Baked Rice- The Foolproof Way to Cook Perfect Rice Every Time
Cooking rice can feel like a gamble. One minute it’s undercooked, the next it’s mushy, or worse—burnt at the bottom. If you’ve ever struggled to get it right on the stove, it’s time to meet your new favourite method: baked rice.
By baking rice in the oven, you get perfectly fluffy grains, evenly cooked and full of flavour, without constant watching or stirring. Whether you’re making plain rice or a full one-pan meal, this technique is simple, reliable, and totally hands-off.
Pair this rice with something cosy from our Comfort Food Collection.
🍚 Why Bake Rice Instead of Boiling It?
Baking rice isn’t just a hack—it’s an upgrade. Here’s why:
- No burning or boiling over
- Even cooking—the heat circulates gently
- You can flavour the liquid easily with stock, herbs or spices
- Hands-free cooking—no need to check or stir
- Great for batch cooking and meal prep
Plus, baked rice absorbs flavour better than boiled rice, making it perfect for dishes like biryanis, pilafs, or Mediterranean casseroles.
🛒 Ingredients for Basic Baked Rice (Serves 4)
This is your foundational recipe. From here, you can add spices, aromatics or mix-ins as you like.
- 1 cup (200g) long-grain white rice (e.g. basmati or jasmine)
- 2 cups (500ml) boiling water or vegetable/chicken stock
- 1 tbsp butter or olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- Optional: 1 bay leaf, garlic clove, or sprigs of thyme
🔥 How to Make Baked Rice: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Preheat
Set your oven to 180°C fan / 200°C / 400°F.
Step 2: Rinse the rice
Rinse your rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents clumping.
Step 3: Combine
Place rice, boiling liquid, salt, butter/oil, and any aromatics in an ovenproof dish with a tight-fitting lid (or cover tightly with foil).
Step 4: Bake
Bake in the centre of the oven for 25–30 minutes. Don’t open the lid—let it steam undisturbed.
Step 5: Rest
Once baked, remove from the oven and let it sit for 5–10 minutes, still covered. Then fluff with a fork and serve.
🍽️ Flavour Variations
The beauty of baked rice is how easily it absorbs flavours. Try these variations:
| Flavour Profile | Add To Liquid or Dish |
|---|---|
| Mediterranean | Chopped tomatoes, garlic, oregano, olives |
| Indian | Cardamom, cumin, cinnamon, bay leaf |
| Thai | Coconut milk, lime leaf, coriander |
| Spanish-style | Smoked paprika, saffron, red pepper strips |
| Middle Eastern | Turmeric, cinnamon, dried fruits, almonds |
Want a full meal in one dish? Toss in chopped veg or cooked protein before baking.
🥦 One-Pan Baked Rice with Veg
Turn your rice into a complete vegetarian dinner by adding:
- 1 courgette (zucchini), diced
- 1 red pepper, sliced
- ½ onion, chopped
- 100g frozen peas or chickpeas
Toss veg with a little oil and seasoning, mix into the rice and bake as usual. Everything cooks together beautifully.
🍗 Baked Chicken and Rice
Make a family favourite with minimal effort:
- Sear seasoned chicken thighs in a pan
- Arrange on top of uncooked rice + stock + herbs
- Cover and bake for 35–40 minutes
- Remove lid for final 5–10 minutes to crisp skin
The juices from the chicken flavour the rice as it cooks—pure comfort.
🧊 Meal Prep & Storage Tips
Baked rice is ideal for cooking ahead. Here’s how to make the most of it:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Freezer: Cool completely, portion and freeze for up to 3 months
- Reheat: Add a splash of water and cover when reheating to avoid drying out
Great for lunch bowls, side dishes or quick stir-fries.
⚖️ Which Rice Works Best?
| Rice Type | Adjustments Needed |
|---|---|
| Basmati | Ideal—light and fluffy |
| Jasmine | More fragrant, slightly stickier |
| Brown Rice | Needs more liquid (2.5 cups) and 50 mins bake time |
| Wild Rice | Longer cook time, deeper flavour |
| Arborio | Best for baked risottos, creamy texture |
Avoid pre-cooked or microwave rice—it doesn’t bake well.
🧠 Pro Tips for Perfect Baked Rice
✔ Use boiling water or stock—never cold
✔ Cover tightly to trap steam
✔ Let rest after baking before fluffing
✔ Don’t peek! The trapped steam is doing all the work
✔ Use a glass or ceramic dish for even heat distribution
💡 When to Use This Method
- 🧑🍳 Weeknight dinners when you’re multitasking
- 🥘 Meal prep for the week ahead
- 🥳 Hosting guests (doubles easily!)
- 🍛 Serving curries, stews or stir-fries
- 🧑🎓 Cooking in small spaces or shared kitchens
It’s especially handy when stovetop space is limited—or when you just want to set it and forget it.
🔍 FAQs About Baked Rice
1. Can I bake rice in foil instead of a lid?
Yes! Just wrap the dish tightly in foil to trap the steam.
2. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—just use a larger dish and keep the rice-to-liquid ratio the same (1:2 for white rice).
3. Why is my rice undercooked or crunchy?
It may need 5–10 more minutes. Oven temps vary, and some dishes don’t seal as tightly.
4. Can I make baked rice ahead of time?
Yes! It reheats beautifully—just store properly and add a splash of water when warming.
5. Is baked rice healthier than boiled rice?
It depends on what you add, but baked rice tends to retain more nutrients and flavour due to minimal water loss.
Final Thoughts
Baked rice is one of those kitchen secrets that transforms your routine. With almost zero effort, you get fluffy, fragrant rice that’s never burnt, never mushy, and always just right. Whether you keep it simple or turn it into a full one-pan meal, this method will quickly become your go-to.
It’s proof that sometimes, the oven really is smarter than the stove.
