Get ready to savor a taste of Southern charm with these 18 mouthwatering recipes from the one and only Dolly Parton! As a renowned country music icon, actress, and philanthropist, Dolly has always been known for her warm personality and love of good food. In this article, we’ll dive into the rich flavors and comforting aromas of Dolly’s Southern homestyle cooking, featuring recipes that are sure to become family favorites.
From classic comfort foods like homemade chicken and dumplings and creamy mac and cheese, to sweet treats like peach cobbler with vanilla sauce and decadent chocolate pecan pie, we’ve got you covered. And for all the country music fans out there, you’ll love the nods to Dolly’s Tennessee roots throughout this collection of Southern-inspired recipes.
Stay tuned for the full article, where we’ll be sharing all 18 delicious recipes, along with stories and anecdotes about Dolly’s culinary journey.
Dolly Parton’s Famous Southern Cornbread
This classic recipe has been a staple in Dolly Parton’s kitchen for years, and it’s easy to see why – the combination of sweet corn, savory spices, and crumbly texture is a match made in heaven.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup yellow cornmeal
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 cup buttermilk
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together melted butter, egg, and buttermilk.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and smooth top.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Dolly’s Classic Buttermilk Biscuits
These tender and flaky biscuits are a Southern staple, perfect for serving alongside your favorite breakfast dishes or as a comforting accompaniment to soups and stews.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 4 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces
– 3/4 cup buttermilk
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add cold butter to the dry ingredients and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Pour in buttermilk and stir until the dough comes together in a shaggy mass.
5. Turn dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead 2-3 times until it forms a cohesive ball.
6. Roll out dough to about 1 inch thickness and use a biscuit cutter or glass to cut out biscuits.
7. Place biscuits on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Dolly Parton’s Homemade Chicken and Dumplings
A hearty, comforting dish that warms the soul – just like Dolly Parton herself! This recipe is a classic Southern favorite, perfect for a cozy night in with family and friends.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 3 cups chicken broth
– 2 cups heavy cream or whole milk
– 2 cups biscuit or dumpling mix (see notes)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Add melted butter and stir until mixture forms a ball.
4. Roll out dough on floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
5. Cut into desired shapes ( squares or strips).
6. Bring chicken broth and heavy cream/milk to a boil in a large pot. Reduce heat, add chicken, and simmer for 20 minutes.
7. Add dumplings to pot and cook an additional 10-15 minutes or until cooked through.
8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs (optional).
Notes: For biscuit mix, use store-bought or homemade dough recipe. Cooking time may vary depending on chicken size and desired doneness.
Dolly’s Secret Recipe Banana Pudding
Get ready to swoon over this creamy, dreamy banana pudding recipe, straight from Dolly Parton’s kitchen! This classic Southern dessert is a crowd-pleaser, and with our simple steps, you’ll be whipping up a batch in no time.
Ingredients:
– 4 large ripe bananas, sliced
– 1 cup sugar
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 2 cups whole milk
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup Nilla wafers, crushed
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
3. Gradually add milk, whisking until smooth.
4. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens, about 10 minutes.
5. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla extract and melted butter.
6. In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
7. Assemble pudding by layering banana slices, whipped cream, and crushed Nilla wafers in a serving dish.
8. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Serve warm or chilled
Dolly Parton’s Comforting Tomato Soup
Dolly Parton’s Comforting Tomato Soup Recipe
As the queen of country music, Dolly Parton knows a thing or two about comfort food. Her comforting tomato soup is a classic Southern recipe that warms the heart and soul.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes (or 1 can of crushed tomatoes)
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add chopped tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Stir well to combine.
3. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until soup has thickened slightly.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and dried basil.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Dolly’s Sweet Tea Brined Fried Chicken
Get ready to taste the sweetness of Southern-style fried chicken! This recipe combines the tenderizing power of a sweet tea brine with the crispy crunch of a double-fisted fry, resulting in mouthwatering, finger-lickin’ goodness.
Ingredients:
– 4 lbs chicken pieces (legs, thighs, wings, breasts)
– 1 gallon water
– 1 cup sweet tea (brewed or bottled)
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup kosher salt
– 2 tbsp black pepper
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a large container, combine water, sweet tea, brown sugar, kosher salt, and black pepper.
2. Submerge chicken pieces in the brine, making sure they’re fully covered.
3. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight (8-12 hours).
4. Preheat oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F.
5. Remove chicken from brine, allowing excess liquid to drip off.
6. Dredge chicken pieces in all-purpose flour, shaking off excess.
7. Fry chicken in batches until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per batch.
8. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Dolly Parton’s Cheesy Grits Casserole
Get ready to dig into a comforting Southern classic! This creamy casserole combines the rich flavors of grits, cheese, and crispy bacon for a satisfying side dish or main course.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup stone-ground grits
– 4 cups water
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Cook grits according to package instructions with water, butter, salt, and pepper.
3. In a separate pan, sauté crumbled bacon until crispy.
4. Combine cooked grits and cheese in a large mixing bowl. Stir until smooth.
5. Add cooked bacon and mix well.
6. Pour mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
7. Sprinkle additional shredded cheddar on top (optional).
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Dolly’s Skillet Apple Pie with Cinnamon Crust
Warm up your fall gatherings with this scrumptious skillet apple pie, featuring a crunchy cinnamon crust and tender apples.
Ingredients:
– 1 large skillet or oven-safe cast-iron pan (10 inches)
– 6-8 medium-sized apples, peeled and sliced
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Toss until coated.
3. In the skillet or cast-iron pan, arrange half of the apple mixture in an even layer.
4. Sprinkle melted butter, brown sugar, and rolled oats evenly over the apples.
5. Top with remaining apple mixture.
6. Bake for 45 minutes or until apples are tender and crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Dolly Parton’s Slow-Cooked Pulled Pork
This classic Tennessee-style pulled pork recipe is a staple of Southern cuisine. With just a few simple ingredients and a slow cooker, you’ll be enjoying tender, flavorful meat in no time.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
2. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder, making sure to coat it evenly.
3. Place the pork in a slow cooker and add apple cider vinegar and water.
4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
5. After 8 hours, use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces.
6. Serve hot on a bun with your favorite toppings.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
Dolly’s Creamy Mac and Cheese
A comforting classic that never goes out of style, Dolly’s Creamy Mac and Cheese is a rich and satisfying dish perfect for any occasion. This recipe yields a creamy, cheesy pasta that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz macaroni
– 2 cups milk
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
4. Add flour and whisk together to make a roux, cooking for 1 minute.
5. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
6. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
7. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
8. Combine cooked macaroni and cheese sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Dolly Parton’s Peach Cobbler with Vanilla Sauce
This classic Southern dessert is a staple of warm summer nights and cozy gatherings. Dolly Parton’s famous peach cobbler recipe is a must-try, topped with a rich vanilla sauce that will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
– 3 cups fresh peaches, sliced
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 cup milk
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine sliced peaches and granulated sugar. Let it sit for 15 minutes, until the peaches release their juice.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Add melted butter, beaten egg, milk, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
4. Pour the batter over the peach mixture and smooth out the top.
5. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown.
6. While the cobbler is baking, make the vanilla sauce by heating 1 cup of heavy cream with 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract in a saucepan over medium heat.
7. Serve warm with a drizzle of vanilla sauce.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Dolly’s Hearty Beef Stew with Cornbread
Warm up on a chilly day with this comforting beef stew and crispy cornbread, a classic Southern combination.
Ingredients:
For the stew:
– 2 lbs beef cubes (chuck or round)
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 cup water
– 2 tbsp tomato paste
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the cornbread:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup cornmeal
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 eggs
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 4 tbsp melted butter
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the beef in oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Combine beef broth, water, tomato paste, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, sugar, eggs, buttermilk, and melted butter.
6. Pour batter into a greased 8-inch square baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time:
– Stew: 1 hour
– Cornbread: 20-25 minutes
Dolly Parton’s Buttery Green Beans with Bacon
A classic Southern side dish that’s sure to become a family favorite! This recipe is a simple yet flavorful way to enjoy green beans, smothered in butter and crispy bacon.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
– 6 slices of thick-cut bacon, diced
– 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup (60ml) chicken broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Place the green beans on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until tender but still crisp.
5. Meanwhile, cook the diced bacon in a skillet over medium-high heat until crispy.
6. Remove the green beans from the oven and toss with butter, chicken broth, salt, and pepper.
7. Add the cooked bacon to the green beans and stir to combine.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Dolly’s Decadent Chocolate Pecan Pie
Dolly’s Decadent Chocolate Pecan Pie: A rich and indulgent dessert that combines the deep flavors of chocolate, pecans, and a hint of caramel.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) dark brown sugar
– 1/2 cup (120g) light corn syrup
– 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
– 1 cup (120g) chopped pecans
– 1 cup (120g) semisweet chocolate chips
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, corn syrup, and melted butter until well combined.
3. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
6. Stir in pecans and chocolate chips.
7. Pour filling into a pre-baked pie crust and bake for 45-50 minutes or until the filling is set.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Dolly Parton’s Spicy Collard Greens
Get ready to heat things up with Dolly Parton’s signature spicy collard greens, a Southern classic that’s sure to spice up your day. This recipe is a flavorful twist on traditional collard greens, adding a kick of heat from jalapeños and a depth of flavor from smoky bacon.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh or frozen collard greens
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 6 slices of bacon, diced
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon.
2. Add the onion, garlic, and jalapeño to the pot and cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Add the collard greens to the pot in batches, allowing each batch to wilt before adding the next.
4. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with crispy bacon bits.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Dolly’s Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes with Maple Syrup
Start your day off right with these light and airy pancakes, infused with the tanginess of buttermilk and sweetened to perfection with pure maple syrup.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Maple syrup for serving
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, and melted butter.
3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
4. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
5. Drop 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on the surface and edges start to dry.
7. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (depending on batch size)
Dolly Parton’s Country Ham with Red-Eye Gravy
This classic Southern dish is a staple of country cookin’, and Dolly Parton’s recipe brings it to life. Sliced country ham, served with a rich red-eye gravy, makes for a hearty breakfast or brunch that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 (4-6 pound) country ham
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Place the country ham in a roasting pan or large skillet.
3. Drizzle with oil and add sliced onion and minced garlic.
4. Roast for 30 minutes, or until the ham is caramelized and slightly browned.
5. In a separate saucepan, combine chicken broth, heavy cream, and brown sugar.
6. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook until reduced by half, stirring occasionally.
7. Serve the country ham with red-eye gravy spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (plus additional time for cooking the gravy)
Dolly’s Old-Fashioned Sweet Potato Pie
Satisfy your sweet tooth with this classic Southern dessert, featuring the rich flavor of sweet potatoes.
Ingredients:
• 2 large sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Whipped cream or chopped pecans for topping (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, flour, and salt. Mix until smooth.
3. Add melted butter, heavy cream, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat until well combined.
4. Pour mixture into a pre-baked pie crust (homemade or store-bought).
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until filling is set and crust is golden brown.
6. Allow to cool before serving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Summary
Get ready to taste a little bit of Tennessee heaven! This collection of 18 Southern recipes, inspired by the Queen of Country herself, Dolly Parton, will transport you straight to her hometown. From classic comfort foods like homemade chicken and dumplings and slow-cooked pulled pork, to sweet treats like peach cobbler and chocolate pecan pie, these mouthwatering dishes are sure to satisfy your cravings and warm your heart.
