Baked Rice is a foolproof method for getting fluffy, tender grains that have just the right texture. Combine rice, water, and butter and let it bake in the oven instead of on the stovetop.
One of the reasons oven-baked rice turns out fabulous is that the heat is distributed more evenly throughout the cooking cycle. It’s also perfect to pop in the oven alongside Oven Baked Chicken Breasts, marinated pork tenderloin, or with Chicken Cordon Bleu!
Tips for Making Baked Rice
To get the best white rice in the oven, follow these tips for recipe success:
- Follow the ratios in the recipe below (and not the ratios on the package)
- Adding butter helps keep the grains from sticking.
- Boil the water before adding to the rice.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with foil to seal in the steam.
- Allow the rice to rest for 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven before fluffing with a fork.
You can easily make baked brown rice too, it will take a bit longer to cook.
What Rice is Best Baked?
Any kind of rice can be baked. Just be aware that cooking times can vary greatly. Basmati rice is one of the most quick-cooking varieties. Brown rice, on the other hand, takes more than twice as long as conventional white rice.
This recipe uses regular long grain white rice. If you’re changing the type of rice, you will need to adjust the cook time.
What to Serve with Baked Rice
Baked rice is the perfect starchy side dish that pairs well with saucy recipes like Salisbury steak or Crock Pot pork chops with mushroom gravy. It’s an easy way to pre-make rice for fried rice too, or for General Tso’s Chicken!
Leftover rice will keep in the fridge for up to four days or in the freezer for up to four months.
How to Reheat Rice
To reheat rice in the oven or toaster oven, gently break up any lumps and moisten slightly with a small splash of water. Cover tightly and bake at 300°F for about 20 minutes.
Easy Ways to Cook Rice
- Brown Rice – made in the oven or stove
- Easy Rice Pilaf – filled with veggies!
- Cilantro Lime Rice – deliciously zesty freshness!
- Dirty Rice – southern comfort food staple
- Garlic Butter Rice – full of flavor!
Easy Oven Baked Rice
Ingredients
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 1 ¾ cups boiling water*
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F.
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Pour all ingredients into a 2 qt baking dish and stir. Cover tightly.
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Bake until the water is absorbed, 22 - 27 minutes.
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Rest 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
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I was tripling the recipe and wasn’t sure about the time but cooked 27 minutes and it’s always been perfect.
I love this recipe!
I use it as a base and then add beans and BBQ sauce and bacon to it, cover casserole tightly and voila! Tonight is a variation; fresh okra sliced with Trappeys Jalapinto beans and sauce mixed in. It’s an experiment.
That sounds amazing, Chris! Thanks for sharing.
Really good recipe. I had to bake mine 10 minutes longer.♀️ My oven might bake slower/lower than it claims?
So easy, I don’t think I’ll ever go back to stove top rice! Thank you for the great recipe!!
Awesone. only way to cook rice!
Should the rice be rinsed?
For this recipe we do not rinse the rice first. Enjoy!
Great recipe! I use chicken or beef broth when I make it—and seasonings— to give it different flavor. Fool proof!
I will never make rice another way! I’ve only tried long grain white, but I make double batches all the time!
Want to try this. Do. you have to add the salt for it to work?
I have only made this recipe as listed but other readers have made it without the salt with good results. I would love to hear how it turns out for you!
Love this recipe. It’s my go to! Perfect every time!
does this same recipe work for Basmatti or Brown Rice? I seldom make white
For brown rice I would follow this recipe. Basmati rice is one of the most quick-cooking varieties. So you will want to reduce your cooking time to accommodate. I hope this helps!
I have made your oven baked rice for years it is perfect and full proof.