Best Southern Hoppin’ John Recipe

This version by Smokin’ & Grillin with AB is definitely the best southern Hoppin’ John recipe. If you’re not familiar with this dish, how about Carolina peas and rice? They’re actually the same! It is filled with black-eyed peas, rice, chopped onion, bacon bits, celery, and bell pepper. Most people eat this during New Year’s Day, but of course, you can have it any other day.

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It is a classic dish commonly served alongside collard greens and southern cornbread. This dish is believed to bring good fortune and peace for the year ahead. It is incredibly easy to make – you just need to put all the ingredients in a pot and let it cook. This meal is filling, full of flavors, and great for sharing. Bring this to potlucks or gatherings for a yummy dish that everyone will surely enjoy.

Easy Southern Hoppin’ John Ingredients

• 1/2 lb thick-cut bacon (cut into 1-inch pieces)
• 15 oz black-eyed peas
• 1 red bell pepper (chopped)
• 2 celery ribs (chopped)
• 6 green onion (sliced)
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
• 2 cups of chicken stock or broth
• 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon of dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf

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How to Make Southern Hoppin’ John

Step 1:

Place the bacon pieces in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook until browned and crispy. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towel.

Step 2:

Add the sliced green onions to the Dutch oven and cook for a couple of minutes. Next, add the chopped celery and bell pepper. Sauté until soft. Keep moving it around to deglaze the bottom.

Step 3:

Add the rice and mix well. Turn the heat to medium-high, then cook for 2 minutes.

Step 4:

Add the broth, cayenne pepper, basil, thyme, oregano, and bay leaf. Mix well and let it come to a simmer. Once simmering, place the lid, lower the heat, and let it cook for about 10 minutes.

Step 5:

Remove the bay leaf and add the beans and bacon. Mix, place the lid back, and let it cook for 10 minutes more.

Best Southern Hoppin’ John Recipe