French Onion Soup Rice is a delightful fusion of the classic French onion soup and comforting rice. This recipe combines the rich, caramelized flavors of onions with the satisfying texture of rice, creating a dish that's perfect for any meal. It's an excellent choice for a cozy family dinner or an elegant side dish for special occasions. Follow this detailed guide to prepare a delicious French Onion Soup Rice that will become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients
To make French Onion Soup Rice, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup dry white wine (optional)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 ½ cups shredded Gruyère cheese
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and sugar, stirring to coat the onions evenly. Cook the onions for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are deep golden brown and caramelized. Reduce the heat if the onions start to brown too quickly. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Rice
While the onions are caramelizing, rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This step removes excess starch and helps achieve fluffy rice. Set the rinsed rice aside.
Step 3: Deglaze the Skillet
Once the onions are caramelized, add the dry white wine to the skillet, if using. Scrape the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon to release any browned bits. Allow the wine to simmer for about 2 minutes until it has mostly evaporated.
Step 4: Cook the Rice
Add the beef broth, water, dried thyme, bay leaf, and caramelized onions to a large pot. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir in the rinsed rice, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer the rice for 18-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes.
Step 5: Finish the Dish
Remove the bay leaf from the pot and fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until melted and combined. Fold in 1 cup of shredded Gruyère cheese until it melts and blends into the rice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Note
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet for caramelizing the onions to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
- Stir the onions frequently to avoid burning and ensure they caramelize evenly.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the beef broth with vegetable broth.
Serving Suggestions
French Onion Soup Rice is a versatile dish that pairs well with various main courses and sides. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- Serve alongside roasted chicken or beef for a hearty meal.
- Pair with a fresh green salad and crusty bread for a lighter option.
- Add a side of steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or green beans, for a balanced meal.
- Top with additional shredded Gruyère cheese and place under the broiler for a few minutes for a bubbly, cheesy crust.
Tips
- For extra flavor, use homemade beef broth if available.
- If you prefer a stronger onion flavor, add an additional onion to the caramelizing step.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a burst of color and freshness.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 350 per serving
- Protein: 10g per serving
- Sodium: 600mg per serving
Conclusion
French Onion Soup Rice is a delicious and comforting dish that combines the best elements of French onion soup with the satisfying texture of rice. It's a versatile recipe that can be served as a main course or a side dish, making it perfect for any occasion. The caramelized onions add a rich, savory depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy, cheesy rice. Try this recipe for your next family dinner or special gathering, and enjoy the rave reviews from your guests. Happy cooking!
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French Onion Soup Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
French Onion Soup Rice combines the rich, savory flavors of French onion soup with tender, fluffy rice. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or as a comforting side. Using simple ingredients, it delivers a depth of flavor that will make it a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- ½ cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook until caramelized, about 15-20 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in the rice, ensuring it is well coated with the butter and onions.
- Pour in beef broth, white wine (if using), Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. Stir well.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and stir in the shredded Gruyère cheese until melted and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For added richness, you can top the finished dish with extra Gruyère cheese and broil until bubbly and golden.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
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