Slow Cooker Black Eyed Peas Recipe

Dec 03, 2023Updated May 10, 2025

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Make a new tradition with this slow cooker black-eyed pea recipe and bring yourself good luck by making these on New Year’s Day! These southern-style black-eyed peas are slow-cooked with ham, bacon, and onion and make a perfect meal.

Black eyed peas in a white slow cooker with a wooden spoon in it.

Why are black eyed peas eaten on New Years Day?

In the years in the past, I always thought to make these New Year’s Day Black-Eyed Peas too late in the day, so get your ingredients ready! Some believe that eating black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day will bring prosperity to the new year. We also make slow cooker collard greens to go with this!

I am not a superstitious person, but I love traditions. Making a big pot of these smoky beans with cornbread will be a fun way to start off my new year. Not to mention, the flavors will help even the pickiest eater eat black eyed peas. Enjoy!

Recipe Ingredients

Ingredients for new years day black eyed peas on a table.

DRIED black-eyed peas – This recipe is for a one pound bag of dried black eyed peas.
Chicken broth – 7 cups of chicken broth, be sure to measure it out for the box doesn’t have exactly the amount that is stated on the box.
Petite diced tomatoes – This is an addition my family loves. It gives the black eyed peas a tangy flavor and more color.
Cooked bacon – The bacon needs to be cooked and crumbled, do not add it to the slow cooker raw or you will have a flavorless greasy mess.
Diced ham – This can be leftover ham, just cube it!
Other flavorings – Diced sweet onion, fresh garlic, oregano, salt and pepper. – Wait to add the salt until the cooking time is up.

Step-by-Step directions

Four images showing how to make black eyed peas in a crockpot.

Step One – Add the dried black-eyed peas to the crockpot, no need to presoak! Add the canned diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, ham, bacon, and seasonings.

Step Two – Pour over the chicken broth.

Step Three – Stir everything together until well combined.

Step Four – Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 7 hours without opening the lid during the cooking time. Serve warm and enjoy these absolutely delicious New Year’s black eyed peas!

Should I soak black eyed peas first?

For my version, you DO NOT have to soak. Just be sure to cook on HIGH for 7 hours.
However, if you really feel the need to soak your beans overnight you can! Be sure to rinse off the soaking water and add the chicken broth on top. You won’t need 7 cups of chicken broth if you presoak, you will only need 5.

Cooked black eyed peas with ham in a slow cooker with collards and rice next to them.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a ham hock in these crockpot black eyed peas?

Yes, omit the bacon and ham. Add 1 large or 2 small ham hocks to the pot at the beginning of cooking time. When the cooking time is up, remove the ham hocks, shred the meat (discard fat). Degrease the fat from the top of the peas by placing a paper towel over the grease and removing quickly. Add the shredded ham to the slow cooker. Stir and serve.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Omit the bacon and ham, and use water or vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add a 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika and a 1/2 tsp. of liquid smoke. Also, add more salt at the end of cooking time to make up for the saltiness in the ham and bacon.

Can I Make this kosher?

Try one or more of these meats instead of pork: Smoked turkey kielbasa, chicken thighs, or turkey bacon. Add a 1/2 teaspoon of liquid smoke for more flavor.

Can I make this spicy?

Add cajun seasoning at the end of the cooking time instead of salt. (Don’t want to add anything too salty or the beans won’t soften). Or, add a 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper at the beginning of the cooking time.

How to store leftovers?

Place in Tupperware and refrigerate for up to three days. Or freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat on the stove in a small pan or microwave.

How do I make the beans creamier?

For creamy beans remove about a cup of beans and mash with a fork, stir these mashed beans into the rest of the beans.

Can I use canned black eyed peas?

This recipe was developed for dry black eyed peas. I you were to use canned you would not need to cook as long or use as much liquid.

Plate of black eyed peas on rice with collard greens and cornbread.

What can I serve black eyed peas with?

Southern-Style Collard Greens: Simmered with smoked ham hocks or bacon, collard greens add a rich, savory element that pairs well with the earthiness of black-eyed peas. Try my slow cooker collard greens recipe or try this instant pot black eyed peas recipe.
Mac and Cheese: We love to make this easy slow cooker mac and cheese recipe in our other crockpot.
Cornbread: The slightly sweet and crumbly texture of cornbread is a classic accompaniment that complements the heartiness of black-eyed peas. You can make slow cooker cornbread!
Rice: Steamed white or brown rice is a simple, versatile side that provides a neutral base for the flavorful black-eyed peas.
Smoked Sausage or Andouille: Sliced andouille sausage or smoked sausage adds a savory kick and a bit of spice, enhancing the dish’s overall taste.
Okra: Whether fried, sautéed, or stewed, okra brings a unique texture and flavor that pairs well with the creamy consistency of black-eyed peas.
Tomato and Cucumber Salad: A refreshing side salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and a light vinaigrette can provide a crisp contrast to the warm and comforting black-eyed peas. Try this wonderful recipe for tomato and cucumber salad that we love.

Featured Comment

“These are the absolute best I’ve ever had! Tried this recipe for New Years this year and they were perfect! Best flavor!”
– a.r.

339 More Reviews

More Crockpot Bean Recipes:

Slow Cooker Charro Beans and Slow Cooker Black Beans are great as sides for Mexican-inspired meals or as a base for burrito bowls. Both cook up tender and seasoned to perfection with minimal effort.

For a comforting, protein-packed meal, try Ham and Beans or 15 Bean Soup with Ham—hearty, filling options that use leftover ham and are perfect for chilly nights.

Crockpot Baked Beans are a classic barbecue side with sweet and smoky flavor, while Slow Cooker Refried Beans are creamy and flavorful—ideal for tacos, tostadas, or as a dip at your next get-together.