Holiday Stick of Butter Rice Recipe

If you’re searching for a side dish that brings holiday cheer with every bite, look no further than the Holiday Stick of Butter Rice. This dish combines the rich, comforting creaminess of butter with savory herbs, a touch of sweet cranberries, and satisfying pecans, making it the ultimate festive accompaniment. The Holiday Stick of Butter Rice blends simple ingredients into a warm, buttery casserole that effortlessly elevates any holiday meal, creating moments of pure joy around the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Holiday Stick of Butter Rice lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient plays its part. From the short grain rice that provides a tender, creamy base, to the aromatic herbs and savory onion soup mix that add depth and character, every item is essential for that truly festive flavor and texture.

• Short grain rice (1 cup): This type ensures a soft, slightly sticky texture perfect for absorbing flavors.
• Onion soup mix (1 packet): Adds a burst of savory umami and seasoning that deepens the dish.
• Garlic (4 cloves, pressed): Infuses the rice with a gentle, aromatic bite that complements the butter beautifully.
• Black pepper (1/4 tsp): Just enough for a subtle warmth without overpowering the other flavors.
• Fresh thyme (1/2 tsp): Brings herbal earthiness that feels bright and festive.
• Ground sage (1/4 tsp): The quintessential holiday herb, offering a savory touch with a hint of sweetness.
• Unsalted beef broth (2 cups): Provides a rich, meaty base that the rice soaks up for incredible taste.
• Worcestershire sauce (1 Tbsp, optional): A small addition that adds complexity and depth.
• Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, sliced): The star of the show, melting into the rice for that luscious, silky finish.
• Dried cranberries (1/4 cup): Adds festive sweetness and beautiful pops of color.
• Chopped pecans (1/4 cup): Provides a delightful crunch and nutty contrast.
• Fresh parsley or thyme (for garnish): Adds fresh, vibrant notes and a gorgeous presentation.

How to Make Holiday Stick of Butter Rice

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Dish

Begin your Holiday Stick of Butter Rice journey by preheating the oven to 375°F. Lightly butter an 8×8-inch baking dish or give it a quick spray with nonstick spray. This little step ensures your rice won’t stick and adds an extra hint of buttery flavor to the edges that everyone will love.

Step 2: Add Your Dry Ingredients

Pour the uncooked short grain rice into your prepared dish, then sprinkle the packet of onion soup mix evenly over the top. Press the garlic through your press directly onto the rice and sprinkle in the fresh thyme, ground sage, and black pepper. This mixture of flavors will build the base layer of savory holiday goodness.

Step 3: Pour in the Liquids

Next, pour the unsalted beef broth and optional Worcestershire sauce gently over your ingredients. The broth lets the rice cook to tender perfection while soaking up all those deep, comforting flavors. Gently combine the contents, but remember not to stir thoroughly — you want to keep the butter intact on top for that ultimate buttery melt.

Step 4: Top with Butter and Bake

Scatter the slices of unsalted butter evenly across the rice surface. This is the magical moment when the dish transforms, as the butter slowly melts into the rice while baking, creating that signature rich flavor and creamy texture. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil to keep the moisture in, then slide it into the oven for one hour.

Step 5: Add Festive Mix-Ins

Once baked, gently fluff the rice with a fork and fold in dried cranberries and chopped pecans for an extra burst of holiday cheer. These additions bring delightful texture and a pop of tart and nutty flavor, perfectly balancing the richness of the butter and herbs.

How to Serve Holiday Stick of Butter Rice

Garnishes

Before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley or thyme over the top for a vibrant splash of green and an aromatic lift. Not only do these herbs look gorgeous against the buttery rice, they also add a fresh, herbal brightness that complements the warm flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

The Holiday Stick of Butter Rice pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey, glazed ham, or even a comforting vegetable roast. Its rich, buttery texture and festive flavors make it an ideal companion to classic holiday proteins, while also standing strong alongside sautéed greens or roasted root vegetables.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the rice in individual ramekins or hollowed-out mini pumpkins for a charming holiday presentation. You might also sprinkle additional chopped pecans or dried cranberries on top just before serving for extra crunch and color. Either way, the presentation will impress your guests and make the Holiday Stick of Butter Rice the star of your feast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (which might be a rare occasion!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The rice will keep deliciously for up to four days, allowing you to enjoy that holiday magic a second time around without any hassle.

Freezing

The Holiday Stick of Butter Rice freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep or saving for later. Cool the rice completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to indulge again, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat your leftovers gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to bring back moisture and keep the rice tender. Stir occasionally for even warming, and you’ll have that freshly baked holiday comfort ready to enjoy all over again.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of rice?

Short grain rice works best in this recipe due to its creamy, tender texture after baking. Long grain rice may not absorb the flavors as well and can turn out drier or less cohesive.

Is Worcestershire sauce necessary?

Worcestershire sauce is optional but highly recommended for its ability to deepen the savory notes and add complexity. If you prefer not to use it, the dish will still be flavorful thanks to the broth and seasonings.

Can I make this dairy-free or vegan?

You could substitute the butter with a high-quality vegan butter and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to make this dish vegan-friendly, though the flavor profile will differ somewhat.

How do I make sure the butter melts perfectly?

Don’t stir the butter into the rice before baking. Instead, place the slices on top so they melt slowly in the oven, infusing the rice with that rich, silky butter flavor.

What holiday proteins go best with this rice?

Roasted turkey, ham, prime rib, and even baked salmon pair beautifully with the comforting buttery consistency and festive herbs in this rice dish.

Final Thoughts

The Holiday Stick of Butter Rice is more than just a side dish; it’s a heartwarming, crowd-pleasing recipe that adds a touch of buttery magic to your holiday table. It’s easy enough for a weekday but special enough for celebrations, making it a must-try for those who love comfort food with a festive twist. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become one of your go-to dishes every holiday season!