Have you tried the stick of butter rice that broke the internet?
Stick of butter rice sounds almost too simple to be legendary, yet this humble baked rice dish has a cult following for a reason. Long-grain rice baked low and slow with a whole stick of butter, savory broth, and a few pantry seasonings turns out rich, fluffy, and deeply comforting. These 17 stick of butter rice recipes take the viral classic in every delicious direction.
Preheat the oven, grab the butter, and let’s make the easiest side dish you will ever love.
1. Classic Stick of Butter Rice
The original viral recipe: uncooked long-grain rice, one stick of butter, a can of beef consomme and a can of French onion soup, baked covered until tender. Every grain turns glossy, savory, and impossibly rich.
2. Garlic Butter Stick Rice
Add a full head of roasted garlic to the classic base for a mellow, caramelized depth. The garlic melts into the butter and perfumes every bite without any sharp bite.
3. Cheesy Stick of Butter Rice
Stir in shredded parmesan and mozzarella during the last 15 minutes of baking for a golden, cheesy crust. It eats like a rice gratin and disappears fast at potlucks.
4. Mushroom Stick of Butter Rice
Swap the beef consomme for mushroom broth and fold in sauteed cremini mushrooms. Earthy, umami-packed, and a natural fit for holiday tables.
5. Cajun Stick of Butter Rice
A tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and diced bell peppers turn the classic into a Louisiana-inspired side with a gentle kick. Serve it next to blackened chicken or shrimp.
6. French Onion Stick of Butter Rice
Double down on the onion: caramelized onions folded into the classic recipe plus a layer of gruyere on top. It tastes like French onion soup met a rice casserole.
7. Herb Butter Stick Rice
Fresh thyme, rosemary, and parsley stirred through the buttery rice just before serving. The herbs cut the richness and make it taste bright and restaurant-worthy.
8. Chicken and Stick of Butter Rice
Nest seasoned chicken thighs into the rice before baking for a true one-pan dinner. The chicken juices drip into the rice and everything cooks together in about an hour.
9. Broccoli Cheese Stick Rice
Stir steamed broccoli florets and sharp cheddar into the finished rice. A complete side that even vegetable skeptics will go back for.
10. Lemon Pepper Stick of Butter Rice
Lemon zest and cracked black pepper stirred through at the end lighten the whole dish. This version pairs beautifully with fish or grilled shrimp.
11. Bacon Stick of Butter Rice
Fold in crispy crumbled bacon and a spoonful of the drippings along with the butter. Smoky, salty, and dangerously good next to roasted chicken.
12. Vegetable Stick of Butter Rice
Diced carrots, peas, and corn stirred into the rice before baking make a colorful, family-friendly side. Use vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian.
13. Smoked Gouda Stick Rice
Smoked gouda melted through the buttery rice gives it a campfire-like depth. A sprinkle of chives on top keeps it from feeling too heavy.
14. Curry Stick of Butter Rice
A spoonful of mild curry powder and a handful of raisins transform the base into something fragrant and golden. Serve with roasted cauliflower or chicken.
15. Sausage and Stick of Butter Rice
Browned Italian sausage coins baked right into the rice make this a hearty main dish. The sausage fat mingles with the butter for maximum flavor.
16. Pesto Stick of Butter Rice
Swirl basil pesto through the finished rice and top with pine nuts and parmesan. Fresh, herby, and a world away from the original — in the best way.
17. Slow Cooker Stick of Butter Rice
The same ingredients, assembled in a slow cooker and cooked on low for 3 to 4 hours. Perfect for busy days when you want the oven free for the main dish.
Tips for the Best Stick of Butter Rice
Do not lift the lid. Whether baking or slow cooking, keep it covered the whole time. The trapped steam is what cooks the rice evenly and keeps it fluffy.
Use long-grain rice. Long-grain white rice gives the best texture — distinct, glossy grains. Short-grain or instant rice will turn mushy with the long bake time.
Let it rest before fluffing. Give the rice 10 minutes off the heat before fluffing with a fork. This lets the last bit of moisture absorb evenly.
Taste before salting. The canned soups and broth bring plenty of salt, so always taste first. You can add salt at the end, but you cannot take it away.
Toast the rice first for extra flavor. Saute the dry rice in a tablespoon of the butter until lightly golden before adding the liquids. This nutty base note makes the finished dish taste more complex with almost no extra work.
Double it for a crowd. This recipe scales perfectly — use a large roasting pan and add 10 extra minutes to the bake time. It is one of the easiest sides to make for 20 people.
FAQs
Why is it called stick of butter rice?
The name comes from the original viral recipe, which uses an entire stick (8 tablespoons) of butter baked with uncooked rice and canned soups. The butter is what gives the rice its signature rich, glossy texture.
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Brown rice needs more liquid and a longer bake — about 1 hour 45 minutes — so it is trickier. If you try it, add an extra half cup of broth and check for doneness before serving.
What can I serve with stick of butter rice?
It is a natural partner for roasted chicken, pork chops, meatloaf, or grilled steak. The rich rice also works as a base under saucy dishes like beef stew or chicken paprikash.
Can I make stick of butter rice without canned soup?
Yes. Replace the two cans of soup with 3 cups of good beef, chicken, or mushroom broth plus a teaspoon of onion powder and a pinch of sugar. The flavor will be cleaner and you control the salt.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of broth or water, covered, in the microwave or oven — the butter melts back in and the rice revives beautifully.
Can I add cheese to stick of butter rice?
Definitely. Stir in a cup of shredded cheddar, parmesan, or pepper jack during the last 15 minutes of baking. The cheese melts into the buttery rice and forms a delicious golden top.
Final Thoughts
Stick of butter rice is proof that the best recipes are often the simplest ones. From the viral classic to cheesy, Cajun, and slow-cooker spins, these 17 versions give you a side dish for every table. Make a batch this week and watch how fast the dish comes back empty.