Hoppin' John is a Southern comfort food classic made with tender black-eyed peas, smoky bacon, sausage, rice, and savory seasonings. This hearty one-pot meal is traditionally served on New Year's Day for good luck, but it's flavorful enough to enjoy all year long.
Rich, satisfying, and packed with Southern flavor, this recipe is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, and holiday gatherings.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
-
Classic Southern recipe
-
One-pot meal
-
Budget-friendly
-
Packed with smoky flavor
-
Great for meal prep
-
Perfect New Year's Day tradition
Ingredients
-
1 pound dried black-eyed peas, soaked overnight
-
6 slices bacon, chopped
-
12 ounces smoked sausage, sliced
-
1 medium onion, diced
-
1 green bell pepper, diced
-
3 celery stalks, diced
-
4 cloves garlic, minced
-
6 cups chicken broth
-
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
-
1 teaspoon garlic powder
-
1 teaspoon onion powder
-
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
-
1 bay leaf
-
Salt and pepper to taste
-
4 cups cooked white rice
-
Green onions for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Cook The Bacon
In a large Dutch oven cook bacon over medium heat until crispy.
Remove bacon and set aside.
Leave the bacon grease in the pot.
Step 2: Brown The Sausage
Add sliced sausage.
Cook until browned.
Step 3: Cook The Vegetables
Add:
-
Onion
-
Bell pepper
-
Celery
Cook for 5 minutes.
Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Step 4: Build The Pot
Add:
-
Black-eyed peas
-
Chicken broth
-
Cajun seasoning
-
Garlic powder
-
Onion powder
-
Smoked paprika
-
Bay leaf
Bring to a boil.
Step 5: Simmer
Reduce heat to low.
Cover and simmer for 1½ to 2 hours until peas are tender.
Step 6: Finish
Remove bay leaf.
Return bacon to the pot.
Season with salt and pepper.
Serve over hot rice.
Garnish with green onions.
Tips For The Best Hoppin' John
-
Soak peas overnight.
-
Use smoked sausage for extra flavor.
-
Cook low and slow.
-
Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
What To Serve With Hoppin' John
-
Southern Cornbread
-
Collard Greens
-
Fried Cabbage
-
Candied Yams
-
Fried Chicken
Storage
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freeze for up to 3 months.
More Southern Recipes You'll Love
-
Southern Cornbread
-
Red Beans and Rice
-
Collard Greens
-
Fried Cabbage
-
Smothered Pork Chops
-
Sweet Potato Pie
Final Thoughts
This Southern Hoppin' John recipe is hearty, flavorful, and steeped in tradition. Whether you're serving it for New Year's luck or a comforting weeknight meal, it's a Southern classic worth keeping on your table.