If there was ever a woman who understood that good food is about more than what’s on the plate, it was Dolly Parton.

So we’re celebrating Dolly the way we know best — with food.

From her famous love of potatoes to biscuits, barbecue and her beloved banana pudding, these are our recipes inspired by the Southern foods Dolly loved, cooked and grew up eating.

And anyone who said she’d never met a spud she didn’t like will always have a special place in our hearts.

These are our Oh Sweet Basil recipes inspired by Dolly’s favorite foods and Southern food traditions, not Dolly’s personal recipes.

Dolly Parton’s Favorite Food: Potatoes

We have to start with potatoes because Dolly made her feelings about them VERY clear. Mashed, baked, fried — she loved them all. So naturally, potatoes get their own section.

This roundup includes all the best Labor Day recipes from juicy burgers and smoked brisket to classic BBQ sides, fresh summer salads, and desserts that make the most of late-season fruit. Mix and match your favorites to create the perfect Labor Day menu everyone will remember.

Fire Up the Grill (or Smoker)

Nothing says Labor Day like cooking outside. These backyard favorites are made for feeding a crowd and soaking up the last unofficial weekend of summer.

Groceries seem to get more expensive every time we walk through the store, and feeding a family on a budget has become more challenging than ever. The good news? Delicious dinners don’t have to cost a fortune. This collection of budget-friendly meals is packed with recipes made from affordable pantry staples like pasta, rice, beans, potatoes, seasonal vegetables, and budget-friendly proteins.

Many of these cheap family meals make a big batch, reheat beautifully, freeze well, and are perfect for packing lunches or enjoying leftovers throughout the week, helping you save both time and money without sacrificing flavor.

Chicken Meal Prep

Chicken is one of the most affordable proteins you can buy (especially if you find a good sale!), and these recipes prove it. They’re easy to prep ahead, make generous portions, and are perfect for lunches and dinners all week.

School nights can feel like a race against the clock. Between homework, sports practices, dance classes, and everything else on the calendar, getting dinner on the table isn’t always easy. That’s why we’ve rounded up our favorite school night dinner recipes that are quick to make, family approved, and packed with flavor.

Whether you need a 20-minute meal, a cozy casserole, a one-pan dinner, or something you can prep ahead, these recipes will help make busy evenings a little less stressful and a whole lot more delicious.

30-Minute Dinners

When everyone is hungry and there’s not much time before homework or sports practice, these quick dinners come together fast without sacrificing flavor.

When it comes to summer cookouts, the main dish might get all the attention, but let’s be honest, it’s the BBQ side dishes that everyone piles onto their plate. From creamy classics like potato salad and baked beans to fresh, vibrant salads, the right sides turn a good BBQ into an unforgettable one.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout or bringing a dish to share, these are the most popular BBQ side dishes that people actually want to eat.

The Classics (Absolute Must-Haves)

These are the tried-and-true BBQ side dishes that show up at every cookout and for good reason! They’re nostalgic, crowd-pleasing, and basically expected at any summer gathering.