Slow cooker Hoppin’ John is a classic Southern dish traditionally enjoyed on New Year’s Day to bring good luck and prosperity for the coming year. This recipe transforms the traditional stovetop method into an effortless, set-it-and-forget-it meal, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a festive holiday gathering. It’s a hearty, flavorful stew packed with tender black-eyed peas, savory pork, fragrant vegetables, and a delightful smoky undertone. Get ready to enjoy a taste of Southern comfort without the fuss!
Key Ingredients for Slow Cooker Hoppin’ John
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this comforting slow cooker Hoppin’ John:
- 1 pound dried black-eyed peas: Soaked overnight (or using the quick soak method) and drained. Soaking helps them cook evenly and reduces cooking time.
- 1 pound smoked ham hock or 1 cup diced smoked sausage (andouille or kielbasa): The ham hock provides deep smoky flavor and richness, while sausage offers convenience and a different texture.
- 1 large yellow onion, diced: A foundational aromatic for many Southern dishes.
- 1 green bell pepper, diced: Adds a touch of sweetness and freshness.
- 2 celery stalks, diced: Another key aromatic, contributing to the dish’s depth.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Essential for a pungent, savory kick.
- 6 cups chicken broth (low sodium): The liquid base for the stew, providing savory flavor.
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained: Adds acidity, sweetness, and a pleasant texture.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Earthy and mildly floral, complementing the savory flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Enhances the smoky notes and adds a touch of color.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): For a subtle kick of heat, adjust to your preference.
- 2 bay leaves: Infuses the dish with a delicate herbal aroma.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a pop of color and fresh herbaceousness.
- Hot sauce, for serving (optional): For those who like extra heat.
How to Make Slow Cooker Hoppin’ John
This slow cooker Hoppin’ John recipe is wonderfully easy, yielding a deeply flavorful, satisfying, and hearty meal with minimal effort. It boasts tender black-eyed peas, savory pork, and a rich, smoky broth that’s comforting and incredibly delicious. Simply add your ingredients to the slow cooker, set it, and let the magic happen! Prep time is about 15-20 minutes, with a total cook time of 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Black-Eyed Peas: If using dried black-eyed peas, rinse them thoroughly. If you didn’t soak them overnight, you can use the quick soak method: Place peas in a large pot, cover with water by 2 inches, bring to a boil for 2 minutes, then remove from heat, cover, and let stand for 1 hour. Drain well before proceeding.
- Sauté Aromatics (Optional but Recommended): While not strictly necessary for a slow cooker, briefly sautéing your ham hock (if using) or sausage, onion, bell pepper, and celery in a skillet with a tablespoon of olive oil for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften and the meat browns slightly. This step deepens the flavors significantly. Add the minced garlic during the last minute of sautéing until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Transfer the sautéed ingredients (if you did step 2) or the raw ham hock/sausage, onion, bell pepper, and celery directly into a 6-quart or larger slow cooker.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the drained black-eyed peas, chicken broth, diced tomatoes (undrained), dried thyme, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and bay leaves to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine everything.
- Cook: 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 the ham hock (if using) is falling off the bone.
- Shred Pork (if using ham hock): Carefully remove the ham hock from the slow cooker. Once cool enough to handle, shred the meat from the bone, discarding any fat or skin. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker. Remove and discard the bay leaves.
- Season and Serve: Stir well. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. The broth should be rich and flavorful. Ladle the slow cooker Hoppin’ John into bowls.
- Garnish: Garnish each serving with fresh chopped parsley and a dash of hot sauce, if desired. Serve immediately with a side of cornbread or rice.
Slow Cooker Hoppin’ John
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Rinse and sort the dried black-eyed peas.1 pound dried black-eyed peas
- In a 6-quart slow cooker, combine the rinsed black-eyed peas, ham hock, chopped onion, celery, green bell pepper, minced garlic, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, and black pepper.1 pound dried black-eyed peas, 1 pound smoked ham hock, 1 medium onion, 2 stalks celery, 1 medium green bell pepper, 3 cloves garlic, 6 cups chicken broth, 1 tsp Cajun seasoning, 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Stir everything together to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the black-eyed peas are tender.
- Carefully remove the ham hock from the slow cooker. Once cool enough to handle, shred the meat from the bone and discard the bone and any excess fat. Return the shredded ham to the slow cooker.1 pound smoked ham hock
- Taste and season with salt as needed. Remember that the ham hock and broth contribute to the saltiness.Salt
- Serve the slow cooker hoppin’ john hot over cooked white rice, with a dash of hot sauce if desired.3 cups cooked white rice, Hot sauce
Notes
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Hoppin’ John
You’ll adore this slow cooker Hoppin’ John for its incredible depth of flavor, making it a true Southern comfort food experience. The main highlight is undoubtedly the effortless infusion of rich, smoky goodness from the ham hock, permeating every black-eyed pea and vegetable without you lifting a finger all day. Plus, making it at home is incredibly cost-effective compared to dining out, transforming simple, pantry-friendly ingredients into a gourmet-tasting meal that feeds a crowd. The flavorful toppings, like a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a dash of fiery hot sauce, elevate the dish, adding brightness and a personalized kick.
This recipe not only saves you money but also guarantees a satisfyingly hearty dish that feels both traditional and uniquely your own. It’s far superior to any canned version you might find, offering a fresh, vibrant taste that simply can’t be replicated. If you love this easy, soulful dish, you might also enjoy our Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup for another hearty, hands-off meal. Give this Hoppin’ John a try – you won’t regret bringing this delicious tradition into your kitchen!
What to Serve Slow Cooker Hoppin’ John With
Hoppin’ John is often served as a complete meal, but it pairs wonderfully with several traditional Southern accompaniments:
- Cornbread: A must-have! The sweet, crumbly texture of cornbread is perfect for soaking up the rich broth of the Hoppin’ John.
- Collard Greens (or turnip/mustard greens): Another New Year’s tradition, symbolizing money. Their slightly bitter taste perfectly complements the savory Hoppin’ John.
- Steamed Rice: Traditionally, Hoppin’ John is often served directly over or alongside white rice, offering a milder base and adding bulk to the meal.
- Hushpuppies: These fried cornmeal fritters add a delightful crunch and savory element.
- Sliced Tomatoes or a Simple Garden Salad: For a fresh, crisp contrast to the hearty stew.
- Hot Sauce: A few dashes of your favorite hot sauce (like Tabasco or Texas Pete) are always welcome for an extra kick.
Top Tips for Perfecting Slow Cooker Hoppin’ John
- Soak Your Peas: While some slow cooker recipes claim no soaking is needed, soaking dried black-eyed peas overnight (or using the quick soak method) significantly improves their texture, ensuring they cook evenly and become creamy without turning mushy. It also reduces potential cooking time and can help with digestibility.
- Don’t Skip the Sauté: Even though it’s a slow cooker recipe, taking 10 minutes to sauté the ham hock/sausage and vegetables (onion, bell pepper, celery, garlic) before adding them to the slow cooker will vastly deepen the flavor profile. This step caramelizes the vegetables and renders some fat from the pork, creating a richer base.
- Pork Choice Matters: A smoked ham hock provides unparalleled depth and smokiness. If you can’t find one, smoked turkey wings or a good quality smoked sausage (andouille or kielbasa) are excellent substitutes, though the flavor will be slightly different. Avoid unsmoked meats for this recipe.
- Seasoning in Layers: Add a little salt and pepper at the beginning, but hold off on adding too much until the end. As the broth concentrates, the saltiness will intensify. Taste and adjust your seasoning after the dish has finished cooking.
- Spice It Up: If you prefer more heat, don’t be shy with the cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can also add a jalapeño or serrano pepper along with the other vegetables.
- Creamier Consistency: For a thicker, creamier Hoppin’ John, remove about 1 cup of the cooked black-eyed peas, mash them with a fork, and stir them back into the slow cooker. This naturally thickens the stew.
- Ingredient Substitutions:
- Vegetables: Feel free to add a diced carrot for extra sweetness and nutrition.
- Broth: Vegetable broth can be used instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian option (omit pork).
- Herbs: A pinch of dried oregano or sage would also complement the flavors if you don’t have thyme.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Slow cooker Hoppin’ John is one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld and deepen.
- Refrigeration:
- Allow the Hoppin’ John to cool completely at room temperature (no longer than 2 hours).
- Transfer it to an airtight container. Make sure the container is sealed well to prevent odors from spreading and to keep the dish fresh.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating:
- Stovetop: The best method! Transfer the desired portion to a saucepan. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if it seems too thick. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly warmed through.
- Microwave: For individual servings, place in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover loosely (a damp paper towel works well to prevent splattering and dryness). Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stir, and continue heating in 30-second intervals until hot.
- Freezing:
- Hoppin’ John freezes beautifully, making it an excellent meal prep option.
- Allow to cool completely.
- Transfer to freezer-safe airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. If using bags, lay them flat for easier storage once frozen. Leave about an inch of headspace if using containers, as liquids expand when frozen.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thawing and Reheating from Frozen:
- For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave as described above, adding a bit of liquid if needed.
- You can also reheat directly from frozen on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently, though this will take longer.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a dish that not only nourishes the body but also carries a rich tradition and hope for good fortune. This slow cooker Hoppin’ John recipe delivers on all fronts: it’s incredibly easy to make, deeply satisfying, and brimming with the soulful flavors that define Southern comfort food. Whether you’re making it for New Year’s Day or simply craving a hearty and flavorful meal any time of the year, its smoky depth, tender black-eyed peas, and aromatic vegetables will transport you straight to the heart of the South. So gather your ingredients, set your slow cooker, and let this lucky and delicious dish bring warmth and happiness to your table. Enjoy!
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