French onion rice is all about the depth of flavor, and in this recipe, I’ll teach you four tips for creating irresistible layers of savory, sweet, rich, cheesy goodness. With less than ten ingredients and just 30 minutes, you can make a memorable rice dish that’s sure to impress!
This French onion rice takes everything you love about French onion soup and turns it into a buttery, cheesy side dish. Sweet caramelized onions, garlic, and melty cheese get folded into tender basmati rice that’s been simmered in broth, so every bite is rich, savory, and full of flavor. And the best part? It’s completely stovetop — no oven required.
The magic is in the details. Onions slowly caramelize in a mix of olive oil and butter for deep, golden flavor, while broth instead of water gives the rice an extra layer of savoriness. A blend of parmesan and gruyere melts through at the end, adding sharpness and gooey goodness. It’s cozy, nostalgic, and the kind of side dish that steals the spotlight.
How to turn this into a meal
Go all in with the flavor and serve this rice with my French onion chicken or French onion pork chops . Another great option is my pan-fried pork chops with honey garlic herb butter . Add a simple side salad, like this spring mix salad or a Caesar salad and dinner is ready.
Or try topping the French onion rice with some fried eggs – the yolks will spill into the rice, coating them beautifully!
French Onion Rice Recipe
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Ingredients
- ▢ 2 tablespoons butter
- ▢ 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ▢ 4 large yellow onions (thinly sliced)
- ▢ 2 cloves garlic (finely minced)
The Rice
- ▢ 2 cups basmati rice (rinsed)
- ▢ 3 cups chicken broth (see notes)
- ▢ ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ▢ 1 cup grated parmesan
- ▢ 1 cup grated gruyere cheese
Instructions
- Heat the butter and olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent, about 3 minutes. Turn the heat down to low and continue to cook until the onions are deep golden and caramelized, about 15-20 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more. 2 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 4 large yellow onions, 2 cloves garlic
- While the onions are cooking, start the rice. Add the basmati, chicken broth, and salt to a medium-sized pot over high heat. Bring the pot to a boil then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for 12 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat and let it rest, covered, for 10 minutes. 2 cups basmati rice, 3 cups chicken broth, ½ teaspoon sea salt
- Set a scoop of the onions aside for serving and then stir the rest into the rice. Add both the cheeses and stir again. 1 cup grated parmesan
- Serve the rice with the reserved caramelized onions on top.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here .
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French Onion Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 large yellow onions , thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic , finely minced
The Rice
- 2 cups basmati rice , rinsed
- 3 cups chicken broth , see notes
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 cup grated parmesan
- 1 cup grated gruyere cheese
Instructions
- Heat the butter and olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent, about 3 minutes. Turn the heat down to low and continue to cook until the onions are deep golden and caramelized, about 15-20 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more. 2 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 4 large yellow onions, 2 cloves garlic
- While the onions are cooking, start the rice. Add the basmati, chicken broth, and salt to a medium-sized pot over high heat. Bring the pot to a boil then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for 12 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat and let it rest, covered, for 10 minutes. 2 cups basmati rice, 3 cups chicken broth, ½ teaspoon sea salt
- Set a scoop of the onions aside for serving and then stir the rest into the rice. Add both the cheeses and stir again. 1 cup grated parmesan
- Serve the rice with the reserved caramelized onions on top.
