If you’ve ever ended up with rice that’s too sticky, too dry, or scorched to the bottom of the pan, this method is about to change your kitchen routine.
Baked White Rice is the simple, hands-off way to make fluffy, perfect rice every single time. No rice cooker needed. No messy pans on the stove. No standing there waiting for it to simmer. No stirring or fussing over it.
Just combine everything in a casserole dish, cover it, and let the oven do the work.
Why You’ll Love This Method
There are plenty of ways to cook rice, but baking it may be the easiest of them all.
- No babysitting required – Once it’s in the oven, you’re free to work on the rest of dinner.
- Minimal cleanup – One casserole dish means fewer dishes to wash.
- Consistent results – The gentle oven heat cooks the rice evenly.
- Perfect for busy nights – Set it and forget it until dinner is ready.
How to Make Baked White Rice
- Preheat your oven.
- Add long grain rice and water to a casserole dish.
- Stir in a little oil.
- Cover tightly with a lid or foil.
- Bake until the rice is tender and fluffy.
- Let it rest a few minutes, then fluff with a fork.
- Transfer to a serving dish, if desired.
Tips for Success
- Cover the dish tightly so the steam stays trapped inside.
- Let the rice rest after baking for the best texture.
- Use long grain rice for light, fluffy grains that separate beautifully.
- Add a pinch of salt if you’d like extra flavor.
Easy Ways to Change It Up
Once you try the basic version, you can customize it endlessly:
- Use broth instead of water for a richer flavor.
- Add garlic powder or onion powder.
- Stir in herbs after baking.
- Toss in some butter for extra richness.
- After the rice is cooked, toss it with some cooked vegetables for a one-pan side dish.
Perfect With Almost Anything
Baked white rice pairs beautifully with:
- Roast chicken
- Stir fry
- Grilled vegetables
- Beans and legumes
- Saucy skillet meals
The Bottom Line
If you want rice that turns out fluffy and perfect every time, skip the stovetop stress. This baked method is simple, reliable, and wonderfully low effort.
One casserole dish. Rice, water, and a little oil. Into the oven.
That’s all it takes.

Ingredients
Method
- Pour coconut oil into 8×8 or 9×9 glass baking dish. Use a pastry brush to spread the oil evenly on the bottom and sides of the dish.
- Sprinkle rice evenly in the pan.
- Pour boiling water over all.
- Cover with foil and bake at 350° for 40 – 45 minutes.
- Let cool for about 5 minutes and then carefully remove the foil and fluff the rice with a fork.
Video
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Let us know how it was!Notes:
For people with AGS, it’s important to check water filtration products carefully, as some filters may use bone char made from animal bones. Bone char can be found in certain carbon-based filtration systems, so choosing filters that do not contain bone char may be a safer option for those avoiding mammalian-derived materials. Always verify materials with the manufacturer, since ingredients and manufacturing processes can change.
