Recipe: Caramelized Onion & Bacon Rice

If you’re looking for a flavorful, comforting rice recipe that pairs perfectly with almost any main dish, this Caramelized Onion & Bacon Rice is the perfect choice. With its smoky bacon, buttery caramelized onions and fluffy rice, this dish brings the perfect blend of savory and slightly sweet flavors to your dinner table.

For me, this recipe tastes like true Southern comfort. The combination of onions and bacon is a trademark of many Southern dishes, and when folded into warm rice, it creates a hearty side that feels both familiar and special. It’s simple enough for busy weeknights but delicious enough to serve at Sunday suppers or holiday gatherings.

How to make Onion & Bacon Rice

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• 2 cups U.S.-grown long rice, cooked
• 8 slices bacon, chopped into small pieces
• 1 large yellow onion, finely sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Seasoned salt/pepper to taste
• Garnish: parsley

Cook the bacon: In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until golden brown. Remove and set aside, leaving the drippings in the skillet.

Caramelize the onions: Add butter, onion and garlic to the same skillet. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring often. Deglaze with 2 tablespoons of water, scraping up the browned bits from the pan. Continue cooking and repeating this process for about 15 minutes until the onions are soft, golden and caramelized.

Combine everything: Stir in the cooked bacon, rice and chicken broth. Let everything cook together for 2–3 minutes until warmed through.

Season and serve: Add seasoned salt and pepper to taste, garnish with parsley, and enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I make this ahead of time?
• Yes. This rice reheats beautifully. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply warm it in the microwave or skillet with a splash of broth to refresh.
• Can I freeze it?
• Absolutely. Allow the rice to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in a skillet.
• What can I serve it with?
• This side dish pairs well with grilled chicken, pork chops, roasted salmon or even a veggie-forward main dish. It’s hearty, versatile and complements both weeknight meals and holiday spreads.
• Can I make it vegetarian?
• Yes. Skip the bacon and instead use caramelized mushrooms for a smoky, savory alternative.

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This Caramelized Onion & Bacon Rice is more than just a side dish, it’s a taste of Southern comfort in every bite. The smoky, salty bacon paired with sweet, caramelized onions elevates simple rice into something special. It’s quick enough for weeknights, cozy enough for family gatherings, and delicious enough to keep everyone asking for seconds.

If you’re searching for an easy rice recipe with bacon and onions that feels hearty, flavorful and homey, this one’s for you. It’s a simple reminder that sometimes the best dishes are made with the most humble ingredients.

Caramelized Onion & Bacon Rice

Makes 4-6 servings

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• 2 cups rice cooked
• 8 slices bacon chopped into small pieces
• 1 large yellow onion finely sliced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Seasoned salt/pepper to taste
• Garnish: parsley

Instructions

• In a large skillet, add in the bacon and cook at medium heat until the bacon is done and golden brown.
• Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside.
• Add 1 tablespoon of butter, onion and garlic to that same skillet.
• Stir frequently for about 5 minutes, until the bottom of the pan is coated in a light brown glaze (or fond).
• Add 2 tablespoons of water to the skillet and scrape the brown bits from the bottom of the pan and mix them into the onions.
• Repeat this process for about 15 minutes or until the onions are completely softened and brown.
• Add in the bacon, rice and chicken broth.
• Stir and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
• Add seasonings to taste and garnish with parsley before serving.

Recipe notes

Nutrition information: (per serving, 6 servings) calories 242, carbohydrates 27 grams, protein 7 grams, fat 12 grams, saturated fat 5 grams, fiber 1 gram, sugar 2 grams, sodium 540 milligrams.

Andrea Mathis is a registered dietitian and owner of Beautiful Eats & Things. For more great recipes, visit beautifuleatsandthings.com.