1. Southern Biscuits and Gravy
Start your Southern feast with Dolly Parton’s famous Southern biscuits and gravy. This classic dish features flaky, buttery biscuits smothered in a rich, creamy sausage gravy. Perfect for breakfast or as a side dish, this recipe captures the essence of Southern comfort food.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for gravy)
- 2 cups milk (for gravy)
- Salt and pepper to taste
To make the biscuits, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). In a bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the milk until just combined. Turn the dough onto a floured surface, knead gently, and roll out to about 1 inch thick. Cut into rounds and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
For the gravy, cook the sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Sprinkle with flour and cook for a minute. Gradually stir in the milk, cooking until the mixture thickens. Season with salt and pepper. Serve the gravy over the warm biscuits.
2. Dolly’s Cornbread
No Southern meal is complete without cornbread, and Dolly’s cornbread recipe is a must-try. This cornbread is moist, slightly sweet, and has a perfect crumb. It pairs beautifully with chili or can be enjoyed on its own with butter.
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). In a large bowl, combine the cornmeal, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix the wet ingredients into the dry until just combined. Pour the batter into a greased cast-iron skillet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
3. Dolly’s Smoked Pulled Pork
This smoked pulled pork recipe is a showstopper for any Southern feast. Dolly Parton’s version is flavorful and tender, perfect for sandwiches or served with coleslaw. The slow cooking process infuses the meat with a smoky flavor that’s irresistible.
- 4-5 pounds pork shoulder
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
Mix the spices together to create a rub. Apply the rub generously over the pork shoulder. Place the pork in a smoker at 225°F (107°C) and smoke for about 8-10 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 195°F (90°C). Once done, let it rest before pulling apart with forks. Serve with barbecue sauce on the side.
4. Dolly’s Green Beans
A Southern feast wouldn’t be complete without some delicious vegetable sides. Dolly’s green beans are seasoned to perfection and provide a fresh contrast to heavier dishes. They are simple to prepare and a great way to add color to your table.
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
In a large pot, bring water to a boil and blanch the green beans for 3-4 minutes until vibrant green and tender-crisp. Drain and immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté the garlic until fragrant. Add the green beans, salt, pepper, and lemon juice, tossing to combine. Serve warm.
5. Dolly’s Fried Chicken
Dolly Parton’s fried chicken is a classic Southern dish that’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. This recipe is perfect for family gatherings and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
- 4 pounds chicken pieces
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
Marinate the chicken pieces in buttermilk overnight. In a bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from buttermilk and dredge in the flour mixture. Fry in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 15-20 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels before serving.
6. Dolly’s Collard Greens
Collard greens are a staple in Southern cuisine, and Dolly’s recipe is a delicious way to enjoy this nutritious green vegetable. Cooked with smoked meat, these greens are packed with flavor and make an excellent side dish.
- 1 bunch collard greens, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-2 slices smoked ham or bacon
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic until softened. Add the smoked meat and cook for a few minutes. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the collard greens, vinegar, salt, and pepper, cooking until the greens are tender, about 30-45 minutes. Adjust seasoning as needed before serving.
7. Dolly’s Sweet Potato Casserole
As a comforting side dish or even a dessert, Dolly’s sweet potato casserole is a delightful addition to any Southern feast. Topped with a crunchy pecan streusel, this dish is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
- 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup flour
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). In a large bowl, mix the mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Transfer to a greased baking dish. In another bowl, combine the pecans, brown sugar, and flour, then sprinkle over the top of the sweet potato mixture. Bake for 30-35 minutes until bubbly and golden.
8. Dolly’s Peach Cobbler
No Southern feast is complete without dessert, and Dolly’s peach cobbler is a classic choice. This warm, buttery dessert is made with fresh peaches and a flaky crust, perfect when served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- 4 cups sliced fresh peaches
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). In a bowl, combine the peaches, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish. In another bowl, mix the flour, milk, melted butter, baking powder, and salt until smooth. Pour the batter over the peaches (do not mix). Bake for 30-40 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Serve warm with ice cream.
9. Dolly’s Chicken and Dumplings
This comforting dish is a Southern classic, and Dolly Parton’s chicken and dumplings are the epitome of home-cooked goodness. The tender chicken and fluffy dumplings in a rich broth make for a hearty meal.
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
In a large pot, boil the chicken in chicken broth until cooked through. Remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot. In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, milk, and salt to form a dough. Drop spoonfuls of the dough into the boiling broth and cook for about 15 minutes until the dumplings are cooked through. Serve hot, garnished with parsley.
10. Dolly’s Banana Pudding
Finish your Southern feast with Dolly’s banana pudding, a beloved dessert that’s creamy, sweet, and full of flavor. This layered treat features vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, and Nilla wafers.
- 1 box vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups milk
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 container whipped topping
- 4 bananas, sliced
- 1 box Nilla wafers
In a bowl, mix the pudding mix, milk, and sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Fold in the whipped topping. In a trifle dish, layer the pudding mixture, bananas, and Nilla wafers. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of whipped topping. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Bonus: Dolly’s Cornbread
No Southern meal is complete without a side of cornbread. Dolly’s cornbread is moist, flavorful, and a perfect accompaniment to any dish. It’s best served warm with butter.
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). In a large bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and vegetable oil. Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed. Pour the batter into a greased cast-iron skillet or baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Serve warm with butter for a delightful addition to your meal.
More Dolly Parton Recipes to Explore
If you’re inspired by these Dolly Parton recipes, consider trying her famous fried chicken or her hearty vegetable soup. Each recipe reflects her love for Southern cooking and offers a delicious way to bring the flavors of the South into your home.
- Dolly’s Fried Chicken
- Dolly’s Vegetable Soup
- Dolly’s Country Ham and Biscuits
These additional dishes not only complement the core recipes but also create a well-rounded Southern feast that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy the warmth and hospitality of Dolly’s kitchen with every bite!
Conclusion
Dolly Parton’s recipes capture the essence of Southern hospitality and flavor, making them perfect for any gathering. From savory dishes to delightful desserts, these ten must-try recipes offer a taste of her beloved culinary heritage.
Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or simply craving comfort food, incorporating these recipes into your meal plan will surely impress your guests and create memorable dining experiences.