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!

closeup of baked rice in a casserole dish with a fork

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.

overhead of rice in a casserole dish ready for baking

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.

overhead of baked rice

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

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closeup of baked rice in a casserole dish with a fork
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Easy Oven Baked Rice

A practically foolproof method for getting fluffy, tender grains that have just the right texture.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 22 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings 4
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Ingredients  

  • 1 cup long grain white rice
  • 1 ¾ cups boiling water *
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 375°F.
  • Pour all ingredients into a 2 qt baking dish and stir. Cover tightly.
  • Bake until the water is absorbed, 22 - 27 minutes.
  • Rest 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve.

Notes

This can be doubled in a 9x13 pan.
*Reduce the water to 1½ cups if cooking Jasmine rice.
4.96 from 247 votes

Nutrition Information

Calories: 219 | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 639mg | Potassium: 53mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 175IU | Calcium: 16mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
closeup of baked rice in a casserole dish with writing
baked rice in a casserole dish with writing
baked rice after baking and beforecloseup of baked rice in a casserole dish with writing

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About the author

Holly Nilsson is the creator of Spend With Pennies, where she creates easy, comforting recipes made for real life. With a passion for nostalgic flavors and simplified techniques, Holly helps busy home cooks create delicious meals that always work. She is also the author of “Everyday Comfort,” which promises to inspire even more hearty, home-cooked meals.
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Comments

  1. 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.5 stars

  2. Really good recipe. I had to bake mine 10 minutes longer.‍♀️ My oven might bake slower/lower than it claims?5 stars

  3. So easy, I don’t think I’ll ever go back to stove top rice! Thank you for the great recipe!!5 stars

  4. Great recipe! I use chicken or beef broth when I make it—and seasonings— to give it different flavor. Fool proof! 5 stars

  5. I will never make rice another way! I’ve only tried long grain white, but I make double batches all the time!5 stars

    1. 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!

    1. 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!