Stick of Butter Rice (ORIGINAL VIRAL RECIPE)
If you’ve ever wondered what recipe officially launched Melissa Jo Real Recipes into the world… this is the one. Stick of Butter Rice! The BEST side dish you will ever MAKE! Want to make it a meal? Try my Stick of Butter Chicken & Rice or my Stick of Butter Beef & Rice!
Back in 2020, I was just five recipes into posting on TikTok. I filmed this super simple rice bake with a stick of butter, a can of beef consommé, a couple cans of French onion soup, and somehow… it hit 10 million views.
And that was it — my life changed. People made it for holidays, weeknights, potlucks, and I knew right then I wanted to keep creating real, simple, insanely delicious recipes for busy people who love good food.
Since then, the “Stick of Butter” series has grown — I’ve now made:
But THIS is the original. The one that started it all. The viral recipe I still make today — because not only is it nostalgic… it’s seriously that good.
👝 How to Store Leftovers
Fridge: 3–4 days in airtight container
Reheat: Microwave or 300°F oven, add splash of broth if dry
Freezer: Up to 3 months
🗒 More Delicious Rice Recipes
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Creamy Cheesy Chicken and Rice
If you’re craving the ultimate cozy comfort food, my Creamy Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole is the one you’ll come back to again and again. This family-friendly classic gets my signature creamy, cheesy spin: tender rotisserie chicken, fluffy yellow rice, fresh broccoli, and a stovetop-made Campbell’s sauce that’s rich, flavorful, and anything but boring. What…
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One Pot Lemon Chicken & Rice
Who can resist a one pot chicken and rice dinner? But, my One Pot Lemon Chicken & Rice is the most irresistible of them all! I have made so many one pot dinners, and this one is so fresh and the chicken is moist flavorful; and the rice is perfectly flavored with the taste of…
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Who can resist a one pot chicken and rice dinner? But, my Cilantro Lime Chicken One Pot Meal is the most irresistible of them all! I have made so many one pot dinners, and this one is so fresh and the chicken is moist flavorful; and the rice is perfectly flavored with the taste of…
🔄 Substitutions & Variations
| Swap | Notes |
|---|---|
| Parmesan cheese | Works if you can’t find Locatelli |
| Unsalted butter | Just add a pinch more salt if needed |
| Fresh mushrooms | Sauté first — won’t have liquid, so add ¼ cup extra broth |
| Brown rice | Does not work — different cook time + liquid ratio |
| Add-ins | Sliced onions, Worcestershire, or fresh thyme on top |
Tips for Perfect Stick of Butter Rice
Don’t stir too much — keeping the rice distributed but not overmixed helps it bake evenly
If using glass instead of ceramic, check 5–7 minutes earlier
Locatelli gives a salty, nutty, punchier flavor than Parmesan — highly recommended
Tight foil = tender rice; loose foil = crunchy edges (also yum)
🤔 Common Questions
Not the same. The depth of flavor comes from the soups.
Yes — use a 9×13 and increase bake time to 1 hr 10–15 mins.
Stick of Butter Rice
Ingredients
- 2 cups Long grain white rice uncooked NOT instant or parboiled
- 1 can 10.5 oz Campbell’s beef consommé Do not drain
- 2 cans Campbell’s French onion soup 10.5 oz each Do not drain
- 2 cans Canned mushrooms (stems & pieces) 4 oz each Liquid Included
- 1 stick Butter ½ cup I used salted; unsalted also works
- 1 cup grated Locatelli Pecorino Romano cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease an 8×8 or 9×9 baking dish.
- Add rice straight into the dish — no rinsing needed.
- Pour in the beef consommé, French onion soup, and both cans of mushrooms with the liquid.
- Melt butter and pour it evenly over the top. Don’t overmix — a gentle “swish” or light zhuzh with a spoon is all it needs.
- Top with grated Locatelli Pecorino Romano cheese.
- Cover tightly with foil and bake 1 hour.
- Check to see if there’s excess liquid. If so, bake uncovered 8–10 more minutes.
- Fluff with a fork and serve!
Video
I don’t like mushrooms, can I just leave that out? Or should I substitute something else?
Absolutely! 😄 If you don’t like mushrooms, you can leave them out completely and the recipe will still turn out great. The liquid from the mushrooms does add a tiny bit of moisture, so if you skip them, just add an extra splash (about ¼ cup) of beef broth or water to make sure the rice has enough liquid to cook.
Some yummy swap ideas if you do want to replace them:
• 🧅 sautéed onions or shallots
• 🥫 a little extra French onion soup
• 🧄 jarlic or roasted garlic cloves
• 🥩 diced cooked beef tips (for extra beefy flavor!)