Cheesy Baked French Onion Rice Skillet

The Ultimate Comfort Food Side Dish

If you’re looking for a side dish that’s cozy, cheesy, and bursting with rich caramelized onion flavor, this Cheesy Baked French Onion Rice Skillet is your new favorite recipe. Inspired by the classic French onion soup, this hearty rice dish transforms humble ingredients into something truly luxurious — melty, savory, and irresistible.

It’s everything you love about French onion soup — the caramelized onions, beefy broth, gooey cheese — combined with tender, fluffy rice baked to golden perfection in one skillet. Perfect for weeknight dinners, holidays, or potlucks, this easy dish delivers all the flavor of a restaurant-style meal right from your oven.

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What Is French Onion Rice?

French onion rice takes inspiration from the beloved French onion soup — a comforting bowl of deeply caramelized onions simmered in beef broth and topped with toasted bread and melted cheese.

In this rice version, the same savory flavors are infused into rice, then baked with gooey Gruyère and mozzarella cheese to create a creamy, cheesy masterpiece.

Think of it as a cross between risotto and French onion soup, baked until bubbly, golden, and delicious.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❤️

• 🧅 Rich and Savory Flavor: Deeply caramelized onions give every bite incredible depth.
• 🧀 Cheesy and Creamy: Melted Gruyère and mozzarella make it decadently comforting.
• 🍚 One-Skillet Simplicity: Fewer dishes, big flavor — perfect for busy nights.
• 🍽️ Versatile: Works as a main dish or side for chicken, steak, or pork.
• 🥘 Crowd-Pleaser: Always a hit at potlucks, holiday dinners, or family gatherings.

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Ingredients You’ll Need 📝

Here’s everything required to make this rich, cheesy skillet dish.

🧅 For the Onions:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar (helps caramelize)
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

🍚 For the Rice:

• 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice (such as basmati or jasmine)
• 3 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

🧀 For the Cheesy Topping:

• 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (for authentic French onion flavor)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for melt and stretch)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Step-by-Step Instructions 🍳

Follow these simple steps for a perfectly creamy, cheesy, and flavorful French Onion Rice Skillet.

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Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

1. In a large oven-safe skillet or cast iron pan, heat butter and olive oil over medium-low heat.
2. Add sliced onions, salt, and sugar. Stir occasionally and cook slowly for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown and soft.
3. Add minced garlic and thyme, cooking for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

🧅 Tip: Low and slow is key here! Don’t rush the onions — the caramelization is what gives this dish its signature rich flavor.

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Step 2: Add Rice and Seasonings

1. Stir in the uncooked rice, coating it in the onion mixture for about 2 minutes.
2. Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and black pepper.
3. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.

Bring to a gentle simmer, then cover the skillet with a lid or foil.

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Step 3: Bake Until Tender

1. Transfer the covered skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C).
2. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has absorbed.

Remove from the oven and fluff the rice gently with a fork.

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Step 4: Add the Cheese

1. Sprinkle the Gruyère, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
2. Return the skillet (uncovered) to the oven.
3. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

For extra browning, broil the top for the last 1–2 minutes — but watch closely!

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Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the oven, let rest for 5 minutes, and garnish with fresh parsley or thyme.

Serve straight from the skillet for a rustic, heartwarming presentation.

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What to Serve With French Onion Rice 🍗

This dish pairs beautifully with a wide variety of mains or can be enjoyed on its own as a comforting vegetarian entrée.

🍖 Main Course Pairings:

• Grilled steak or beef tenderloin – The rich onion flavor complements the meat perfectly.
• Baked chicken or pork chops – A hearty, balanced dinner combo.
• Roast turkey or ham – Ideal for holidays or special occasions.

🥗 Side Dish Ideas:

• Green salad with vinaigrette – A crisp contrast to the creamy rice.
• Roasted Brussels sprouts or asparagus – Adds freshness and crunch.
• Garlic bread or crusty baguette – To soak up the cheesy sauce.

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Tips for Perfect French Onion Rice Every Time 👨‍🍳

1. Use a heavy skillet: A cast iron or enameled skillet distributes heat evenly for perfect caramelization and baking.
2. Take your time with the onions: Don’t rush — the golden color adds both flavor and sweetness.
3. Use real beef broth: It enhances the umami depth. Homemade or low-sodium is best.
4. Try different cheeses: Fontina, provolone, or Swiss also melt beautifully.
5. Finish under the broiler: For that iconic bubbly, browned cheese top.

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Make-Ahead and Storage Tips 🕒

To Make Ahead:

• Caramelize the onions and prepare the rice mixture ahead of time.
• Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
• When ready to bake, top with cheese and heat as directed.

To Store Leftovers:

• Refrigerate for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
• Reheat gently in the oven or microwave with a splash of broth to loosen it up.

To Freeze:

• Cool completely and freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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Variations to Try 🍴

Want to mix things up? Try these tasty twists on the classic recipe:

🥩 French Onion Chicken and Rice:

Add shredded rotisserie chicken before baking for a hearty one-pan meal.

🍄 French Onion Mushroom Rice:

Stir in sautéed mushrooms for earthy depth and extra texture.

🥦 French Onion Veggie Rice:

Add broccoli florets or spinach during the last 10 minutes of baking for a healthier version.

🧄 Creamy French Onion Rice:

Stir in ¼ cup sour cream or cream cheese before adding the cheese topping for extra richness.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	375
Protein	12g
Carbohydrates	36g
Fat	18g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	680mg
Calcium	180mg

(Values vary depending on cheese types and portion sizes.)

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Why This Recipe Works

This dish is all about layering flavors — the sweetness of the caramelized onions, the savory beef broth, and the melty cheeses come together to create a comforting balance that hits all the right notes.

The baking process allows the rice to absorb every drop of onion-infused broth, while the cheese forms a luscious crust that’s impossible to resist. It’s simple, hearty, and soul-satisfying — just like any great comfort food should be.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Yes, but you’ll need to increase the baking time by 15–20 minutes and add an extra ½ cup of broth.

2. Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a fully vegetarian dish.

3. What’s the best cheese for this recipe?
Gruyère gives that classic French onion soup flavor, but Swiss, provolone, or mozzarella work great too.

4. My rice came out mushy — what went wrong?
Too much liquid or overbaking can cause mushiness. Make sure to use the right rice-to-broth ratio and check it at the 25-minute mark.

5. Can I make this without baking?
Yes! After simmering the rice on the stove, stir in the cheese and let it melt over low heat.

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A Cozy Twist on a Classic French Favorite 🇫🇷

The traditional French onion soup has been warming hearts for centuries — and this rice skillet takes that same comforting flavor to a whole new level. It’s hearty, family-friendly, and perfect for cozy dinners at home.

Every bite is a perfect mix of tender rice, caramelized onions, and gooey melted cheese — the ultimate trifecta of comfort.

Whether served as a main course or a decadent side, this Cheesy Baked French Onion Rice Skillet is guaranteed to steal the show.

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