Dolly Parton's Homestyle Macaroni and Cheese: Review

Today, Kevin and I are diving into Dolly Parton's Homestyle Macaroni and Cheese. This dish promises pasta in a creamy cheese sauce made with real cheddar cheese, all packaged in a party-size box weighing a hefty 4 lb 12 oz. At $16.49 from Meijer, this product is designed to feed a crowd.

The packaging is straightforward but lacks a convenient pull tab, requiring a bit of tearing to open. The mac and cheese come in a transportable container, ideal for events or gatherings. Preparation is simple: preheat the oven to 400°F, remove the lid, place the container on a baking sheet, and bake for 60 to 65 minutes. After baking, let it stand for 2 minutes before stirring and serving.

Once out of the oven, the macaroni and cheese had a promising golden-brown top. The instructions recommend stirring after the initial 2-minute rest period. Personally, I enjoy the crispy edges, but for the sake of the review, we followed the guidelines and stirred the dish. The process was smooth, indicating good consistency.

The first bite revealed a slightly grainy texture in the cheese sauce, which is a common drawback in many frozen macaroni and cheese products. While the pasta retained some texture and wasn't completely mushy, it was more cooked than we prefer. The overall mouthfeel was gritty, detracting from the creamy experience one expects from a high-quality mac and cheese.

The packaging includes a recipe for southern fried apples, suggesting it as a side dish. With nine servings per container, each serving holds 340 calories, totaling over 3,000 calories if consumed entirely.

This product is distributed by ConAgra, a company known for a wide range of food items. Unfortunately, despite the ease of preparation, the mac and cheese fell short in flavor and texture. Compared to homemade or even some boxed varieties like Kraft, Dolly Parton's mac and cheese didn't measure up.

Dolly Parton's Homestyle Macaroni and Cheese may attract buyers due to her name, but the quality does not justify the price. There are better family-sized macaroni and cheese options available in the frozen food aisle. While not completely inedible, we wouldn't purchase it again or serve it to guests. For the effort and cost, making homemade mac and cheese remains a superior choice.