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.