Easy Oven Baked Rice – Perfectly Fluffy Every Time!

Say goodbye to overcooked or mushy rice. This Easy Oven Baked Rice recipe delivers perfectly fluffy grains every time—with minimal effort. Just mix, bake, and let the oven do the work while you focus on the rest of your meal. It’s a reliable, low-maintenance side dish that fits into any healthy routine.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfectly Fluffy Every Time: No more guesswork or stovetop watching.
Hands-Off Cooking: Once it’s in the oven, you’re free to walk away.
Versatile & Simple: Pairs with everything—from stir-fries to roasted meats.
Better-For-You Ingredients: Low-oil and sodium-smart, but still flavorful.

Ingredients

Base:

• 1 cup long grain white rice or jasmine rice (uncooked)
• 1 3/4 cups hot water
• 1/2 teaspoon olive oil or light butter
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or onion powder
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/4 cup chopped herbs (like parsley, cilantro, or dill)
• 1/2 cup frozen peas or mixed veggies

Instructions

Preheat & Prepare:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Lightly grease a medium baking dish (8×8 or similar).

Combine Ingredients:

• Add uncooked rice to the baking dish.
• Stir in hot water, olive oil, salt, and any flavoring add-ins.

Cover and Bake:

• Cover the dish tightly with foil or a fitted lid.
• Bake for 25–30 minutes or until rice is tender and water is fully absorbed.

Fluff & Serve:

• Remove from oven and let rest, covered, for 5–10 minutes.
• Fluff with a fork and garnish with herbs or extra veggies if desired.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

• Calories: 165
• Carbs: 34g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 2g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 80mg

Tips for Success

• Use Hot Water: Helps jumpstart cooking and ensures even baking.
• Foil Seal Is Key: A tight cover prevents steam from escaping—no crunchy rice!
• Don’t Peek: Let the rice bake undisturbed to lock in moisture and heat.
• Double It: This recipe scales up easily for meal prep or family dinners.

Why This Recipe Works

• Effortless Cooking: No stirring, boiling, or babysitting required.
• Customizable: Make it savory, herbaceous, or veggie-packed to suit your meal.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Stores well in the fridge and reheats like a dream.

This Easy Oven Baked Rice takes the stress out of cooking rice while delivering soft, flavorful grains every time. Whether you’re preparing a busy weeknight meal or planning ahead for lunches, this method makes rice-making truly foolproof.