How To Make White Rice (Baked!)

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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 fresh out of the oven.

How To Make White Rice In The Oven!

Switch to the oven for hasslefree, 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.

All the ingredients used in this recipe set out for easy assembly.

Tips For How To Make White Rice:

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

Rice, butter, salt, and boiling water being added to a pan.

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.

The pan being covered with foil and baked.

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.

White rice ready to be served.

How To Use White Rice:

Recipes With Cooked White Rice:

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How To Make White Rice

5 from 2 votes
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!)
How To Make White Rice fresh out of the oven.
Print Recipe

How To Make White Rice

How To Make White Rice fresh out of the oven.
5 from 2 votes
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!)
Course Appetizer, Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine American, Healthy, Vegetarian
Keyword how to cook white rice, How To Make White Rice
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 8 cups cooked rice
Chelsea Lords
Calories 250kcal
Cost $1.82

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 Facts

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

We do our best to provide accurate nutritional analysis for our recipes. Our nutritional data is calculated using a third-party algorithm and may vary, based on individual cooking styles, measurements, and ingredient sizes. Please use this information for comparison purposes and consult a health professional for nutrition guidance as needed.

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How To Make White Rice FAQs

1What 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.

2Can I add butter or oil to the rice before baking?

Yes, butter or oil adds flavor and prevents the rice from sticking together.

3How long does it take to bake white rice?

Bake rice for 20 minutes at 450 degrees F!

4Can 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!

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