Slow Cooker Hoppin John: Amazing Southern Flavor

Slow cooker hoppin john has been a secret weapon in my kitchen for years, especially when I crave that comforting Southern flavor without the fuss. I remember my grandmother making it on New Year’s Day for good luck, and the aroma of the smoky sausage and tender black-eyed peas filling her tiny kitchen always signaled warmth and tradition. This hoppin john crock pot recipe simplifies that magic, letting your slow cooker do all the heavy lifting. You’ll love the way the ingredients meld together over hours, creating a dish that’s both hearty and soul-satisfying. Let’s get this delicious meal cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Hoppin John

This recipe is a weeknight dream and a weekend comfort all rolled into one. Here’s why you’ll be making this easy slow cooker hoppin john again and again:

• Effortless Preparation: Toss everything into the slow cooker and let it work its magic.
• Incredible Flavor: The slow cooking process deepens the flavors of the peas, sausage, and vegetables.
• Hearty and Filling: Packed with protein and fiber from the black-eyed peas and rice.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This hoppin john crock pot recipe makes fantastic leftovers.
• Customizable: Easily adapt it for vegetarian or vegan diets.
• Southern Comfort: Delivers that authentic, soul-warming taste everyone loves.
• Minimal Cleanup: Just one pot to wash!

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Hoppin John

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to this delightful slow cooker hoppin john recipe. You’ll need:

• 1 lb dried black-eyed peas, rinsed and sorted – make sure to pick out any small stones or debris.
• 8 oz smoked sausage or vegan sausage (optional), sliced – this adds a wonderful smoky depth, but you can omit it for a vegetarian dish.
• 1 yellow onion, diced – about 1 cup, it forms the aromatic base.
• 2 stalks celery, chopped – adding a subtle crispness and fresh flavor.
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped – for a touch of sweetness and color.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – essential for that classic savory profile.
• 1 cup long-grain white rice (or brown rice) – white rice cooks faster, but brown rice adds more fiber and a nuttier flavor.
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth – this liquid helps cook the peas and infuses flavor; use vegetable broth for a vegetarian or vegan version.
• 1 tsp smoked paprika – for a hint of smoky spice.
• 1 tsp dried thyme – a classic herb pairing for peas.
• 1 bay leaf – adds a subtle background note.
• Salt and black pepper, to taste – season at the end to ensure perfect flavor.
• Hot sauce or cayenne pepper (optional) – for a kick of heat.
• Chopped scallions or parsley, for garnish – adds freshness and a pop of green.

How to Make Slow Cooker Hoppin John

Making this Southern staple is truly a breeze with your set-it-and-forget-it appliance. I love how the slow cooker takes humble ingredients and transforms them into something so rich and satisfying. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready to go, perfect for any day of the week. This crock pot hoppin john instructions guide will make you a pro in no time!

Step 1: Prepare the Peas and Veggies

First things first, give your dried black-eyed peas a good rinse and sort them to remove any stray debris or pebbles. While they’re getting prepped, go ahead and dice your yellow onion, chop the celery stalks, and mince the garlic. These aromatics are key to building the foundational flavor of your dish.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Now for the easy part! Add the prepared black-eyed peas, diced onion, chopped celery, minced garlic, sliced sausage (if you’re using it), smoked paprika, dried thyme, and the bay leaf directly into your slow cooker. This collection of slow cooker hoppin john ingredients is where the magic begins to simmer.

Step 3: Cook Until Tender

Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, ensuring everything is mostly submerged. Give it a good stir to combine all those wonderful flavors. Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 7–8 hours, or on high for 3–4 hours. You’ll know the peas are ready when they’re tender and creamy – it’s a beautiful transformation to witness as part of how to make slow cooker hoppin john.

Step 4: Add Rice and Finish Cooking

Once the peas are perfectly tender, remove and discard the bay leaf. Stir in the uncooked rice. If the mixture seems a bit thick, you can add a splash more broth to make sure the rice cooks evenly. Cover the slow cooker again and cook on high for another 30–40 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid, thickening the dish beautifully. This step is crucial for the perfect hoppin john crock pot recipe.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Taste your creation and adjust the seasonings with salt and freshly ground black pepper. If you like a little heat, now’s the time to stir in some hot sauce or cayenne pepper. Ladle this delicious easy slow cooker hoppin john into bowls and garnish generously with fresh chopped scallions or parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Pro Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Hoppin John

Want to elevate your Hoppin’ John game? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that make this dish truly shine. These tips will help you achieve the most delicious result every time.

• For the deepest flavor, consider using a smoked ham hock in step 2 along with the sausage. Remove it before adding the rice.
• Don’t skip sorting the peas! It ensures a clean dish free of any unwanted grit.
• If using brown rice, it might absorb more liquid. You may need to add an extra 1/2 cup of broth in step 4.
• Letting the dish rest for about 10 minutes after cooking the rice allows it to thicken perfectly.

What’s the secret to perfect Slow Cooker Hoppin John?

The real secret to an authentic slow cooker hoppin john lies in allowing ample cooking time for the peas to become truly tender and creamy. Using a good quality smoked sausage or ham hock also adds an incredible depth of flavor that just can’t be replicated otherwise.

Can I make Slow Cooker Hoppin John ahead of time?

Absolutely! This is one of the best slow cooker hoppin john dinner ideas for meal prep. You can assemble all the ingredients (except the rice) in the slow cooker insert the night before and refrigerate it. Just start the cooking process in the morning. The finished dish also reheats beautifully.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Slow Cooker Hoppin John?

The most common mistake is not cooking the peas long enough, leading to a crunchy texture. Ensure they are tender before adding the rice. Also, avoid over-stirring after adding the rice, as this can make it mushy. These simple steps help ensure the best slow cooker hoppin john experience.

Best Ways to Serve Slow Cooker Hoppin John

This hearty dish is wonderfully versatile, making it perfect for a variety of occasions. For a truly authentic Southern experience, serve this black eyed peas hoppin john slow cooker alongside classic pairings like tender collard greens or a slice of warm, buttery cornbread. The cornbread is perfect for soaking up any extra flavorful juices!

It also makes a fantastic, filling main course on its own, especially when topped with fresh scallions or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce. For a lighter meal, consider serving it as a flavorful side dish alongside baked chicken or pork chops. It’s a comforting and satisfying option no matter how you choose to enjoy it.

Nutrition Facts for Slow Cooker Hoppin John

This healthy slow cooker hoppin john offers a wealth of nutrients in every serving. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect per serving (about 1 1/2 cups):

• Calories: 310
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Protein: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 8g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 580mg
• Cholesterol: 10mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, especially if you opt for different types of sausage or broth.

How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Hoppin John

One of the best things about this slow cooker hoppin john recipe is how well it stores and reheats, making it ideal for meal prep. Once your delicious dish has cooled down slightly, transfer any leftovers into airtight containers. This helps maintain freshness and prevents any unwanted flavors from developing. You can store your cooked hoppin john crock pot recipe in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. It tastes just as good, if not better, the next day!

For longer storage, freezing is a fantastic option. Portion your easy crock pot hoppin john into freezer-safe containers or bags, and it will keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Reheating is a breeze: gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave individual portions until heated through. Add a splash of broth or water if it seems a little dry.

Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Hoppin John

What is Hoppin John slow cooker?

This what is hoppin john slow cooker question is a common one! Hoppin’ John is a traditional Southern dish made with black-eyed peas and rice, often seasoned with pork. In a slow cooker, it becomes an incredibly easy and comforting meal, perfect for any day of the week when you want a taste of tradition without the fuss.

Can I make a vegetarian or vegan Slow Cooker Hoppin John?

Absolutely! Creating a delicious vegetarian slow cooker hoppin john or a fully vegan slow cooker hoppin john is simple. Just swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the sausage, or use a plant-based sausage alternative. The peas and rice still create a wonderfully satisfying dish.

What are the best cuts of meat for Slow Cooker Hoppin John?

For that classic Southern flavor, a smoked ham hock is a fantastic choice for your slow cooker hoppin john with ham hock. Smoked sausage is also a popular and easy addition, providing a rich, smoky depth. You can also use bacon or even just rely on smoked paprika for a smoky flavor without meat.

Variations of Slow Cooker Hoppin John You Can Try

This classic dish is wonderfully adaptable, and I love experimenting to find new ways to enjoy it. Here are a few variations you can try to spice up your usual hoppin john recipe slow cooker experience:

• Spicy Southern Hoppin John: For those who love a kick, add a finely minced jalapeño or serrano pepper along with the bell pepper and onion in step 2. You can also increase the amount of hot sauce or cayenne pepper added at the end.
• Quick & Easy Hoppin John: If you’re short on time but still want that comforting flavor, consider using canned black-eyed peas (rinsed and drained) instead of dried. Add them in step 4 with the rice, reducing the initial cooking time significantly. This makes for a very quick slow cooker hoppin john.
• Smoked Sausage Lover’s Hoppin John: Don’t be afraid to use your favorite smoked sausage! Andouille sausage adds a fantastic Cajun flair, while a kielbasa brings a different, delicious vibe. This variation highlights the sausage in this slow cooker hoppin john dinner ideas.
• Hearty Ham Hock Hoppin John: For an even deeper, more traditional flavor, add a smoked ham hock to the slow cooker with the peas and vegetables. It will lend a rich, smoky essence that’s truly unforgettable.

Slow Cooker Hoppin John: Amazing Southern Flavor

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• Author: basmer1517
• Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This slow cooker Hoppin’ John recipe is an effortless, flavorful, and comforting Southern classic. The slow cooker does all the work, melding ingredients into a warm, aromatic meal packed with protein and fiber. Serve it as a main dish or a side for tradition, meal prep, or a cozy family dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb dried black-eyed peas, rinsed and sorted
• 8 oz smoked sausage or vegan sausage (optional), sliced
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice (or brown rice)
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Hot sauce or cayenne pepper (optional)
• Chopped scallions or parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Rinse and sort the dried black-eyed peas, removing any debris.
2. In a slow cooker, combine the peas, onion, celery, bell pepper, garlic, sausage (if using), smoked paprika, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour in the broth and stir well to combine.
4. Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the peas are tender.
5. Remove the bay leaf, then stir in the uncooked rice. Add additional broth if needed to cover the rice.
6. Cover again and cook on high for 30–40 minutes, until the rice is fully cooked and the mixture has thickened.
7. Adjust seasoning to taste, adding hot sauce or cayenne if desired.
8. Serve warm, garnished with chopped scallions or parsley.

Notes

• Soaking the black-eyed peas overnight can shorten the cooking time, but it’s not required for this slow cooker hoppin john recipe.
• For a vegan slow cooker hoppin john, use vegetable broth and plant-based sausage or smoked tempeh.
• Brown rice may require 15–20 minutes longer to cook than white rice in this crock pot hoppin john.
• This hoppin john crock pot recipe pairs perfectly with collard greens and cornbread for a complete Southern meal.
• Leftovers of this slow cooker hoppin john reheat beautifully and taste even better the next day.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours (on low)
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 580mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 14g
• Cholesterol: 10mg

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