Hoppin’ John is a flavorful Southern New Year’s dish made with black-eyed peas for good luck. Tender black-eyed peas simmered with vegetables, smoky pork, and Cajun spices served over fluffy rice. This slow cooker version makes it simple and hands-off.
Black-eyed peas are a Southern staple and appear in many soul food recipes. While they’re traditionally eaten on New Year’s Day, Hoppin’ John is great any time of year. The classic preparation includes peas simmered with onion, celery, bell pepper, and a smoked ham hock, then spooned over rice. You can also cook rice separately and mix it in at the end or cook it together for a one-pot meal similar to jambalaya.
If you want different ways to enjoy black-eyed peas, try a black-eyed pea casserole or a hearty black-eyed pea chili for variety.
Build Your New Year’s Feast
Southern Sides:
- Collard Greens – Slow-cooked with ham hocks for deep, savory flavor.
- Green Beans with Bacon – Crispy bacon and a tangy seasoning make these addictive.
- Baked Rice – An easy, one-pan rice side that pairs well with Hoppin’ John.
Bread:
- Skillet Cornbread – Classic cast iron, Southern-style cornbread.
- Corn Casserole – A sweet, creamy corn bake that complements the savory peas.
Salads:
- Cabbage and Apple Slaw – A crunchy, sweet-tart slaw to brighten the meal.
- Orange Fluff Salad – A creamy, nostalgic jelly-and-marshmallow side.
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See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts and full instructions.
Ingredient Notes
- Peas: Use dried (soaked and cooked), canned (drained), or frozen black-eyed peas. Pigeon peas or crowder peas are good substitutes.
- Pork: Smoked ham hock, ham steak, or bacon all add smoky depth.
- Tomatoes & Juice: Diced tomatoes and V8 or tomato juice add acidity and body. You can use crushed or pureed tomatoes if preferred.
- Seasoning: Cajun seasoning, bay leaves, garlic, salt, and pepper keep the flavor classic and simple.
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How To Make Slow Cooker Hoppin John
- Dice the vegetables and add them to the slow cooker. Add all ingredients except the cooked rice, then set to low and cook for 2–3 hours, until the peas are tender.
- Stir the mixture occasionally and check seasoning. Keep cooking until flavors meld and peas are soft.
- When cooking is finished, remove and discard the bay leaves.
- Stir in hot cooked rice just before serving and garnish with chopped green onions, crumbled bacon, or sliced jalapeños, if desired.
Refer to the recipe card below for full measurements and timing.
Serving Suggestions
Leftovers are excellent. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet on the stovetop to crisp the rice edges for extra texture.
You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Hoppin John Variations
You can easily adapt Hoppin’ John to suit your tastes. A few popular variations:
- Use bacon instead of ham for a smoky boost.
- Swap in a smoked ham hock for more depth of flavor.
- Add pulled pork for a different texture and richness.
- Stir in kale or collard greens for added greens and color.
- Substitute other beans like pinto, great Northern, or baby lima for variety.
- Try spicy V8 instead of regular tomato juice for a zesty kick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hoppin’ John is a Southern dish of black-eyed peas cooked with onion, celery, bell pepper, and smoked pork, simmered until tender and served over rice. Some versions cook the rice in the pot so it absorbs more flavor.
Eating black-eyed peas on New Year’s is a longstanding Southern tradition tied to wishes for prosperity and good fortune in the year ahead.
Yes. Omit the pork and use vegetable broth. Adding collard greens or kale boosts flavor and nutrition.
No. Field peas, crowder peas, or other beans can be used; field peas are the closest in flavor and texture.
Yes. Sauté the vegetables in a large pot, add the remaining ingredients (except rice), and simmer 20–30 minutes until peas are tender. Serve over hot rice.
Recipe Tips & Tricks
- Ham swaps: Bacon, diced ham, or pulled pork all work well.
- Add extras: Extra tomatoes, kale, or collards add color and nutrition.
- Bean swaps: Pinto or other favorite beans can replace black-eyed peas.
- Adjust spice: Use regular or spicy V8, or plain tomato juice to control heat and flavor.
This crock pot Hoppin’ John is a simple, comforting way to enjoy this classic Southern dish—perfect with your favorite sides.
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Hoppin John Recipe
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Ingredients
- 15 ounces black-eyed peas drained (if canned)
- ¾ cup onion diced
- 3 stalks celery diced
- 1 small bell pepper diced
- 1 cup ham cut into pieces
- ½ cup cilantro chopped, optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon garlic minced
- 6 ounces spicy V8 juice
- 1 cup water or substitute diced tomatoes
- 1 cup white rice cooked
Instructions
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Add all ingredients except the cooked rice to the slow cooker and cook on low for 2–3 hours, until the peas are tender.
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Remove bay leaves.
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Stir in hot cooked rice, garnish as desired, and serve.
Notes
- Ham swaps – Use bacon, diced deli ham, or pulled pork.
- Add extras – Extra diced tomatoes, kale, or collard greens add color and nutrition.
- Bean swaps – Pinto beans or other favorites can replace black-eyed peas.
- Adjust spice – Regular or spicy V8, or plain tomato juice all work depending on your preference.
Nutrition
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