why make this recipe
This dish is warm, creamy, and full of onion flavor. It is easy to make and uses simple pantry items. The rice bakes with cheese and sour cream to make a tasty side or a main dish. If you like easy oven meals, try this one. For another simple rice skillet idea, see this bacon cheeseburger rice skillet.
introduction
French Onion Rice Bake blends sweet caramelized onions with comforting rice and melted cheese. The recipe is simple and fills the house with a good smell while it bakes. It works for weeknights or for a crowd. The steps are clear and you can change the cheese or add mix-ins if you want.
how to make French Onion Rice Bake
Preheat the oven and caramelize the onions first. Cook the rice, mix it with the onions, seasonings, sour cream, and half the cheese. Put in a baking dish, add more cheese on top, and bake until bubbly. The dish comes out hot and creamy with a golden cheese top. This method is like other easy oven recipes, for example a baked caesar chicken with creamy parmesan sauce, where you mix a creamy base and bake until bubbly.
Ingredients :
1 cup long-grain rice, 2 cups vegetable broth, 1 large onion, thinly sliced, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, Salt and pepper to taste, 1 cup shredded cheese (Swiss or Gruyère), 1/2 cup sour cream, Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions :
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onions until caramelized, about 15-20 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, caramelized onions, vegetable broth, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in the sour cream and half of the shredded cheese.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and top with the remaining cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until heated through and cheese is bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
how to serve French Onion Rice Bake
Serve hot as a side with meat or as a main with a green salad. The cheese top should be bubbly and lightly browned. Spoon onto plates and add fresh parsley for color. It pairs well with roasted chicken, beef, or steamed vegetables.
how to store French Onion Rice Bake
Cool the bake to room temperature, then cover and put in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm, or microwave individual portions. For longer storage, freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
tips to make French Onion Rice Bake
- Cook the onions low and slow for best caramel flavor.
- Use day-old cooked rice or cook rice ahead so it is not too wet.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper before baking.
- Use Swiss or Gruyère for the classic onion-cheese taste.
- Let the bake rest 5 minutes after removing from the oven so it sets.
variation (if any)
- Add cooked mushrooms or diced ham for more flavor.
- Swap vegetable broth for beef broth for a richer taste.
- Use cream cheese instead of sour cream for extra creaminess.
- Mix in cooked bacon bits for a smoky twist.
FAQs
Q: Can I use brown rice?
A: Yes, but cook the brown rice first and note it will need more liquid and time to cook before baking.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Use dairy-free sour cream and vegan cheese to make a dairy-free version.
Q: Do I need to pre-cook the rice?
A: Yes. Use cooked rice so the bake only needs to heat through in the oven, not cook raw rice.
Q: Can I add fresh herbs?
A: Yes. Stir chopped thyme or chives into the rice before baking for fresh flavor.
Conclusion
For a full recipe source and more tips, see French Onion Rice Bake | Wishes and Dishes.
French Onion Rice Bake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onions until caramelized, about 15-20 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, caramelized onions, vegetable broth, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in the sour cream and half of the shredded cheese.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and top with the remaining cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until heated through and cheese is bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.