Easy Oven Baked Rice: A Foolproof Recipe for Perfectly Cooked Rice Every Time
Rice is a versatile staple in countless cuisines, but cooking it perfectly on the stovetop can sometimes be tricky. Enter oven baked rice, a method that yields fluffy, evenly cooked rice every time, with minimal effort. By using the oven’s even heat distribution, you can say goodbye to undercooked or soggy rice and hello to a perfect side dish.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to make easy oven baked rice, offer some fun variations, and share expert tips for ensuring the best results every time. Whether you’re looking to meal prep or make a simple, hands-off side dish, oven baked rice will become your go-to method.
Looking for more easy side dishes? Be sure to check out our Slow Cooker Baked Ziti—a hearty, comforting meal that’s perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients for Easy Oven Baked Rice
To make the best oven baked rice, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:
- 1 cup white rice (long-grain or jasmine)
- 2 cups water or broth (vegetable or chicken)
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
Ingredient Notes:
- Rice: For oven baked rice, long-grain varieties like jasmine or basmati work best. Avoid short-grain varieties as they can become too sticky.
- Liquid: Using broth instead of water will add more flavor to the rice. Opt for low-sodium broth to control salt levels.
- Butter: A small amount of butter or olive oil helps prevent the rice from sticking together and adds richness to the flavor.
If you enjoy simple yet flavorful recipes, you might also like our Crockpot Potato Soup for another comforting dish that’s easy to prepare.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Oven Baked Rice
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure your oven is fully heated before placing the rice inside for even cooking.
Step 2: Rinse the Rice
Rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch, which helps prevent it from becoming too sticky. Drain the rice thoroughly before transferring it to a baking dish.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In a 9×13 baking dish, combine the rice, water (or broth), butter, and salt. Stir everything together to ensure the rice is evenly coated.
Step 4: Cover and Bake
Tightly cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to trap the steam, which is essential for cooking the rice evenly. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
Step 5: Fluff and Serve
Once the rice is cooked, remove the foil and fluff the rice with a fork. Serve immediately, or let it cool slightly for meal prep.
For a similar comfort food idea, you might want to try our recipe for No Peek Beef Tips, which is equally simple and flavorful.
Oven Baked Rice Recipe Variations
One of the great things about oven baked rice is how easily it can be customized. Here are a few variations to suit different tastes:
Butter Baked Rice
For a richer, creamier result, add a few extra tablespoons of butter before baking. The butter will melt into the rice, adding a luxurious texture and flavor.
Garlic Herb Rice
Add garlic and herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fragrant and savory side dish. Simply sauté the garlic before combining it with the rice, and sprinkle the herbs in before baking.
Spanish-Style Baked Rice
For a Spanish twist, mix in tomato sauce, bell peppers, onion, and cumin. This variation pairs beautifully with grilled meats or tacos for a flavorful meal.
Oven Baked Brown Rice
To make brown rice, follow the same method, but increase the baking time to 50-60 minutes and add ½ cup more water. Brown rice takes longer to cook but offers a chewier texture and more fiber.
Tips for Perfect Oven Baked Rice
- Accurate Liquid-to-Rice Ratio: A common mistake is using too much or too little liquid. Stick to a 2:1 ratio of liquid to rice for perfectly cooked grains.
- Tight Seal: Covering the dish tightly with foil is key to trapping the steam, which is necessary for even cooking.
- Fluff, Don’t Stir: Use a fork to fluff the rice after baking rather than stirring it. This prevents the grains from becoming mushy.
For more tips on cooking perfect rice, see our guide to Crockpot Chicken and Gravy here.
Serving Suggestions for Oven Baked Rice
Oven baked rice is a versatile side dish that can accompany a variety of meals. Here are some serving ideas:
- With Grilled Meats: Serve alongside grilled chicken, steak, or pork chops for a simple but satisfying dinner.
- As a Base for Rice Bowls: Top the rice with grilled vegetables, avocado, black beans, and a drizzle of yogurt or salsa for a healthy rice bowl.
- Paired with Curries: Baked rice works wonderfully with creamy curries like chicken tikka masala or vegetable curry.
Looking for more sides to complement your meal? Try our Kentucky Butter Cake for a sweet treat to round out your meal.
FAQs About Oven Baked Rice
1. Can I use broth instead of water for baked rice?
Absolutely! Using vegetable, chicken, or beef broth instead of water adds depth of flavor to the rice. Make sure to adjust the salt content accordingly, as some broths can be salty.
2. How long does oven baked rice last in the fridge?
Baked rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. It’s perfect for meal prep and reheats well in the microwave.
3. Can I freeze oven baked rice?
Yes, you can freeze oven baked rice in individual portions. To reheat, thaw the rice in the fridge overnight and microwave it with a splash of water to bring back its moisture.
4. What is the ideal rice-to-water ratio for baked rice?
The general rule is 1 cup of rice to 1 ½ to 2 cups of water or broth. The exact amount may vary slightly depending on the type of rice you use.
5. Can I bake rice without using foil?
Using foil or a tightly fitting lid is essential to trap steam. Without it, the rice may not cook evenly, resulting in undercooked or crunchy grains.
Conclusion: Why You Should Try Oven Baked Rice
Oven baked rice is a foolproof, hands-off method for cooking rice that guarantees perfectly fluffy grains every time. Whether you’re making a simple side dish or preparing for a week of meal prep, baking your rice is easy, reliable, and incredibly versatile.
With endless flavor possibilities and minimal active cooking time, this method is ideal for busy families or anyone looking to simplify their kitchen routine. Try adding your favorite spices or using broth to elevate the dish, and don’t forget to pair it with other comforting meals like our Slow Cooker Baked Ziti.
