🧀 Dolly Parton’s Mac and Cheese
Creamy, buttery, cheesy, and wonderfully comforting, Dolly Parton’s Mac and Cheese is a simple Southern-style side dish made with tender elbow macaroni, evaporated milk, cheddar cheese, and plenty of butter.
With just a handful of ingredients, this mac and cheese comes together easily and delivers the rich, familiar flavor of a classic homemade comfort-food favorite.
⏱️ Recipe Information
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Difficulty: Easy
Method: Stovetop + Oven
🛒 Ingredients
For the Mac and Cheese
- 1 lb (450 g) elbow macaroni
- 12 oz (355 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 for the Top
- ½ cup additional shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
👩🍳 Instructions
1. 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. Avoid overcooking because the pasta will continue cooking when baked.
Drain the macaroni well and set aside.
2. Prepare the Cheese Mixture
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Place a large saucepan or skillet over low heat and add the butter.
Allow it to melt completely without letting it brown.
Pour in the evaporated milk and warm gently, stirring occasionally.
3. Add the Cheddar
Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese to the warm milk mixture.
Stir constantly until the cheese has melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Season with the salt and optional black pepper.
Keep the heat low. Avoid boiling the sauce, as excessive heat can cause the cheese to become oily or grainy.
4. Combine With the Pasta
Add the drained elbow macaroni to the cheese sauce.
Stir gently until every piece of pasta is thoroughly coated in the creamy cheese mixture.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
5. Transfer to a Baking Dish
Lightly butter a 9×13-inch baking dish or similar 2½–3-quart casserole dish.
Pour the macaroni and cheese into the dish and spread it into an even layer.
If desired, sprinkle the additional cheddar cheese over the top and finish with a little Parmesan or paprika.
6. Bake
Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling around the edges and the top is lightly golden.
For a more deeply browned top, switch the oven to broil for the final 1–2 minutes, watching closely so it doesn’t burn.
7. Rest and Serve
Remove the mac and cheese from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
This gives the cheese sauce a chance to settle while keeping the macaroni creamy and scoopable.
Serve warm as a comforting side dish or enjoy it as a hearty main course.
⭐ Chef’s Tips
Don’t overcook the pasta: Cook it just until al dente so it doesn’t become mushy during baking.
Shred your own cheese: Freshly shredded cheddar melts more smoothly than many pre-shredded varieties.
Keep the heat gentle: Evaporated milk and cheese should be warmed gradually. Avoid boiling the sauce.
Use sharp cheddar for more flavor: Mild cheddar gives a softer flavor, while sharp cheddar makes the dish more pronounced and cheesy.
Don’t skip the butter: The butter adds richness and helps give this simple mac and cheese its luxurious texture.
Let it rest: A short 5–10 minute rest makes the mac and cheese easier to serve without drying it out.
🧀 Easy Variations
Extra Cheesy Mac and Cheese
Add 1 cup of shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack along with the cheddar for an extra-melty finish.
Southern-Style Crunchy Topping
Combine ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons melted butter and sprinkle over the mac and cheese before baking.
Bacon Cheddar Mac and Cheese
Fold in 6–8 slices of cooked, crumbled bacon before transferring the mixture to the baking dish.
Spicy Mac and Cheese
Add ¼–½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
Three-Cheese Version
Use a combination of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan for a richer, more complex cheese flavor.
🍽️ What to Serve With It
This creamy mac and cheese pairs beautifully with classic comfort-food dishes such as:
- Fried chicken
- Barbecue ribs
- Baked ham
- Roasted chicken
- Meatloaf
- Pulled pork
- Southern-style green beans
- Collard greens
- Cornbread
- Fried or roasted vegetables
🧊 Storage
Allow leftovers to cool, then transfer them to an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Because the pasta absorbs some of the sauce as it sits, add a splash of milk when reheating to help restore its creamy consistency.
🔥 Reheating
Oven
Place the mac and cheese in an oven-safe dish, cover loosely with foil, and bake at 325°F (165°C) for 15–20 minutes, or until heated through.
Microwave
Heat individual portions in 30–45 second intervals, stirring between each interval. Add a small splash of milk if needed.
❄️ Freezing
For best texture, freezing is not recommended because dairy-based cheese sauces can separate after thawing.
If you do freeze it, cool completely, portion into airtight freezer containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently with a splash of milk.
🧀✨ Final Result
Dolly Parton’s Mac and Cheese is everything you want from a comforting homemade side dish: tender elbow macaroni coated in a rich, buttery, creamy cheddar cheese sauce and baked until bubbling and golden.
It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but comforting enough to earn a place on a holiday or Southern-inspired dinner table.
Creamy, cheesy, buttery, and pure comfort in every bite! 🧀🧈✨