If you’re searching for an incredibly delicious, hands-off recipe for crock pot black eyed peas, you’ve come to the right place. This recipe delivers tender, smoky, and deeply flavorful black eyed peas with minimal effort, making it perfect for a comforting weeknight meal, a holiday side dish, or a staple good luck charm to start your new year right. Say goodbye to complicated soaking and constant stirring; with your trusty slow cooker, you’ll achieve perfectly cooked black eyed peas every single time.
Key Ingredients for Crock Pot Black Eyed Peas
Here’s everything you’ll need to create these truly satisfying crock pot black eyed peas:
- 1 pound (approx. 2 cups) dried black eyed peas: Picked over for any debris and rinsed well. (No soaking required for this slow cooker method!)
- 6-8 cups chicken or vegetable broth: Use a good quality broth for the best flavor. Start with 6 cups and add more as needed to reach your desired consistency.
- 1 large yellow onion, diced: Adds a foundational sweetness and aroma.
- 1 green bell pepper, diced: For a fresh, slightly peppery flavor and vibrant color.
- 2 celery stalks, diced: Contributes to the classic “holy trinity” of Southern cooking.
- 4-6 ounces smoked ham hock, smoked turkey leg, or 2 strips thick-cut bacon, diced: This is crucial for that deep, smoky flavor. If using bacon, cook it separately until crispy, then crumble and add at the end, reserving some fat for sautéing vegetables. For a vegetarian option, use smoked paprika and a touch of liquid smoke.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Essential for aromatic depth.
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained: Adds a touch of acidity and sweetness, brightening the overall flavor.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: A secret ingredient that balances the richness and brightens the dish.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Earthy and aromatic, a classic pairing with legumes.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Enhances the smoky notes (especially good if you’re going vegetarian or want extra smokiness).
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): For a subtle kick of heat. Adjust to your preference.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste: Season generously throughout the cooking process.
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish): Adds freshness and color.
How to Make Crock Pot Black Eyed Peas
This recipe for crock pot black eyed peas offers an incredibly easy, delicious, and satisfying way to enjoy this Southern staple. Its simplicity lies in the “set it and forget it” nature of the slow cooker, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully over several hours. The result is a creamy, rich-textured dish infused with smoky ham hock, aromatic vegetables, and perfectly tender black eyed peas that will warm you from the inside out. Expect a preparation time of about 15-20 minutes before the magic happens in your crock pot.
● Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Aromatics: If using bacon, cook it in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon, reserving 1-2 tablespoons of the rendered fat in the skillet. Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and celery to the skillet (or directly to the crock pot if not using bacon fat). Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker: Transfer the sautéed vegetables to a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. Add the rinsed black eyed peas, chicken or vegetable broth, smoked ham hock (or smoked turkey leg), diced tomatoes (undrained), apple cider vinegar, dried thyme, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Season and Stir: Stir all ingredients together gently to combine. Season with a generous pinch of salt and black pepper. Remember that the ham hock will add some saltiness, so taste and adjust later.
- Cook on Low: 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 and creamy. The cooking time can vary based on your slow cooker and the age of your peas. Check for tenderness around the 6-hour mark on low.
- Adjust Consistency and Flavor: Once cooked, carefully remove the ham hock from the slow cooker. If using, shred the meat from the bone and discard the bone, skin, and any excess fat, then return the shredded meat to the pot. Stir well. At this point, check the consistency; if it’s too thick, add a little more hot broth or water. If it’s too thin, you can mash a small portion of the peas against the side of the pot (or remove about 1/2 cup, mash, and return to the pot) to thicken it.
- Final Seasoning: Taste the black eyed peas and adjust the salt, pepper, and apple cider vinegar as needed. A little extra vinegar at the end can really brighten the flavors.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley, green onions, and the crumbled crispy bacon (if used).
Incredibly Delicious Crock Pot Black Eyed Peas
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Aromatics: If using bacon, cook it in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon, reserving 1-2 tablespoons of the rendered fat. Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and celery to the skillet (or directly to the crock pot if not using bacon fat). Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.1 large yellow onion, 1 green bell pepper, 2 celery stalks, 4-6 ounces smoked ham hock, smoked turkey leg, or 2 strips bacon, 4 cloves garlic
- Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker: Transfer the sautéed vegetables to a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. Add the rinsed black eyed peas, chicken or vegetable broth, smoked ham hock (or smoked turkey leg), diced tomatoes (undrained), apple cider vinegar, dried thyme, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).1 pound dried black eyed peas, 6-8 cups chicken or vegetable broth, 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Season and Stir: Stir all ingredients together gently to combine. Season with a generous pinch of salt and black pepper. Remember that the ham hock will add some saltiness, so taste and adjust later.Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Cook on Low: 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 and creamy. The cooking time can vary based on your slow cooker and the age of your peas.
- Adjust Consistency and Flavor: Once cooked, carefully remove the ham hock. Shred the meat from the bone and discard the bone, skin, and any excess fat, then return the shredded meat to the pot. Stir well. Check the consistency; if too thick, add more hot broth. If too thin, mash a small portion of the peas to thicken it.
- Final Seasoning: Taste the black eyed peas and adjust the salt, pepper, and apple cider vinegar as needed. A little extra vinegar at the end can really brighten the flavors.1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley, green onions, and the crumbled crispy bacon (if used).Fresh parsley or green onions
Notes
Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Black Eyed Peas
You are absolutely going to adore these crock pot black eyed peas for so many reasons! The main highlight is undoubtedly the incredible depth of flavor achieved with almost zero effort. The low and slow cooking process allows the smoky ham hock (or turkey/bacon), aromatic vegetables, and herbs to meld into a rich, comforting, and deeply savory stew that’s simply irresistible. Beyond the taste, making this dish at home offers fantastic cost-saving benefits compared to eating out, using readily available and inexpensive ingredients to create a hearty meal that feeds a crowd. Toppings like a splash of hot sauce, a dollop of cornbread, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs truly elevate the experience, transforming a simple dish into something extraordinary. This recipe beats any canned version hands down!
Moreover, the versatility of these black eyed peas is unmatched. While it shares the comforting, soul-food appeal of a hearty lentil soup, its distinct Southern flavor profile and creamy texture set it apart. It’s perfect for a cozy night in, a celebratory New Year’s Day meal, or simply when you’re craving something wholesome and delicious. Don’t just take my word for it – gather your ingredients and let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting. You’ll be amazed at how easily you can create such a memorable and flavorful dish right in your own kitchen!
What to Serve Crock Pot Black Eyed Peas With
These delicious crock pot black eyed peas are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few suggestions to create a complete and satisfying meal:
- Cornbread: A classic pairing! A warm, buttery slice of cornbread (or cornbread muffins) is perfect for soaking up all the flavorful broth.
- Collard Greens or Braised Cabbage: These leafy greens offer a wonderful balance of flavor and texture, often cooked with a similar smoky essence.
- White Rice: Simple steamed white rice provides a neutral base that complements the rich flavors of the peas.
- Hot Sauce: A dash of your favorite hot sauce is almost mandatory for many Southern cooks; it adds a pleasant kick.
- Pickled Onions or Chow-Chow: The tangy, acidic bite from pickled vegetables can cut through the richness of the dish beautifully.
- Green Salad: A light, fresh green salad with a vinaigrette dressing can offer a refreshing contrast.
- Pulled Pork or BBQ Ribs: If you’re looking to make it a more substantial meal, these smoky meats are a natural fit.
Top Tips for Perfecting Crock Pot Black Eyed Peas
To ensure your crock pot black eyed peas turn out perfectly every time, keep these valuable tips in mind:
- No Soaking Required (But it’s an Option): One of the beauties of slow cooking black eyed peas is that you typically don’t need to soak them overnight. The long, slow cooking process tenderizes them beautifully. However, if you’re concerned about digestive issues or want to slightly reduce cooking time, a quick soak (boil for 10 minutes, let sit for an hour, then drain) can be done.
- The Power of Smoke: Don’t skip the smoked meat! A ham hock, smoked turkey leg, or even smoked bacon is paramount for that authentic, deep, smoky flavor. If you’re going vegetarian, add a generous amount of smoked paprika and a few drops of liquid smoke (use sparingly!).
- Sauté Your Aromatics: While you can dump everything into the slow cooker, taking a few minutes to sauté the onion, bell pepper, and celery before adding them will deepen their flavor and create a richer base for your peas.
- Adjust Broth as You Go: Start with the recommended amount of broth, but remember slow cookers can vary. Check the consistency near the end of the cooking time; if it’s too thick, add more hot broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency. If too thin, let it cook a bit longer uncovered, or mash a small portion of the peas to release their starch and thicken the liquid.
- Don’t Forget the Acid: The apple cider vinegar is a game-changer! It brightens the whole dish, cutting through the richness and making the flavors pop. Add it during the initial cooking and another splash at the end if needed.
- Season in Layers: Season with salt and pepper at the beginning, but always taste and adjust generously at the end. The flavors will concentrate and meld, so a final seasoning is crucial for perfection.
- Don’t Overcook: While black eyed peas are forgiving, you want them tender, not mushy. Check for tenderness around the lower end of the cooking time range.
Storing and Reheating Tips
These fantastic crock pot black eyed peas are perfect for meal prepping and storing, as they often taste even better the next day!
- Refrigeration: Allow the black eyed peas to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, transfer your desired portion to a saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Add a splash of broth or water if the peas have thickened too much. Heat gently over medium-low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. In the microwave, heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until hot.
- Freezing: Black eyed peas also freeze beautifully! Once completely cooled, transfer them to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Leave about an inch of headspace if using containers, as liquids expand when frozen. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Thawing and Reheating from Frozen: For best results, thaw frozen black eyed peas overnight in the refrigerator. Then, reheat as described above. You can also reheat them from frozen on the stovetop over low heat, adding a bit of liquid and stirring frequently to prevent sticking, or in the microwave on a defrost setting followed by regular heating.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about a dish that delivers such profound flavor with so little fuss, and these crock pot black eyed peas embody that spirit perfectly. From the smoky depths of the ham hock to the bright pop of fresh bell pepper and the essential tang of apple cider vinegar, every ingredient plays its part in creating a meal that is both comforting and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re making them for good luck, a cozy family dinner, or simply because you crave a taste of the South, your slow cooker will turn out a bowl of hearty, tender goodness that you’ll want to revisit again and again. So, go ahead, gather your ingredients, set your slow cooker, and prepare to fall in love with the easiest and most flavorful black eyed peas you’ve ever made. Enjoy!
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