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:
Want to make more magic in your crockpot? Stay up to date and subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube.
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.
Sarah says
Tried my peas in the crockpot for the first time this year, and they were so great! Not at all mushy, as often happens when I cook them on the stove. Plus, I had to much more space for my other New Years cooking! I used my Christmas hambone in place of the bacon and ham, and it turned out great! Thanks so much!
Sarah Olson says
Great! Bean don’t get mushy in the slow cooker because they don’t bounce together like on the stove top. Glad you enjoyed them.
Jolene says
This is delicious! I used Rotel since we wanted a little spice, and left out the ham only because I didn’t have any. The whole family loved it!
Colleen says
How long do I cook them on the stove? No crockpot. I do have a instant pot tho. Thanks Happy New Year.
Sarah Olson says
Hi Colleen, I’m unsure without testing it first. I apologize.
Heather says
For those not presoaking but cooking for longer in a slow cooker, you’ll likely need more chicken broth. I ended up using an additional 16oz for a half serving (500g black eyed beans/peas). We added paprika by suggestion in the recipe and omitted oregano then topped with sour cream, parsley, and pickled jalapeños. Fab recipe!
Sarah Olson says
Yes, thank you. I’ll add that to the recipe.
Seanda says
I don’t have a slow cooker. Could I make these stove top. How long would I cook for?
Nikki says
Hi, can I use Rotel in place of diced tomatoes? I don’t have plain diced tomatoes on hand. Thanks.
Sarah Olson says
Yes, add those and a little water, I think rotel is smaller is size.
Nikki says
Yes, rotel is 10 oz, so I added 4 extra ounces of water. Thank you and Happy New Year!
Nikki says
They turned out delicious with Rotel. We also added the Cajun seasoning because we like spicy. Thanks for the great recipe!
Clarissa Green says
I made this tonight turned out amazing I smashed some of them and it’s perfect
Sharmin McChesney says
Do I drain the diced tomatoes?
Sarah Olson says
No
Terri says
Would this work just as well with dried pinto beans?
Sarah Olson says
Hi Terri! I don’t see why not! I may do that since the store is out of these beans here.
Tony says
These beans are dried, hence the soaking over night.
Denise Hearn says
Can you make these without the ham hock and ham? I only have bacon.
Sarah Olson says
Yes. If you can, add more bacon than what I have pictured.
Amanda says
I was only able to find canned black eyed peas (not seasoned) – have you made this recipe with canned BEP? If so, what adjustments would you suggest (besides skipping the soaking step)?
Sarah Olson says
You won’t need as much liquid. And a lot less cooking time.
Amanda says
Ok that’s what I suspected! Thanks!
Melissa Moran says
I have fresh black eyed peas. Will these work for this recipe?
Sarah Olson says
I have not tested with fresh, I apologize.