Dolly Parton and her sister Rachel Parton George included this rich, oven-baked macaroni and cheese in their cookbook Good Lookin’ Cookin’. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Velveeta give the dish a combination of sharp flavor, gentle melt, and a creamy finish. It is the kind of generous, comforting casserole that belongs on a family supper table.

Explore more family favorites in our Dolly Parton Recipe Collection.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Rest Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10–15 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Difficulty: Easy — Level 2 of 5
Cost: Moderate — $$$
Region / Ethnic Origin: Southern United States

Ingredients

• Butter, for greasing the baking dish
• 1 teaspoon salt, for the pasta water
• 2 cups dry elbow macaroni
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 2 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
• 8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cut into small cubes

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven and pan. Heat the oven to 350°F. Butter the inside of a 9-by-13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the macaroni briefly. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the salt. Add the macaroni and boil until it is 2–3 minutes shy of the package’s recommended cooking time. The pasta should still be quite firm because it will finish cooking in the oven.
3. Drain and coat. Drain the pasta without rinsing it. Return it to the warm pot, add the olive oil, and toss gently to keep the elbows from clumping.
4. Reserve the topping cheese. Set aside 1/4 cup of the cheddar and 1/4 cup of the Monterey Jack for the top of the casserole.
5. Mix the creamy base. In a large bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, whole milk, sour cream, melted butter, and mustard powder until evenly combined.
6. Combine the cheeses and pasta. Stir the cubed Velveeta and the remaining shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack into the milk mixture. Fold in the drained macaroni until the pasta is well coated and the cheese is distributed throughout.
7. Fill the baking dish. Spoon the macaroni mixture into the buttered dish, spreading it into an even layer. Scatter the reserved shredded cheeses over the surface.
8. Bake. Place the dish on the middle oven rack and bake for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese on top has melted and the filling is bubbling around the edges. For food safety, the egg-containing casserole should reach 160°F at its center.
9. Allow to settle. Rest the casserole for 15–20 minutes before serving. This brief cooling period helps the sauce thicken and makes the macaroni easier to portion.

Cook’s Notes

Do not overcook the pasta: The macaroni continues to absorb liquid during baking. Undercooking it slightly at the boiling stage prevents a mushy finished casserole.

Three cheeses: Cheddar contributes tang, Monterey Jack melts smoothly, and Velveeta helps produce a creamy, cohesive sauce. Using all three preserves the character of this version.

Room-temperature milk: Taking the chill off the milk helps the eggs, sour cream, and melted butter mix more evenly.

Rest before serving: The casserole will look looser straight from the oven. Give it time to settle rather than adding flour or extra cheese to thicken it.

Storage: Refrigerate leftovers promptly in shallow, covered containers and use within 3–4 days. Reheat thoroughly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve alongside Dolly Parton’s Southern Green Beans or Dolly Parton’s Family Tennessee Meatloaf. A crisp green salad makes a refreshing contrast.

Beverage Suggestions

Unsweetened iced tea, lemonade, or sparkling water with lemon complements the rich cheese sauce.

Editorial Disclaimer: This recipe is part of an independent Carter Family Recipes collection celebrating the cooking traditions associated with Dolly Parton. It may be an adaptation or independently developed interpretation rather than an exact reproduction of a previously published recipe. Carter Family Recipes is not affiliated with or endorsed by Dolly Parton, Rachel Parton George, Dollywood, or their representatives.