Yahoo Lifestyle How To Make the Best Ever Mac and Cheese, According to Dolly Parton (And Her Sister)
Macaroni and cheese has always been my go-to choice for a weeknight dinner. Like so many, I was introduced to the comforting, creamy, cheesy via the bright orange stuff in the blue box. Since then, I've experimented with various recipes for homemade macaroni and cheese and I must say, the from-scratch stuff can't be beat. What I love is how no two homemade mac and cheese recipes are the same. Some are baked, while others are one-pot stovetop situations. Some rely on a homemade cheese sauce, while others add surprising additions, like dried mustard powder or a specific assortment of cheeses to make the noodles pop.
Related: Blake Lively's Famous Mac and Cheese Recipe Starts with a Box
Exploring the wide world of mac and cheese is fun, and actually a legit part of my job as a food writer. So when I heard that country music star and our cooking queen Dolly Parton had a mac and cheese recipe, I knew I needed to investigate. And I'm so glad I did.
In her new cookbook, Good Lookin’ Cookin’, Dolly Parton and her sister, Rachel Parton George, reveal a secret ingredient that will help you make the meltiest mac and cheese ever. The great thing about this “secret” ingredient is that it’s easy to find and a cinch to add to your favorite recipe. To achieve that silky, cheesy texture, the Parton sisters swear by Velveeta cheese.
Related: 10 Classic Dolly Parton Recipes to Make All The Time
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What the Heck is Velveeta?
If you’re unfamiliar with Velveeta, it’s a boxed processed cheese that’s referred to as “liquid gold” because it magically melts without clumping. It’s also great for nachos, queso dip and chicken enchilada soup.
Related: Dolly Parton's Secret Ingredient for the Fluffiest Scrambled Eggs
Why Dolly Parton Adds Velveeta to Macaroni and Cheese
During a Good Morning America segment, Dolly and her sister Rachel shared three recipes from their cookbook, including their tried and true macaroni and cheese. As Dolly notes, “There's nothing quite like a good old bowl of mac and cheese. Neither one of us can think of anyone we know who doesn't like mac and cheese, and we certainly love it. Ours is made with a variety of cheeses, but we had to include a little Velveeta—ultimately, that's what makes this version so creamy and good."
Related: I Made Dolly Parton's Famous Biscuits and They Taste Just Like My Grandma's
Dolly Parton’s recipes are known for being simple, heartwarming and downright delicious (ever tried her boxed cakes?). If she says so, I have no doubt that a store-bought staple like Velveeta has the power to elevate a classic recipe like mac and cheese.
Related: Dolly Parton's Secret Ingredient for the Best-Ever Coleslaw
How To Make Dolly Parton's Macaroni and Cheese
To make mac and cheese like you're eating with Dolly and Rachel Parton, boil elbow macaroni in a pot of salted water for 2–3 minutes less than the package instructions. Drain well, return to the pot and toss with olive oil.
In a large bowl, combine eggs, milk, sour cream, butter and dried mustard powder. Add cubed Velveeta, shredded cheddar and shredded Monterey Jack. (Those are the two cheeses Dolly and Rachel like, but feel free to use your favorites.) Mix in the cooked macaroni until evenly combined. Spoon the mac and cheese into a greased baking pan. Sprinkle more cheese on top, and bake at 350° until the mac and cheese is golden brown on the top, which should take 20–25 minutes. Let it rest for about 15 minutes before serving so the cheese sauce has a little time to set up.
Spoon into bowls and pair with your favorite Dolly tunes.
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