Chicken and Dumplings
Dolly Parton has often shared her love for hearty, home-cooked meals, and chicken and dumplings is a classic comfort food that warms the soul. This dish combines tender chicken with fluffy dumplings in a savory broth, making it a perfect meal for chilly evenings.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
To prepare, start by sautéing the onion, carrots, and celery in butter until softened. Add the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper, then gradually stir in the milk to form a batter. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter into the simmering broth and cook until they rise to the surface. Stir in the shredded chicken and heat through before serving.
Meatloaf with a Twist
This beloved dish gets a Dolly Parton twist with a sweet and tangy glaze that elevates the traditional meatloaf. It’s perfect for family dinners and is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, onion, ketchup, brown sugar, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. Form into a loaf and place in a baking dish. For the glaze, mix equal parts ketchup and brown sugar and spread over the top of the meatloaf. Bake at 350°F for 1 hour or until cooked through. Let it rest before slicing.
Biscuits and Gravy
No Southern breakfast is complete without biscuits and gravy, a dish that Dolly Parton holds dear. Fluffy biscuits smothered in creamy sausage gravy make for a comforting start to the day.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 lb breakfast sausage
- 2 cups milk (for gravy)
- 1/4 cup flour (for gravy)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the biscuits, preheat the oven to 450°F. 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, roll out, and cut into rounds. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden.
For the gravy, cook the sausage in a skillet until browned. Remove the sausage and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pan. Whisk in the flour and cook for a minute. Gradually add the milk, stirring until thickened. Season with salt and pepper, then add the cooked sausage back in. Serve the gravy over warm biscuits.
Peach Cobbler
Dolly Parton’s peach cobbler is a delightful dessert that showcases the sweetness of ripe peaches, making it a favorite for family gatherings. Its warm, buttery crust and gooey filling create a comforting end to any meal.
- 4 cups fresh peaches, sliced
- 1 cup sugar, divided
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a bowl, mix the sliced peaches with 1/2 cup of sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Pour the peach mixture into a greased baking dish. In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and remaining sugar. Stir in the milk and melted butter until smooth. Pour the batter over the peaches (do not stir). Bake for 40-45 minutes, until golden brown. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
Loaded Mashed Potatoes
These loaded mashed potatoes are a staple on Dolly’s dinner table, bringing comfort with every creamy bite. They’re perfect as a side dish or even as a main course when topped with your favorite proteins.
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup bacon bits
- Salt and pepper to taste
Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and return to the pot. Mash the potatoes and stir in sour cream, milk, cheese, and half of the green onions and bacon. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a serving dish and top with remaining cheese, green onions, and bacon bits before serving.
Chocolate Gravy
Chocolate gravy is a unique and indulgent dish that Dolly Parton often reminisces about from her childhood. Served over warm biscuits, it’s a sweet treat that will satisfy any chocolate lover.
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup butter
In a saucepan, combine cocoa powder, sugar, and flour. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla. Serve warm over freshly baked biscuits for a delightful breakfast or dessert.
Fried Chicken
Dolly Parton’s fried chicken is a quintessential Southern dish that embodies the spirit of comfort food. Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, it’s a recipe that’s been passed down through generations.
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Marinate the chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 2 hours or overnight. In a large bowl, mix the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, then dredge each piece in the flour mixture. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 15-20 minutes. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Cornbread
Soft, buttery cornbread is a staple in Dolly Parton’s kitchen, often served alongside soups and stews. Its slightly sweet flavor and fluffy texture make it a perfect comfort food addition.
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
Preheat the oven to 400°F. In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine milk, eggs, and melted butter. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Pour the batter into a greased baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Enjoy warm with butter or honey.
Apple Pie
Apple pie is a timeless dessert that Dolly Parton enjoys making, especially during the fall. With a flaky crust and a spiced apple filling, it’s a slice of nostalgia that brings comfort to any table.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 6 to 8 tbsp ice water
- 6 to 8 apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp butter
To make the crust, mix flour, salt, and sugar in a bowl. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in ice water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Divide the dough in half, shape into disks, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
For the filling, toss the sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice in a separate bowl. Roll out the dough on a floured surface and place one disk in a pie pan. Fill with the apple mixture and dot with butter. Roll out the second disk for the top crust, cut slits for venting, and place over the filling. Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350°F and continue baking for 35-45 minutes, until the apples are soft and the crust is golden brown.
Fried Green Tomatoes
Fried green tomatoes are a Southern classic that Dolly Parton loves to prepare. This crispy dish makes for a delightful appetizer or side, showcasing the tangy flavor of unripe tomatoes.
- 4 medium green tomatoes, sliced
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Begin by seasoning the sliced tomatoes with salt and pepper. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk. In another bowl, combine the cornmeal and flour. Dip each tomato slice into the egg mixture, then dredge in the cornmeal mixture, coating well. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry the tomatoes until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Chicken and Dumplings
This hearty dish is a favorite comfort food for Dolly Parton, combining tender chicken with fluffy dumplings in a rich broth. It’s perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
- 1 whole chicken
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- Vegetables (carrots, celery, onions)
In a large pot, boil the chicken until cooked through, about 1 hour. Remove the chicken, shred the meat, and set aside. In the same pot, add chopped vegetables and simmer until tender. For the dumplings, mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Cut in butter and stir in milk until a soft dough forms. Drop spoonfuls of the dough into the simmering broth and cook for about 15 minutes. Return the shredded chicken to the pot, stir gently, and serve warm.
Conclusion
Dolly Parton’s favorite comfort food recipes not only reflect her Southern roots but also offer a glimpse into the warmth and love that food can bring to our lives. From hearty dishes to sweet treats, these recipes are a celebration of family, tradition, and the simple joys of cooking.
By incorporating these beloved recipes into our own kitchens, we can share in the comfort and happiness that Dolly finds in her culinary creations, making mealtime a cherished experience for all.