How To Make White Rice (Baked!) for Supper

Learn How To Make White Rice in the oven for fluffy, reliable rice every time. straightforward, hands-off, and no stovetop needed!

Next, check out our guide on How To Cook Brown Rice.

How To Make White Rice In The Oven!

Switch to the oven for hassle–free, reliable consistent fluffy white rice. Why it’s better:

• Even heating means no burnt or sticky mess.
• Frees up stovetop space.
• Set it and forget it—no need to watch or stir.
• Ideal for large quantities, simplifying meal prep.
• Enhances flavor, absorbing butter and seasonings evenly.
• More forgiving than stovetop methods.

Tips For How To Make White Rice:

• Use Correct Water Ratio: Follow recipe quantities to avoid dry or mushy rice.
• Use Boiling Water: Ensures quick, even cooking.
• Salt: Use to enhance flavor.
• Butter: Adds flavor and prevents sticking. Oil can also be used.
• Use Two Layers of Regular Foil OR Heavy Duty Foil: Keeps steam in for even cooking.
• Rest: Allows rice to finish cooking by steaming.

Variations

Flavor Your White Rice!

1. Use leftovers and make Fried Rice: Stir-fry cooked rice with veggies, meat, and eggs.
2. Rice Pilaf: Use our Quinoa Pilaf for inspiration, using rice instead of quinoa.
3. Curry Rice: Bake with garlic, ginger, and curry spices.
4. Mexican Rice: Mix in diced tomatoes, green chiles, and spices.
5. Lemon Rice: Bake with lemon zest and add herbs after baking.
6. Cilantro Lime Rice: Stir through lime zest, juice, and cilantro after baking.
7. Pesto Rice: Bake with sun-dried tomatoes and stir through pesto after baking.
8. Saffron Rice: Simply add saffron threads for a flavorful dish.

Storage

• Cool rice completely, then store in an airtight container or bag.
• Use within 3-5 days or freeze up to 6 months for best quality.

Reheating:

• Stovetop: Add rice to a pan with a splash of water/broth, stir over a medium burner until hot.
• Microwave: Put rice in a microwave-safe dish with water/broth, cover, and heat for 1-2 minutes until hot.
• Oven: Heat to 350°F, spread rice on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and bake for 15-20 minutes.

Tip: Add water, broth, or butter when reheating to prevent dryness.

How To Use This Rice:

• Side Dish: Serve this white rice with chicken, fish, or vegetables.
• Soups & Stews: Add for texture and heartiness. This Chicken Curry Rice Soup is our fave!
• Rice Salads: Combine with veggies, herbs, and vinaigrette.
• Fillings: Use in burritos, tacos, or stuffed peppers.
• Base: Use in sushi, risotto, Hawaiian haystacks, paella.
• Snack: Crisp in a pan, top with an egg for breakfast.
• Fried Rice: It is satisfying to this Ham Fried Rice!

Recipes With Cooked White Rice:

Dinner

Red Beans And Rice Recipe

Chicken

Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Chicken

Garam Masala Chicken

Dinner

Pineapple Steak

Ingredients

• Cooking spray
• 2-2/3 cups basmati rice (or long-grain white rice, see note 1)
• 1-1/4 teaspoons
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (cut into 2 pieces (or use oil), see note 2)
• 5-1/2 cups boiling water (see note 3)

Method

1. Heat oven to 450°F. Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Boil more than 6 cups of water.
2. Place rice, salt, and butter in the greased dish. Pour in 5-1/2 cups boiling water, stir to mix, and spread evenly.
3. Cover tightly with two layers of aluminum foil. Bake at the center of the oven for 20 minutes.
4. Remove from oven, keep covered, and let rest for 15 minutes for the rice to absorb remaining moisture (see note 4).
5. Fluff rice with a fork and serve.