Easy Hoppin' John is a classic Southern dish that’s both hearty and comforting. This recipe is quick to prepare, using pantry staples and simple ingredients to create a flavorful, tender dish with a creamy texture and a hint of spice. It's ideal for a beginner-friendly meal prep or a cozy weeknight dinner. Whether you're new to Southern cooking or looking for a family-friendly recipe, this Easy Hoppin' John delivers delicious results every time.
Why You'll Love Easy Hoppin' John - Quick & Homemade Southern Comfort Food
Discover the Easy Hoppin' John recipe, a quick, homemade Southern classic packed with flavor and budget-friendly ingredients. Perfect weeknight comfort food!
- Ready in just 40 minutes, perfect for quick dinners
- Uses simple pantry staples for easy meal prep
- Deliciously savory with smoky undertones from bacon and spices
- Comforting, creamy texture that the whole family will enjoy
Ingredients for Easy Hoppin' John - Quick & Homemade Southern Comfort Food
Black-eyed peas: Dried black-eyed peas offer better texture and flavor, but canned beans speed up cooking.Bacon: Choose thick-cut for more smokiness; turkey bacon can be a leaner substitute.
- Black-eyed peas: Dried black-eyed peas offer better texture and flavor, but canned beans speed up cooking.
- Bacon: Choose thick-cut for more smokiness; turkey bacon can be a leaner substitute.
Ingredient Note: Full measurements for Easy Hoppin' John - Quick & Homemade Southern Comfort Food are listed in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make Easy Hoppin' John - Quick & Homemade Southern Comfort Food
Step 1 — Prep & Preheat
Prepare the Peas: If using dried peas, soak overnight and simmer until tender (about 45 minutes). For canned, drain and rinse.
Step 2 — Cook and Build Flavor
Cook Bacon and Veggies: In a large pot, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove some excess fat if desired. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
Step 3 — Finish, Taste, and Adjust
Add Rice and Seasonings: Stir in rice, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes to toast rice slightly.
Expert Tips for Easy Hoppin' John - Quick & Homemade Southern Comfort Food
- Toast the rice slightly before adding liquid for extra nutty flavor.
- Use homemade chicken broth for richer taste.
- If rice is undercooked, add a splash of broth and cook covered for a few more minutes.
Easy Hoppin' John - Quick & Homemade Southern Comfort Food
Discover the Easy Hoppin' John recipe, a quick, homemade Southern classic packed with flavor and budget-friendly ingredients. Perfect weeknight comfort food!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 cup dried black-eyed peas (or 2 cups canned, drained and rinsed)
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups chicken broth
Seasonings & Flavor Boosters
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 bay leaf
Optional Toppings
- Chopped green onions
- Fresh parsley
- Hot sauce
Instructions
How to Make Easy Hoppin' John
- Prepare the Peas: If using dried peas, soak overnight and simmer until tender (about 45 minutes). For canned, drain and rinse.
- Cook Bacon and Veggies: In a large pot, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove some excess fat if desired. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add Rice and Seasonings: Stir in rice, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes to toast rice slightly.
- Simmer: Add chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, soaked peas, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until rice is tender.
- Finish and Serve: Remove bay leaf, fluff rice mixture with fork. Garnish with green onions, parsley, or hot sauce as desired. Serve hot.
Nutrition (per serving)
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended (texture changes).
- Serve/Reheat: Best chilled or at room temperature.
Easy Hoppin' John - Quick & Homemade Southern Comfort Food FAQs
Yes! It actually tastes great the next day as the flavors meld. Store it in the fridge and reheat when ready.
Black beans or kidney beans can work, but traditional flavor comes from black-eyed peas.
Keep leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Dry rice usually means not enough liquid; soggy rice means too much liquid or overcooking. Adjust broth amounts and cooking time accordingly.
Before You Go
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