A Crock Pot Hoppin' John is perfect for that New Year's Day recipe you've been looking for. The smokiness of the black eyed peas paired with the tastiness of the smoked sausage really makes this dish a must for New Years.
I like using dried beans in any of my slow cooker recipes. I like the ability to allow them to cook all day without worrying about them turning to mush.
This is one of those addictive dishes where you'll be reaching for seconds in no time.
Jump to:
- What makes this recipe so yummy
- Groceries you'll need: Ingredients
- Recipe walkthrough: Instructions
- Recipe variations and substitute ideas
- Necessary gear: Equipment
- More beans recipes I think you'll love
- How to store leftovers
- Mel's kitchen notes
- Frequently asked questions: FAQs
- Crock Pot Hoppin' John
- 💬 Comments
What makes this recipe so yummy
- If you're superstitious then it will take care of the 'black eyed peas for New Years' belief. This recipe will bring you all the good luck, a prosperous year as the black eyed peas are the color of money - it's a southern tradition.
- It's relatively inexpensive.
- Cooking in the slow cooker makes this recipe really hands-off.
- Sometimes on New Year's Day you may not be feeling too good.... for various reasons (lol). This is some good old fashioned home-cooked comfort food, perfect for this occasion.
Groceries you'll need: Ingredients
- Black Eyed Peas
- Smoked Sausage (I like to use Polska Kielbasa)
- Canned Tomatoes and Chilies (Rotel)
- Beef Broth
- Onion
- Green Bell Pepper
- Garlic
- Celery
- Water
- Creole Seasoning
- Onion Powder
- Garlic Powder
- Thyme
See recipe card at the bottom of this post for quantities.
Recipe walkthrough: Instructions
This is an overview of the recipe steps. For more detailed instructions visit the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Step 1: In a large skillet add the sliced smoked sausage and cook over medium-high heat until caramelized and the sausage has a nice browned look.
- Step 2: Add to the slow cooker along with all the other ingredients.
- Step 3: Start off on a high setting for 1 hour then turn down to low.
- Step 4: Cook on low for 7 hours then serve with white rice and corn bread.
Hint: Soak your beans overnight if you wish, it will speed up the cooking time and you'll need less fluid.
Recipe variations and substitute ideas
- Brown Rice - instead of serving with white rice.
- Chicken Stock - or chicken broth instead of the beef broth.
- Salted Pork - if you prefer instead of smoked sausage.
- Smoked Ham Hock - same as above, if you prefer.
- Andouille Sausage - a smoked sausage packed with even more Cajun flavor.
- Red Pepper Flakes - add a little heat.
- Hot Sauce - for a little kick.
- Bay Leaves - for another flavor dimension.
- Cajun Seasoning - instead of the Creole seasoning.
- Cooked Rice - throw in some cooked rice into the dish itself and make it a one pot meal.
- Field Peas - are also considered lucky, with the color of money.
- Cherry tomatoes - instead of the Rotel.
- Bacon salt - if you have some, this adds more flavor.
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Necessary gear: Equipment
The following are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
You'll need a large 12" skillet to caramelize the sausage slices as well as at lease a 6 quart slow cooker. I have some affiliate links in the recipe card below.
More beans recipes I think you'll love
- Slow Cooker Kielbasa and Baked Beans
- Crock Pot Pinto Beans
- Southern Baked Beans Recipe
- Instant Pot White Beans
- Black Eyed Peas and Collard Greens
- Fried Cabbage and Potatoes
- Red Beans and Rice With Ham Hocks
- Dutch Oven Jambalaya
- Cajun Corn Maque Choux
- Crock Pot Ranch Chicken Spaghetti
- Crockpot Frito Pie
How to store leftovers
Once the beans have cooled completely store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
This Hoppin' John recipe does freeze well. Any leftovers can be frozen in an airtight freezer safe container for up to 3 months.
Mel's kitchen notes
Expert Tip: If you like your beans creamier, smash some of the beans up against the side of the crock pot. The starches will release into the beans and make them more creamy.
Frequently asked questions: FAQs
Definitely. I would rinse them first and cook only on low for maybe 4-6 hours.
I have friend who like to use salted pork in their black eyed peas. You should be able to find that at any grocery store. Failing that, a ham hock also tastes great.
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Crock Pot Hoppin' John
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 Pound Dried Black Eyed Peas
- 1 Pound Smoked Sausage sliced
- 1 Each Yellow Onion diced
- 1 Each Green Bell Pepper diced
- 1 Rib Celery diced
- 4 Cloves Garlic minced
- 1 (10 Ounce) Can Diced Tomatoes and Chilies
- 3 Cups Beef Broth
- 4 Cups Water
- 1 Tablespoon Creole Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- ½ teaspoon Dried Thyme
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Slice the smoked sausage and add to a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook just to caramelize them. They'll start to color.1 Pound Smoked Sausage
- Add the sausage to the crock pot along with all the other ingredients. Give a stir and turn on the crock pot to high.1 Pound Dried Black Eyed Peas, 1 Each Yellow Onion, 1 Each Green Bell Pepper, 1 Rib Celery, 4 Cloves Garlic, 1 (10 Ounce) Can Diced Tomatoes and Chilies, 3 Cups Beef Broth, 4 Cups Water, 1 Tablespoon Creole Seasoning, 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder, 1 teaspoon Onion Powder, ½ teaspoon Dried Thyme, Salt and Pepper to taste
- After 1 hour turn down to low and cook another 7 hours.
Notes
Nutrition
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K. Bailey says
Wonderful dish; easy to make; most ingredients you will have on hand. I soaked my peas overnight and it only took 45 minutes for them to be ready. This is a keeper.
Tony says
so, total cooking time was 45min. ????
Melanie Cagle says
Not sure where the 45 minutes comes from. Total cooking time is 8 hours.
Linda says
Love this recipe! Tastes like the black eye peas my Family served at family reunions.
Melanie Cagle says
So glad you enjoyed it!!
Kristen says
How much liquid should we reduce to if we soak the beans overnight?? I can't wait to try this!
Melanie Cagle says
Reduce the water by 2 cups.