Some recipes are special because of the memories they create. Others are special because of the story behind the ingredients. This Carolina Gold Savory Rice Bake is both.
Long before Charleston became known for its celebrated food scene, Carolina Gold Rice was the crop that helped shape the economy and culture of the Lowcountry. According to legend, Carolina Gold first arrived in the port of Charleston in 1685 when a merchant ship from Madagascar traded a small quantity of rice seed to pay for ship repairs.
Carolina Gold quickly became a massive cash crop. By the 1700s and 1800s, Carolina Gold was highly sought after internationally and was so valuable that it literally transformed Charleston into one of the wealthiest cities in early America.
Carolina Gold Savory Rice Bake
Ingredients
- 2 cups Carolina Gold Rice
- 1 32 oz. beef or chicken broth (beef is what I use)
- 1 stick of butter
- 1 tsp garlic salt
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Melt 1 stick of butter in the casserole dish. Microwave in 30 second intervals.
- Add 2 cups of rice and garlic salt.
- Pour ¾ cup of broth and set aside. Pour the remaining broth in the rice mixture.
- Bake uncovered for 1 hour.
Remove rice from oven and fluff. Pour the reserved broth over the rice and cover. Allow rice to rest for 5 minutes.
Tips
- Serve alongside roast beef, baked fish, grilled chicken, or pork tenderloin.
- Use it as the base for a hearty bowl topped with sautéed vegetables.
- Pair it with Hoppin’ John for a true Southern meal.
- Leftovers reheat beautifully and make an excellent side dish throughout the week.
Search ingredients at FOOD CITY.

A Note About Carolina Gold Rice: This recipe has been tested only with Carolina Gold Rice. Because the grain cooks differently from standard long-grain rice, substitutions may not yield the same results. If you’ve never tried Carolina Gold Rice before, this recipe is a wonderful introduction to one of the South’s most treasured ingredients.
And if you happen to find yourself traveling through South Carolina, keep an eye out for Carolina Gold Rice in local markets and specialty food shops. Bringing home a bag is like bringing home a little piece of Southern history.
Dishing It Out is a place for Aneisa Rolen to share favorite recipes that require minimal preparation, limited culinary knowledge, yet provide maximum flavor, designed for the hesitant cook who loves good food but isn’t particularly a culinary enthusiast. The recipes provided will accompany the videos, making cooking accessible even to the most reluctant chefs.
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