Dolly Parton’s Go-To Southern Side is Perfect for Any Meal of the Day

Sometimes, food just needs a touch of Southern magic. Since I’ve moved to the South, I’ve experienced firsthand how a little Southern charm can transform any dish into something irresistible. From savory entrees to sweet treats, there’s something for everyone. And no one knows this better than Dolly Parton, the pride of Tennessee, who’s an expert in creating mouthwatering Southern dishes.

Dolly has shown off her culinary expertise through a variety of recipes, along with her much-loved baking mixes and cookware. Now, there’s a new recipe from the country legend herself that deserves a spot on your must-try list. While she has many cherished recipes, this special apple dessert is a true taste of Southern comfort in every bite.

What Are Southern Fried Apples?

Southern fried apples are a simple yet delicious way to add some sweetness to your meals. This classic comfort dish involves cooking apples in butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until they’re soft and flavorful. For the authentic experience, be sure to prepare them in a Dolly-branded cast iron skillet.

How to Prepare Dolly Parton's Southern Fried Apples

As stated on the original recipe page, this delectable side dish pairs perfectly with Dolly Parton’s iconic mac and cheese (which she released as a frozen version earlier this year). It also complements pork chops, baked ham, or even grilled chicken effortlessly.

These Southern fried apples can double as a sweet dessert when topped with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They can even be added to your morning oatmeal for a touch of sweetness. There’s truly no wrong time to enjoy these delicious Southern fried apples.

Dolly’s Southern Fried Apples are a breeze to prepare, with most of the work going into prepping the apples. Start by peeling and slicing around six apples, ideally Granny Smith. Then, melt butter in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Mix in brown sugar and cinnamon, add the apples, and stir to coat. Let the apples cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re tender and sweet. Serve warm and enjoy—just be careful not to burn yourself!

While the recipe on our site calls for white sugar, Dolly prefers brown sugar. The beauty of this dish is its versatility—you can easily adjust the recipe to your liking by adding spices, toasted nuts, dried cranberries, or any other favorite ingredients.

Dolly Parton has truly earned her title as the queen of comfort food, and I can only imagine the joy of sitting at her dinner table, savoring her signature dishes. From fried or baked potatoes to her easy five-ingredient casserole to Southern Stampede Soup, I’d be thrilled to dig into anything she serves—especially with a side of her famous Southern Fried Apples.