Dolly Parton’s big heart and Southern soul are now dishing up comfort right from your microwave. The country music queen has partnered with Conagra Brands to roll out a line of single-serve frozen meals that feel like a warm hug from her Tennessee kitchen. Think Chicken & Dumplings, Country Fried Steak, and a peachy cobbler that’s pure love on a plate. Launched this spring, these meals are Dolly’s way of sharing her family’s recipes with folks too busy to cook but craving something cozy. Here’s the scoop on why her new food line is stealing hearts and satisfying appetites.
You’ll find Dolly’s frozen meals in stores like Walmart and Target, with four main dishes that scream Southern comfort: Chicken & Dumplings, Beef Pot Roast, Country Fried Steak, and Shrimp & Grits. There’s also a family-sized Biscuit Batter Peach Cobbler to top it all off. “Food’s always been my way of bringing people together,” Dolly shared in a heartfelt statement. “Whether you’re rushing home from work or just need a little love, I hope these meals make you smile.” Each dish is inspired by the meals she grew up with or whipped up on her tour bus, packed with flavors that feel like a Sunday supper at grandma’s.
Picture this: the Chicken & Dumplings is a bowl of tender chicken, veggies, and fluffy dumplings swimming in a creamy, peppery sauce. The Beef Pot Roast is all about juicy USDA Choice beef with carrots, potatoes, and a gravy that’s pure comfort. Country Fried Steak, Dolly’s go-to on the road, comes with a crispy beef patty, peppery gravy, mashed potatoes, and green beans kissed with bacon. And the Shrimp & Grits? It’s a spicy, cheesy delight with shrimp and tomatoes that’ll transport you to Louisiana. “I wanted every bite to taste like home,” Dolly told a food writer, admitting she tasted and tweaked each recipe herself.
This isn’t Dolly’s first time in the kitchen. She’s been teaming up with Conagra and Duncan Hines since 2022, churning out cake mixes, frostings, and frozen goodies like her Homestyle Mac & Cheese. Last summer, she dropped a party-sized mac and no-bake desserts, but now she’s gone personal with these single-serve meals in bright pink boxes. Priced at $4.49 each ($9.99 for the cobbler), they’re easy on the wallet for a quick dinner. “I love feeding people, even if it’s through a freezer,” Dolly said with her signature giggle.
People are already smitten. Sarah Nguyen, a mom juggling work and kids in Fremont, California, tried the Country Fried Steak and was hooked. “It’s like my mom’s cooking, but I didn’t have to spend hours in the kitchen,” she said. Not every dish is perfect—some folks find the dumplings a bit chewy, and the green beans could use more snap—but the bold flavors and hearty portions are winning fans. Calorie-wise, these aren’t diet food: Shrimp & Grits is the lightest at 270 calories with 11 grams of protein, while Country Fried Steak hits 500 calories with 17 grams. But as Dolly might say, sometimes you just need a little indulgence.
For Dolly, this is more than a business move—it’s personal. Growing up in a big Tennessee family, she learned early that food equals love. “I’d make pot roast or dumplings on my tour bus to feel closer to home,” she shared. She didn’t just slap her name on these meals; she was in the trenches, tasting and fine-tuning every bite. “If it’s got my name, it’s gotta be something I’d serve my own family,” she insisted. Conagra’s Tim Nangle called her “a dream to work with,” saying her warmth makes these meals feel special.
As summer rolls in, Dolly’s frozen line is perfect for those crazy nights when cooking’s not an option or when you’re just craving a taste of the South. You can snag them at major grocery stores, and her website, bakingwithdolly.com, points you to the nearest shelf. Whether you’re a die-hard Dolly fan or just someone who loves a good meal, these dishes are like a little piece of her heart, ready in minutes. So, pop one in the microwave, kick back, and let Dolly’s cooking wrap you in comfort.
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