Ingredients: In a 2-quart baking dish, mix the uncooked rice, condensed French onion soup, beef broth, garlic powder, and black pepper thoroughly. Then stir in the caramelized onions ensuring an even distribution.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed, creating a creamy texture infused with onion flavor.
- Add Cheese Topping: Remove the foil, fluff the rice gently with a fork, and sprinkle the shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake Uncovered: Return the baking dish to the oven uncovered for an additional 5–7 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt beautifully and become bubbly and golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley to add a pop of color and freshness before serving warm as a delicious side dish.
Notes
- For enhanced depth of flavor, substitute store-bought condensed French onion soup with homemade French onion soup and add a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
- This dish pairs wonderfully as a side with steak, chicken, or pork chops.
- Using vegetable broth and vegetarian French onion soup makes this recipe suitable for vegetarians.
