Description

Warm, savory, and packed with deep caramelized onion flavor, this French Onion Soup Rice is a cozy, comforting side dish that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Tender rice is cooked with rich broth, sweet onions, and melted cheese for a dish that’s hearty enough to stand alone but versatile enough to pair with almost any meal. Think all the flavors of classic French onion soup, but in a creamy, cheesy rice dish!

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Ingredients

Scale

1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2½ cups beef broth (or vegetable broth)
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
½ tsp dried thyme
½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
¼ tsp black pepper
1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Optional Add-ins:

Splash of white wine (for deglazing onions)
Mushrooms for extra heartiness
Extra cheese for topping and broiling

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Instructions

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly for 20–25 minutes, stirring often, until deeply golden and caramelized.
Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Deglaze and Season
(If using) splash in a little white wine and scrape up any browned bits.
Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, black pepper, and remaining salt.

Step 3: Cook the Rice
Add the uncooked rice to the onions and stir to coat the grains with all the flavor.
Pour in the beef broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 18–20 minutes, or until rice is tender and broth is absorbed.

Step 4: Add the Cheese
Turn off the heat and gently stir in the Gruyère and parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 5: Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley and extra parmesan if desired.
Serve warm as a cozy side dish or a vegetarian main.

Notes

Low and Slow Onions – Take your time for the richest flavor.
Use Good Broth – Beef broth adds the classic French onion flavor, but vegetable broth works too.
Shred Cheese Fresh – Melts better and tastes richer than pre-shredded.
Don’t Skip the Lid – Traps steam and ensures evenly cooked rice.
Broil for a Cheesy Top – Transfer to a baking dish, add more cheese, and broil for a bubbly, browned finish.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4o minutes
Cuisine: French-Inspired Comfort Food