French Onion Soup Rice

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

French Onion Soup Rice takes the comforting flavors of classic French onion soup and transforms them into a hearty, flavorful rice dish. Caramelized onions, rich beef broth, melted cheese, and aromatic herbs blend beautifully with rice for a unique twist on a beloved soup. This recipe is simple to prepare and makes a perfect side dish or a cozy main course for chilly days.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1/4 cup butter

• 4 large onions, thinly sliced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice, rinsed and drained

• 4 cups beef broth

• 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)

• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)

• 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.

2. Add the sliced onions, garlic, sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are deeply caramelized and golden brown, about 30-40 minutes.

3. Add the rice to the caramelized onions and stir to coat the grains.

4. Pour in the beef broth and white wine (if using). Stir in the thyme.

5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

6. Remove from heat and stir in half of the Gruyère and Parmesan cheeses until melted and creamy.

7. Transfer the rice to oven-safe serving dishes, sprinkle the remaining Gruyère on top, and place under a broiler for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 50 minutes (including caramelizing onions)

• Broiling Time: 3-5 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

• Mushroom Addition: Add sautéed mushrooms along with onions for an earthy flavor.

• Cheese Swap: Substitute Gruyère with Swiss or mozzarella cheese.

• Herb Twist: Add rosemary or bay leaf during cooking for extra aroma.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth to restore creaminess if needed.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but brown rice will require longer cooking time and more liquid.

Is white wine necessary?

No, you can omit the wine and replace it with additional broth.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, ensure your broth and any other ingredients are gluten-free.

How do I caramelize onions quickly?

Use a pinch of sugar and cook over medium heat, stirring often to prevent burning.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can make the rice ahead and reheat before serving, adding cheese fresh at the end.

What can I substitute for Gruyère?

Swiss, mozzarella, or even cheddar can work depending on your preference.

How do I store leftover French Onion Soup Rice?

Keep it refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Freezing is possible but may change the texture slightly; reheat gently.

Can I add meat to this dish?

Yes, cooked beef or sausage can be stirred in for a heartier meal.

What side dishes pair well with this rice?

A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables complement this dish nicely.

Conclusion

French Onion Soup Rice brings the rich, savory flavors of classic French onion soup into a comforting, cheesy rice dish. With caramelized onions, melted Gruyère, and aromatic herbs, it’s a wonderful twist on traditional comfort food. Easy to make and perfect for chilly evenings, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.