How to Make White Rice: Upgrade your rice game with oven-baking! This foolproof method delivers perfect, fluffy rice every time and saves stovetop space.
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, perfect 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!
- Use leftovers and make Fried Rice: Stir-fry cooked rice with veggies, meat, and eggs.
- Rice Pilaf: Use our Quinoa Pilaf for inspiration, using rice instead of quinoa.
- Curry Rice: Bake with garlic, ginger, and curry spices.
- Mexican Rice: Mix in diced tomatoes, green chiles, and spices.
- Lemon Rice: Bake with lemon zest and add herbs after baking.
- Cilantro Lime Rice: Stir through lime zest, juice, and cilantro after baking.
- Pesto Rice: Bake with sun-dried tomatoes and stir through pesto after baking.
- 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 medium heat until hot.
- Microwave: Put rice in a microwave-safe dish with water/broth, cover, and heat for 1-2 minutes until hot.
- Oven: Preheat 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 White Rice:
- Side Dish: Serve with meats, 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, paella.
- Snack: Crisp in a pan, top with an egg for breakfast.
- Fried Rice: We love this Ham Fried Rice!
Recipes With Cooked White Rice:
- Red Beans And Rice
- Honey-Garlic Chicken Thighs
- Garam Masala Chicken
- Pineapple Steak
- Ground Turkey Bowls
How To Make White Rice
How to Make White Rice: Upgrade your rice game with oven-baking! This foolproof method delivers perfect, fluffy rice every time and saves stovetop space. Recipe barely adapted from ATK's Meal Prep Cookbook!Here’s my all-time favorite 9×13-inch baking dish and what is featured in these photos. Or halve this recipe by using an 8x8-inch baking dish (bake time is the same!)
Equipment
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Cooking Spray
- Foil (2 sheets regular or 1 sheet heavy duty)
Ingredients
- 2-2/3 cups basmati OR long-grain white rice, (Note 1)
- 1-1/4 teaspoons Salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 2 pieces (or use oil) (Note 2)
- 5-1/2 cups boiling water (Note 3)
Instructions
- PREP: Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Generously grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Boil more than 6 cups of water.
- COMBINE: Place rice, salt, and butter in the greased dish. Pour in 5-1/2 cups boiling water, stir to mix, and spread evenly.
- BAKE: Cover tightly with two layers of aluminum foil. Bake at the center of the oven for 20 minutes.
- REST: Remove from oven, keep covered and let rest for 15 minutes for the rice to absorb remaining moisture. (Note 4)
- ENJOY: Fluff with a fork and serve.
Video
Recipe Notes
Note 1: We like Basmati rice best, but long-grain works well. DO NOT rinse before using.
Note 2: Adds flavor and prevents sticking. Substitute with olive oil if desired.
Note 3: Boil extra as some will evaporate; ensure you have 5-1/2 cups to add.
Note 4: Resting is essential for fluffy, not mushy, rice; don't rush this step.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 250kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 367mg | Potassium: 72mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 87IU | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 0.5mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
How To Make White Rice FAQs
What is the ratio of water to rice when baking white rice?
To make white rice, use the ratio of 2-2/3rds cups rice to 5-1/2 cups water.
Can I add butter or oil to the rice before baking?
Yes, butter or oil adds flavor and prevents the rice from sticking together.
How long does it take to bake white rice?
Bake rice for 20 minutes at 450 degrees F!
Can I bake white rice in a covered or uncovered dish?
Bake white rice in a covered dish. Cooking it covered will make the rice fluffier and keep it from drying out. This recipe doesn’t work properly without the foil!
Best rice every time. Thank you!
I am so thrilled to hear this! Thanks Barbara! 🙂