The Crock Pot Hoppin’ John is a traditional Southern dish that combines black-eyed peas, rice, and savory seasonings into a hearty and flavorful meal, perfect for celebrating new beginnings or simply enjoying a comforting dinner. This slow-cooker version simplifies the classic, allowing you to achieve rich, deep flavors with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights or stress-free entertaining.
Key Ingredients for Crock Pot Hoppin’ John
- 1 pound dried black-eyed peas, rinsed and picked over
- 8 cups chicken or vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 pound smoked ham hock, ham shank, or flavorful smoked sausage (like Andouille or Kielbasa), diced
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick)
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- Fresh chopped green onions or parsley for garnish (optional)
- Hot sauce, for serving (optional)
How to Make Crock Pot Hoppin’ John
This Crock Pot Hoppin’ John recipe is wonderfully easy to prepare, delivering a rich, smoky, and satisfying meal with minimal fuss, making it perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner. The magic of the slow cooker allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a tender, creamy texture that’s both delicious and surprisingly hands-off. Expect about 15-20 minutes of active prep time before your Crock Pot takes over!
- Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Aromatics: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and green bell pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients in Crock Pot: Transfer the sautéed vegetables to your 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker. Add the rinsed black-eyed peas, chicken or vegetable broth, smoked ham hock (or diced smoked sausage), diced tomatoes (undrained), dried thyme, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and bay leaves.
- Slow Cook: Stir everything gently to combine. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, or until the black-eyed peas are tender. The cooking time for dried peas can vary, so check for tenderness.
- Prepare the Rice (Separate Method for Best Results): About 30-45 minutes before serving, cook 1 cup of long-grain white rice according to package directions. For optimal texture, it’s best to cook the rice separately and stir it in at the end, rather than cooking it directly in the slow cooker with the peas, which can make the dish too starchy or mushy.
- Finish and Season: Once the peas are tender, remove the ham hock (if using) from the slow cooker. If using a ham hock, shred the meat from the bone, discard the bone and any excess fat, and return the shredded ham to the slow cooker. Remove and discard the bay leaves.
- Combine and Serve: Stir the cooked rice into the Crock Pot Hoppin’ John. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. The amount of salt will depend on the saltiness of your broth and ham/sausage.
- Garnish: Ladle the Crock Pot Hoppin’ John into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped green onions or parsley, and a dash of hot sauce if desired.
Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Hoppin’ John
You’ll instantly fall in love with this Crock Pot Hoppin’ John because it embodies the perfect balance of hearty tradition and modern convenience. Its main feature is the incredible depth of flavor achieved through slow cooking, where smoky ham hocks mingle with tender black-eyed peas and aromatic vegetables, creating a rich and satisfying stew that feels both wholesome and luxurious. Best of all, making this classic at home saves you a significant amount compared to dining out, and you get to control every ingredient, ensuring a healthier and more personalized meal.
What truly sets this dish apart are the vibrant, fresh toppings like chopped green onions and a splash of zesty hot sauce, which add a burst of freshness and a delightful kick that elevates every bite. It’s a comforting hug in a bowl, reminiscent of a hearty lentil soup but with its own distinct Southern charm and a smoky twist. Don’t just take our word for it—gather your ingredients and experience the magic of this easy, flavorful, and budget-friendly Crock Pot Hoppin’ John yourself!
What to Serve Crock Pot Hoppin’ John With
Crock Pot Hoppin’ John is a complete meal on its own, but it truly shines when served alongside a few complementary dishes. For a traditional Southern experience, a side of collard greens or turnip greens sautéed with a bit of bacon or ham fat would be perfect, adding a touch of bitterness and extra greens. Cornbread, especially a skillet cornbread with a crispy crust, is an absolute must for soaking up all the delicious broth. For a lighter touch, a simple cucumber and tomato salad dressed with a vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast. And, of course, a good quality hot sauce on the side is essential for those who like to add a bit more heat.
Top Tips for Perfecting Crock Pot Hoppin’ John
- Soaking Black-Eyed Peas: While not strictly necessary for slow cooking, soaking the black-eyed peas overnight can reduce cooking time slightly and make them more digestible. If you forget to soak, an hour-long “quick soak” (boil for 2 minutes, then let stand for an hour) works too.
- Flavor Boosters: Don’t skip the smoked ham hock or quality smoked sausage! These are key to the traditional, smoky flavor profile. If you can’t find them, a few drops of liquid smoke can be added, but it won’t be quite the same. A parmesan rind added to the slow cooker for the duration of cooking can also add a subtle umami depth.
- Don’t Overcook the Rice: For a perfect texture, cook the rice separately and stir it in right before serving. Adding it too early or cooking it directly in the slow cooker with the peas can lead to a mushy, starchy result that changes the overall consistency of the Hoppin’ John.
- Adjust Broth as Needed: As the Hoppin’ John cooks, the liquid will reduce. If you prefer a looser consistency, you can add an extra half cup to a cup of hot broth during the last hour of cooking.
- Salt Smartly: Start with less salt, especially if using a salty broth or ham. Taste and adjust seasoning at the very end, as the flavors intensify during slow cooking. Freshly ground black pepper is also crucial for a well-rounded taste.
- Vegetable Substitutions: Feel free to swap green bell pepper for red or yellow for a slightly sweeter flavor. A pinch of red pepper flakes can substitute for cayenne if you want heat but no smoky undertone.
- Make it Vegetarian/Vegan: Omit the ham hock/sausage and use vegetable broth. For smoky flavor, add smoked paprika and a touch of liquid smoke. You might also want to add some sautéed mushrooms or roasted sweet potatoes for extra heartiness.
Storing and Reheating Tips
To store your Crock Pot Hoppin’ John, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, Hoppin’ John freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving a little headspace, and it can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen Hoppin’ John overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
To reheat, gently warm portions on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You might need to add a splash of chicken or vegetable broth or water to thin it out if it has thickened too much in the fridge. Alternatively, reheat individual servings in the microwave, stirring halfway through, until piping hot. For best flavor and texture, avoid over-reheating, as this can make the rice mushy.
Final Thoughts
This Crock Pot Hoppin’ John is more than just a meal; it’s a soul-satisfying tradition made incredibly easy. With its rich, smoky flavors and minimal effort, you’ll be amazed at how simple it is to create such a comforting and impressive dish. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe and bring a taste of Southern hospitality into your kitchen tonight!
try also :
- Lentil and Sweet Potato Salad
- Cranberry Brie Bites
- Crispy Sweet Potato Bites
- Matcha Cake Recipe
- find more in Pinterest
Crock Pot Hoppin’ John FAQs
Q1: Do I need to soak the black-eyed peas before adding them to the slow cooker?
A1: While not strictly necessary for slow cooking, soaking dried black-eyed peas overnight or doing a quick soak (boiling for 2 minutes and letting them sit for an hour) can reduce cooking time and potentially make them more digestible. If you don’t soak them, just ensure you allow sufficient cooking time to tenderize them.
Q2: Can I cook the rice in the slow cooker with the peas?
A2: It’s generally not recommended to cook the rice directly in the slow cooker with the peas for this recipe. Adding rice directly can make the dish very starchy, mushy, and absorb too much liquid, impacting the overall texture. For best results, cook the rice separately and stir it in just before serving.
Q3: What if I can’t find a smoked ham hock?
A3: If a smoked ham hock isn’t available, you can substitute it with a smoked ham shank, bacon, or a smoked sausage like Andouille or Kielbasa. For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth, smoked paprika, and a few drops of liquid smoke to replicate the smoky flavor.
Q4: Can I make this Hoppin’ John vegetarian or vegan?
A4: Absolutely! To make it vegetarian, simply omit the ham hock/sausage and use vegetable broth. For a vegan version, ensure all ingredients are plant-based (e.g., vegetable broth, no meat products). You can add extra vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or mushrooms for more substance, and smoked paprika and liquid smoke can enhance the traditional smoky flavor.
Q5: How long does Crock Pot Hoppin’ John last in the refrigerator?
A5: Properly stored in an airtight container, Crock Pot Hoppin’ John will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Q6: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A6: Reheat Hoppin’ John gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s warmed through. You may need to add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up if it has thickened. Alternatively, individual portions can be reheated in the microwave.
Crock Pot Hoppin’ John
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- 1. **Prepare the Aromatics:** In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and green bell pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 large yellow onion, 2 celery stalks, 1 green bell pepper, 4 cloves garlic
- 2. **Combine Ingredients in Crock Pot:** Transfer the sautéed vegetables to your 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker. Add the rinsed black-eyed peas, chicken or vegetable broth, smoked ham hock (or diced smoked sausage), diced tomatoes (undrained), dried thyme, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and bay leaves.1 pound dried black-eyed peas, 8 cups chicken or vegetable broth, 1 pound smoked ham hock, ham shank, or flavorful smoked sausage, 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 2 bay leaves
- 3. **Slow Cook:** Stir everything gently to combine. Cover the slow cooker and cook on **LOW for 6-8 hours** or on **HIGH for 3-4 hours**, or until the black-eyed peas are tender. The cooking time for dried peas can vary, so check for tenderness.
- 4. **Prepare the Rice (Separate Method for Best Results):** About 30-45 minutes before serving, cook 1 cup of long-grain white rice according to package directions. For optimal texture, it’s best to cook the rice separately and stir it in at the end, rather than cooking it directly in the slow cooker with the peas, which can make the dish too starchy or mushy.1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 5. **Finish and Season:** Once the peas are tender, remove the ham hock (if using) from the slow cooker. If using a ham hock, shred the meat from the bone, discard the bone and any excess fat, and return the shredded ham to the slow cooker. Remove and discard the bay leaves.
- 6. **Combine and Serve:** Stir the cooked rice into the Crock Pot Hoppin’ John. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. The amount of salt will depend on the saltiness of your broth and ham/sausage.Salt and freshly ground black pepper, 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 7. **Garnish:** Ladle the Crock Pot Hoppin’ John into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped green onions or parsley, and a dash of hot sauce if desired.Fresh chopped green onions or parsley, Hot sauce