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.
Pair these delicious beans alongside my Slow Cooker Cranberry Pork Roast and Slow Cooker Focaccia Bread for a complete New Year’s meal.
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
- 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
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.
Recipe FAQs
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
For creamy beans remove about a cup of beans and mash with a fork, stir these mashed beans into the rest of the beans.
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.
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.
More great bean recipes you will love:
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Slow Cooker Black-Eyed Peas Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. dried black-eyed peas
- 7 cups chicken broth
- 14 oz. can petite diced tomatoes
- 6 slices bacon cooked and sliced
- 1 cup diced ham
- ½ cup diced sweet onion
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1 tsp. oregano
- ¼ tsp. pepper
- about ¼ tsp. salt add to taste at the END of cooking time
Ideas for sides:
- cornbread or garlic bread
- collard greens
- steamed white rice
Instructions:
- Add the dried peas to the slow cooker. NO NEED TO PRESOAK.
- Add the chicken broth, can of diced tomatoes, bacon, ham, onion, garlic, oregano and pepper. Stir. WAIT TO ADD THE SALT.
- Cover and cook on HIGH FOR 7 hours. Do not open the lid during the cooking time.
- Add the salt to taste.
- For creamier beans remove 1 cup of the beans and mash. Add back to the slow cooker and stir.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR IF YOU PREFER TO SOAK YOUR BEANS:
- Start by soaking the black-eyed peas overnight in the slow cooker. Do this by adding the black-eyed peas to the slow cooker and add water to cover plus a few inches more. Let the black-eyed peas soak for at least 8 hours (don't turn on the slow cooker, just let them soak).
- Drain off the water in the morning. You will only need 5 cups of chicken broth for this recipe if you soak your beans. Add the chicken broth and remaining ingredients (except salt).
- Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 10 hours or HIGH for 6 hours. Mash 1 cup of the beans if you want a creamier texture.
How to Video:
Sarah’s Notes:
- 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.
- Omit the bacon and ham
- Use water instead of chicken broth
- Add 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Add 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke
- Add more salt at the end of cooking time to make up for the saltiness in the ham and bacon.
- Smoked turkey Kielbasa
- Chicken Thighs
- Turkey bacon
- Add a 1/2 teaspoon of liquid smoke for more flavor
- 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.
Nutrition Information:
Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.
Sharon says
Made this for dinner tonight – absolutely delicious! I did use turkey kielbasa in place of ham or bacon and served it with cornbread. My mother-in-law doesn’t like blackeyed peas, and she went back for seconds! This is definitely a keeper. Thanks, Sarah, and happy new year!
Sarah Olson says
I’m so happy to hear that Sharon! Thanks for coming back to tell us how it turned out for you. 🙂
mia says
love black-eyed peas with rice and corn bread, ribs dinner done
Yvonne [Tried and Tasty] says
Oh how I love black eyed peas! These look delicious!
Rachael Yerkes says
This looks like a great slow cooker meal idea, and I love that this is thought to bring good luck! I had never heard that before, and this year I am seeing it all over the web!
Sheena @ Hot Eats and Cool Reads says
we love black eyed peas and these ones look fabulous! Great recipe for New years!
Carrie @Frugal Foodie Mama says
I was just introduced to the southern tradition of eating black-eyed peas for New Year’s when I was researching my Hoppin’ John Dip recipe. 🙂 I am loving all of these food traditions for the New Year. And I LOVE that this recipe is made in the slow cooker- my kind of recipe for sure. 😉
Jenetta Penner says
This will be a nice addition to my list of healthy and yummy slow-cooker recipes. What a nice way to start the new year! 🙂
Mary Ellen says
Yummy! I may just make them New Years, still can’t make up my mind. These sure do look good….
Sandra Shaffer says
It’s been a tradition in my husband’s family to eat Black Eyed Peas on New Year’s Day and we have made the beans for our family too. Love this slow cooker recipe!
Erica (@Erica's Recipes) says
I’m with you – smokey beans and cornbread is a fabulous way to start off the new year. Great post – looks delicious!
Jaime says
This recipe sounds DELISH!! But I’m cooking for some people that only eat Kosher what can I use instead of bacon and ham?
Sarah Olson says
Perhaps turkey bacon? And chicken thighs? That’s a tough one. Anyone else have ideas for kosher black-eyed peas?
Sharon says
I’m going to try it with smoked turkey sausage or turkey kielbasa.
Sally Mae says
We make it vegan/vegetarian and use smoked paprika and liquid smoke (to taste, starting with 1/2 teaspoon each) to give it a smokey flavor similar to what ham or bacon would do 🙂
Sarah Olson says
Great tips, thank you!
Anonymous says
I use Bakon Yeast to add a smoke flavor without adding critter to my vegetarian beans.
Sarah Olson says
Thank you for the tip!
Ken says
I’ve had great results with using smoked turkey parts, ie… Turkey tails, wings or legs. Using a slow cooker brings out the rich smoky flavor that compliments the black eyed peas.
Sarah Olson says
That sounds awesome Ken. Thanks for sharing that great idea.
jim slabaugh says
take your hambone out before the guests arrive. they’ll never know the difference and it sure won’t hurt them. you just cant make blackeyed peas without ham or bacon or saltpork.
Wakko Romero says
OMG! They might have dietary restrictions, or keep kosher so religious convictions. That’s just so rude…
Brooke Warrick says
Well its rude to go to someones house and tell them how to cook…so.
Bill says
They’re not telling you how to cook. They’re telling you what they CAN’T EAT. I wouldn’t eat a cracker at your home.
Sunshine says
I can’t believe you suggested that!! Thats horrible!!!
Chris Price says
I totally agree that was just rude to think that you can cook black eye peas without pork in them. If you don’t eat pork well then bring your own peas or don’t eat them. Everyone wants to change things to suit them and their needs well that’s ok but don’t expect everyone to think it’s hell and damnation because others have lived on things like this for centuries and long happy lives I might add. Religious reasons, so be it but health reasons? Eating the whole pot may be bad for you but a serving won’t kill anyone. Please stop trying to change cooking for the healthy, hard working southerners who view our food as part of our culture. Rant over.
Stephanie says
I have never used meat of any kind and everyone loves mine. To each their own.
Sharon says
This sounds amazing! My in-laws will be visiting for New Year’s. Dad-in-law can’t have pork, so I’ll try using some diced smoked turkey sausage. I’ll let you know how it turns out. I love blackeyed peas. Will be nice with a pan of cornbread!
Donna says
Make a little extra cornbread and put it in the bottom of an individual bowl .When peas are scooped over it soaking up the BEP juice, Oh dear thats good. Also serve with a peace of onon to eat with it.
Good way to serve Pinto Beans as well. ummmm :o)
Sarah Olson says
I love those ideas!