🧀 Dolly Parton’s Mac and Cheese
Creamy, buttery, cheesy, and wonderfully comforting, this classic-style Mac and Cheese is an easy side dish that’s perfect for family dinners, holidays, and gatherings.
Tender elbow macaroni is coated in a rich cheese sauce made with evaporated milk, butter, and plenty of cheddar, then baked until bubbling and golden around the edges.
It’s simple, satisfying, and delivers that classic homemade macaroni-and-cheese comfort everyone loves.
⏱️ Recipe Information
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: About 45 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Difficulty: Easy
Method: Oven-Baked
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) elbow macaroni
- 12 oz (354 ml) evaporated milk
- 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, optional
Optional Additions
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup Monterey Jack cheese
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- Extra cheddar for the top
👩🍳 Directions
1. Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly butter a 9 × 13-inch (23 × 33 cm) baking dish.
2. Cook the Macaroni
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil.
Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package directions until just al dente.
Don’t overcook the pasta because it will continue cooking in the oven.
Drain thoroughly.
3. Add the Butter
While the macaroni is still hot, return it to the warm pot.
Add the ½ cup butter and stir gently until completely melted and the pasta is evenly coated.
4. Add the Cheese
Add approximately 1½ cups of the shredded cheddar, reserving the remaining ½ cup for the top.
Stir gently until the cheese begins to melt into the hot macaroni.
5. Add the Evaporated Milk
Pour the evaporated milk over the macaroni and cheese.
Add the salt and optional black pepper.
Stir thoroughly until everything is evenly combined.
The mixture will look quite creamy and loose at this stage—that’s exactly what you want before baking.
6. Transfer to the Baking Dish
Pour the macaroni mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Spread it evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese over the top.
For an extra-cheesy crust, add another small handful of cheddar if desired.
7. Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
Bake uncovered for approximately 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbling around the edges.
For a more golden top, switch to the broiler for the final 1–2 minutes, watching closely so it doesn’t burn.
8. Rest and Serve
Remove the mac and cheese from the oven.
Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
This allows the sauce to settle slightly while keeping the macaroni creamy.
Serve warm.
⭐ Chef’s Tips
Don’t overcook the macaroni: Slightly firm pasta holds its texture much better after baking.
Use freshly shredded cheese: Freshly grated cheddar melts more smoothly than many pre-shredded cheeses.
Don’t skimp on the butter: It adds richness and helps create the creamy texture.
Keep the macaroni hot: Mixing the hot pasta with the butter and cheese helps everything melt evenly before baking.
Let it rest: A short resting period makes the finished mac and cheese easier to serve without drying it out.
🧀 Easy Variations
🥓 Bacon Mac and Cheese
Stir ½–1 cup cooked, crumbled bacon into the macaroni before baking.
🌶️ Spicy Mac and Cheese
Add ½ teaspoon smoked paprika and a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes.
🧄 Garlic Cheddar Mac and Cheese
Add ½ teaspoon garlic powder for extra savory flavor.
🧀 Three-Cheese Mac and Cheese
Replace part of the cheddar with mozzarella and Monterey Jack for a gooey three-cheese version.
🍗 Chicken Mac and Cheese
Add 1–2 cups shredded cooked chicken before baking for a hearty main dish.
🥦 Broccoli Mac and Cheese
Fold in 1–2 cups steamed broccoli florets for an easy vegetable addition.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This mac and cheese makes an excellent side dish alongside:
- Fried chicken
- Roast chicken
- BBQ ribs
- Meatloaf
- Pulled pork
- Baked ham
- Roasted vegetables
- Green beans
- Cornbread
It’s especially popular as a holiday side dish.
🧊 Storage
Allow leftovers to cool before transferring them to an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
🔥 Reheating
For individual portions, microwave gently in 30-second intervals, stirring between intervals.
For larger portions, place the mac and cheese in an oven-safe dish, add a small splash of evaporated milk or regular milk, cover with foil, and reheat at 325°F (165°C) until hot.
❄️ Freezing
For best texture, freezing is not ideal because dairy-based sauces can separate slightly after thawing.
If necessary, freeze cooled portions in airtight freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently with a splash of milk.
🧀🍝 Final Result
This Dolly Parton’s Mac and Cheese is rich, buttery, creamy, and wonderfully cheesy, with tender elbow macaroni surrounded by melted cheddar and evaporated milk.
It’s the kind of comforting homemade side dish that belongs on a big family dinner table.
Simple ingredients, plenty of cheese, and pure Southern-style comfort in every bite! 🧀🍝✨