This recipe for Southern Great Northern Beans is a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with a yummy piece of cornbread and some rice.
Typically, we would eat these southern style white beans like this when making some fried fish, or chicken. They're really good with most fish, chicken and pork dishes.
Shoot, they're good with pretty much anything.
Jump to:
- What makes this recipe so yummy
- Groceries you'll need: Ingredients
- Southern Great Northern Beans Recipe 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
- Melanie Cagle
- Frequently asked questions: FAQs
- Southern Great Northern Beans Recipe
- 💬 Comments
What makes this recipe so yummy
- There are few ingredients, making it a simple and economical recipe.
- You can really make this recipe your own by adding a different type of pork, more (or less) seasoning, etc. It's very flexible.
- My favorite thing about this easy recipe for creamy northern beans is that there is lots of fiber! Great for the gut!
- Serve with some Louisiana Dirty Rice for a perfect meal!
Groceries you'll need: Ingredients
See recipe card at the bottom of this post for quantities.
Southern Great Northern Beans Recipe Instructions
This is an overview of the recipe steps. For more detailed instructions visit the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Hint: Stir the beans often at the end of cooking time to add some creaminess. The more creaminess you like, cook for longer and stir more for a creamier consistency.
Recipe variations and substitute ideas
- Smoked Sausage - instead of salt pork.
- Smoked Tasso - instead of salt pork.
- Ham Hocks - or a leftover ham bone instead of salt pork.
- Navy Beans - or cannellini beans can be used in place of the great northern beans.
- Bacon - can be added or instead of salt pork.
- Mustard Powder - can taste good with this recipe.
- Cajun Seasoning - instead of Creole Seasoning.
- Green Onions - can be added at the end if you like that.
- Green Bell Pepper - adds good flavor.
- Hot Sauce - add a splash as you like for heat.
- Black Pepper - for some smoky flavor.
- Olive Oil - you could add some at the beginning for cooking the ground meat - I find it unnecessary though.
- Ham shanks - these are great in place of the salt pork.
- Fresh parsley - throw in some at the end.
- Onion powder - for more flavor.
- Vegetable stock - instead of chicken stock.
- Pork chops - use your leftover pork chops!
- Yellow onions - instead of sweet onions.
- Liquid smoke - to add a touch of smokiness.
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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.
I like to use a heavy Dutch Oven for this recipe, for even heat. I have an affiliate link in the recipe card below.
Any large heavy pot will work.
More Beans Recipes I think you'll love
How to store leftovers
Once these southern great northern beans have cooled completely, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
They do freeze really well. Store in a freezer safe container for up to 3 months.
Mel's kitchen notes
If you don't want ALL the beans to be creamed you can take a cup or two of the beans and blend them, then add them back. This will give you a creamy texture where you still have most beans in tact.
Use your food processor to finely dice your onions and celery, for great minced onion.
About The Author
Melanie Cagle
Melanie is a professional cook, food photographer and Cajun food connoisseur. Since 2020 she has been sharing rigorously tested recipes and tutorials right here on this blog.
Her work has been featured on Fox News channels, Yahoo news, Southern Living and more.
Frequently asked questions: FAQs
They have a lovely mild flavor and are often used in casseroles, soups and stews.
You don't have to. You can though, it will shorten the cooking time, say if you soak the beans overnight.
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Southern Great Northern Beans Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 2 Pounds Great Northern Beans
- 12 Ounces Salted Picnic Pork diced
- 1 Each Sweet Onions diced
- 1 Rib Celery diced
- 4 Cloves Garlic minced
- 2 (48 Ounce) Boxes Chicken Broth
- 2 teaspoons Creole Seasoning
- 2 Each Bay Leaves
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to a large Dutch Oven pot.
- Stir and bring to a boil.
- Cover and turn down the heat to a simmer.
- Simmer for about 4 hours, stirring now and then. The southern great northern beans are ready when they're soft.
Notes
Nutrition
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Original Publish Date: October 23, 2023
Martha Gustavson says
Great looking recipe but amounts of ingredients would be nice.
Melanie Cagle says
You'll find the ingredients list and instructions in the recipe card.