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Creamy French Onion Rice Recipe with caramelized onions and melted Gruyère cheese in a cast iron skillet, garnished with fresh parsley.

The BEST French Onion Rice Recipe

Emily Wilson
This creamy, savory French Onion Rice captures all the beloved flavors of French onion soup in a hearty, satisfying rice dish. Perfect as a side or main course!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine French
Servings 6 servings
Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 large yellow onions about 2 pounds, thinly sliced
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cups long-grain white rice rinsed and drained
  • 4 cups beef broth or vegetable broth, divided
  • 4 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1½ cups shredded Gruyère cheese about 6 ounces
  • ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat 2 tablespoons butter and 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 35-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply caramelized.
    Thinly sliced onions caramelizing to a golden-brown color in a large pot
  • Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
    Adding garlic and herbs to caramelized onions in a cooking pot
  • Deglaze the pot with ½ cup beef broth, scraping up all browned bits.
  • Add thyme sprigs, bay leaves, and remaining 2 tablespoons butter.
  • Add rice and stir to coat with butter and onion mixture. Toast for 2 minutes.
    Adding uncooked rice to caramelized onions in a cooking pot
  • Pour in remaining 3½ cups beef broth, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender.
  • Remove from heat. Discard thyme sprigs and bay leaves.
  • Stir in 1 cup Gruyère and all Parmesan cheese until melted.
    Adding shredded Gruyère cheese to hot rice with caramelized onions
  • Top with remaining ½ cup Gruyère and garnish with parsley before serving.
    Creamy French Onion Rice Recipe in a rustic serving dish topped with melted Gruyère cheese and fresh herbs

Notes

Nutrition Information (per serving)
  • Calories: 420
  • Protein: 15g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fat: 19g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 4g
Keyword French Onion Rice, French Onion Rice Recipe, French Onion Rice Side Dish