Butter-Baked Rice
Butter-Baked Rice is a flavorful, buttery side dish with toasted almonds and savory chicken bouillon, perfect for family dinners or special occasions requiring comforting grains.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add 2 teaspoons of salt.
- Pour the boiling water over 1 cup of long grain rice. Let stand, covered, for 30 minutes.
- Rinse the rice in cold water and drain well.
- Melt 1/3 cup of butter in a skillet.
- Add the cooked rice to the skillet and cook over medium heat until the butter is mostly absorbed.
- Turn the rice into a 1-quart casserole dish.
- Sprinkle with dash of Accent and dash of garlic salt.
- Pour 1 ¾ cups of hot water with 2 chicken bouillon cubes over the rice.
- Bake, covered, at 325°F for 45 minutes.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley and fluff with a fork.
- Add 1/4 cup of toasted, slivered almonds.
- Bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting regular chicken bouillon with low-sodium options or homemade broth. If you want to enhance the dish, you can stir in sautéed vegetables like peas or carrots. For a different nutty flavor, try using pine nuts instead of slivered almonds. Always rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, ensuring fluffiness in the final dish.
Serving Suggestions
Butter-Baked Rice is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with roasted meats like Apple Roast Chicken or grilled vegetables. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or steamed greens for a complete meal. It can also be used as a base for stir-fried dishes or as a side for Chicken Noodle And Broccoli Soup. Garnishing with fresh herbs can elevate its presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Butter-Baked Rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to the rice to help steam it and prevent drying out. Microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through. This dish also freezes well; simply thaw and reheat as needed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Butter-Baked Rice contains roughly 1081 calories, with 13g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 79g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (52% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (29% of the Daily Value), and protein (26% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1401mg per serving (61% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of white long grain rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but be aware that it requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust the water and baking time accordingly, typically increasing the water to about 2 1/4 cups and baking for an additional 15-20 minutes. This will result in a chewier texture.
Is there a vegetarian version of Butter-Baked Rice?
Absolutely! You can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the chicken bouillon and using vegetable broth instead. For added richness, you may want to increase the butter or add olive oil. You can also include sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when you melt the butter. You can also stir in some spicy sautéed sausage or serve it with a hot sauce on the side. Adjust the seasonings to your taste for a flavorful kick!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).