Creamy Stick of Butter Rice Recipe in Just 45 Minutes

There’s something magical about the smell of butter melting in the oven—it instantly takes me back to Sunday dinners at my grandma’s house. That golden aroma meant her famous stick of butter rice was coming, and we’d all be fighting for seconds. This dish proves you don’t need fancy ingredients to make something truly special. Just a stick of butter, some rice, and a little patience transform into the creamiest, most comforting side dish you’ll ever taste.

What I love most is how the rice soaks up all that buttery goodness while baking, getting perfectly tender without turning mushy. It’s been my secret weapon for potlucks and weeknight dinners alike—simple enough for beginners but impressive enough that people always ask for the recipe. Trust me, once you try this method, you’ll never go back to plain steamed rice again.

Why You’ll Love This Stick of Butter Rice

Oh, where do I even start? This recipe is my go-to for so many reasons, and I know you’ll fall in love with it too. First off, it’s ridiculously easy—just dump everything in a dish and let the oven work its magic. No fancy techniques, no babysitting a pot on the stove.

The flavor? Out of this world. That whole stick of butter melts into every single grain of rice, creating this rich, almost nutty taste that’ll have you scraping the baking dish clean. And here’s the best part:

• Ready in under an hour with just 5 minutes of hands-on time
• Only 5 simple ingredients you probably already have
• Pairs perfectly with everything from roasted chicken to grilled fish
• Makes even weeknight dinners feel special

Seriously, this rice is so good it could steal the show from your main dish—not that I’d know from experience or anything (okay fine, I’ve eaten it straight from the pan more than once).

Ingredients for Stick of Butter Rice

You won’t believe how just a handful of simple ingredients come together to make something so incredibly delicious. Here’s what you’ll need for that perfect buttery rice:

• 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter – Trust me, it’s worth using the real deal here. None of that margarine nonsense!
• 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked) – I like jasmine for its lovely aroma, but any long-grain works.
• 1 can (10.5 oz) beef broth – This gives the rice its beautiful golden color and deep flavor.
• 1 can (10.5 oz) water – Just fill up that empty broth can—easy peasy!
• Salt to taste – I usually add about ½ teaspoon, but you do you.

See? I told you it was simple! Now let’s get cooking.

Equipment Needed

You won’t need much to make this magic happen—just a few kitchen basics:

• 9×13-inch baking dish – My trusty Pyrex works perfectly every time
• Aluminum foil – For that snug lid that traps all the steamy goodness
• Fork – Nothing fancy, just something to fluff that buttery rice to perfection

That’s it! No special gadgets required – just like Grandma used to make it.

How to Make Stick of Butter Rice

Alright, let’s get down to business! Making this dreamy butter rice is easier than you think, but there are a few key steps that’ll guarantee perfection every single time. Follow along and you’ll have the most delicious side dish ready before you know it!

Step 1: Preheat and Melt Butter

First things first – crank that oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, take your baking dish and plop that glorious stick of butter right in there. Slide it into the oven for about 5 minutes until the butter melts into a golden pool. Oh, that smell – it’s already working its magic!

Step 2: Combine Rice and Liquids

Carefully pull the dish out (hot!) and sprinkle in your rice. Give it a good stir so every single grain gets coated in that melted butter – this is what makes it taste so amazing! Then just pour in your broth and water (remember, equal amounts from the same can – no measuring cups needed!). Give it one gentle stir to mix everything up.

Step 3: Bake and Finish

Now comes the easy part – cover the dish tightly with foil (shiny side down!) and let it bake for exactly 45 minutes. No peeking! When your timer goes off, uncover it to find perfectly cooked rice with a heavenly buttery aroma. Fluff it gently with a fork to separate the grains – watch how each one glistens! Serve it piping hot and prepare for compliments.

Tips for Perfect Stick of Butter Rice

After making this recipe more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some tricks that’ll take your butter rice from good to can’t-stop-eating-it amazing:

• Watch your broth! Low-sodium lets you control saltiness better – regular broth can make it too salty.
• Toss in minced garlic when melting the butter – it’ll infuse the whole dish with incredible flavor.
• Set that timer! Overcooking makes rice gummy – 45 minutes is the sweet spot.
• Let it rest 5 minutes after baking – this helps the moisture distribute evenly.

Trust me, these little touches make all the difference!

Variations for Stick of Butter Rice

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, the fun begins! This butter rice is like a blank canvas just waiting for your personal touch. My family loves when I toss in a handful of fresh thyme or rosemary with the rice – the herbs toast up beautifully in the butter.

Other favorites:

• Swap beef broth for chicken – Lighter flavor but just as delicious
• Stir in Parmesan right after baking – melty, cheesy goodness
• Add mushrooms – Sauté them first for extra depth
• Try garlic powder if you’re out of fresh – about ½ teaspoon does the trick

The possibilities are endless – make it your own!

Serving Suggestions

This buttery rice is basically the perfect wingman for practically any main dish! My favorite pairings? Juicy roasted chicken (those pan drippings mingle beautifully), a perfectly grilled steak, or simple steamed veggies when I want something lighter. It even makes a killer base for saucy stir-fries – just saying!

Storage and Reheating

Here’s the beautiful thing about this butter rice – it reheats like an absolute dream! Just pop any leftovers in an airtight container and they’ll keep happily in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready for round two, sprinkle a tablespoon of water over the rice before microwaving (covered!) to bring back that perfect fluffy texture. Honestly? Sometimes I think the leftovers taste even better as the flavors have more time to mingle!

Stick of Butter Rice FAQs

I get asked about this recipe all the time, so let me answer the most common questions before they even pop into your head!

Can I use brown rice instead of white?
You bet! But here’s the deal – brown rice needs more liquid and time. Try 1 3/4 cups liquid and bake for about 60 minutes. The texture will be a bit chewier, but still delicious.

Is this rice freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! Just cool it completely, then freeze in airtight bags for up to 2 months. To reheat, sprinkle with water and microwave covered until steaming hot.

What if I don’t have beef broth?
No worries! Chicken or vegetable broth work great too. The flavor changes slightly, but it’s still that same comforting butter rice we all love.

Can I make this on the stovetop?
While the oven method creates that perfect texture, you can simmer it covered on low heat for about 20 minutes if you’re in a pinch. Just watch carefully so it doesn’t burn!

Nutritional Information

Okay, let’s be real – we’re not eating stick of butter rice because it’s low-calorie! But for those curious, here’s the scoop per serving (based on my recipe): about 320 calories, 18g fat, and 35g carbs. Remember, these are estimates – your exact numbers might dance around a bit depending on your ingredients. Everything in moderation, right? Now go enjoy that buttery goodness!

Share Your Feedback

Did you make this buttery dream come true in your kitchen? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Drop me a comment below or tag me on social media – nothing makes me happier than seeing your creations.

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