This cozy French onion soup rice is rich and flavorful and the perfect side dish to make any meal more exciting. It’s basically French onion soup in cheesy baked rice form, yum!

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Why you’ll love this

This French onion soup rice recipe has all of the rich flavors you love about classic French onion soup: sweet caramelized onions, savory broth and gooey cheese.

It is truly one of the most delicious recipes and it’s made with super simple ingredients! It’s kind of like French onion soup meets risotto with minimal cooking time.

This recipe combines fluffy rice, sweet caramelized onions, beef broth and a convenient packet of onion soup mix to create the most delicious side dish. And don’t forget the melty cheese- it’s the best part.

It’s the perfect recipe to warm up chilly evenings or even impress your guests during a gathering.

Let’s get into what you need to make it.

Ingredients

1. Rice: You’ll need white or brown rice long grain rice for the base of this dish. I do find that white rice works better, but either will work. My favorite is jasmine rice.
2. French onion soup seasoning: You’ll need a 2 oz package of onion soup mix! It’s convenient and packs all of the delicious French onion soup mix you need.
3. Sweet onions: Thinly sliced onions are the perfect addition and add so much flavor and sweetness after they’re caramelized.
4. Beef broth: This recipe calls for beef broth just like you’ll find in classic French onion soup. You can also use chicken broth or vegetable broth.
5. Thyme: Fresh thyme adds the perfect herby, aromatic touch.
6. Gruyère cheese: This cheese melts into the perfect creamy cheesy topping. You can also use Swiss cheese, provolone cheese or even mozzarella cheese. Shredded cheese baked on top of the rice truly elevates this to the most incredible side dish.
7. Olive oil: You’ll need a little bit of olive oil for caramelizing the onions.
8. Salt + pepper

How to make French onion soup rice

1. In a medium saucepan, bring rice and two cups of beef broth to a boil over medium high heat. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until rice is tender and broth is absorbed.
2. While rice is simmering, prepare caramelized onions. Heat olive oil in a frying pan on low medium heat and onions and thyme. Cook onions until soft and caramelized, about 15-20 minutes. Stir onions every few minutes and reduce heat if they are beginning to burn or stick.

3. Add caramelized onions, remaining 1/2 cup of broth, onion soup seasoning and half of the shredded Gruyère cheese to the rice and stir to combine. Add additional salt and black pepper to taste.

4. Transfer rice mixture to an 8×8″ or 9×9″ baking dish.

5. Top with the remaining cheese and broil in the oven for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown.

How to store

Store leftover French onion soup rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Variations

• Turn it into a main course by adding shredded rotisserie chicken or even cooked ground turkey or beef for a high protein version!
• For a different texture add crispy fried onions to the top.
• Add cooked shrimp or scallops for a delicious seafood main dish.
• Add some sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a veggie-packed rice dish.
• Add red pepper flakes or your favorite hot sauce for a rice with a kick.