Slow Cooker Black Eyed Peas Recipe
340 Comments Dec 03, 2023
Updated 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.
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.
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.
Slow Cooker Black-Eyed Peas Recipe
How to Video
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.
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
Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.
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.
I made the peas for New Years Day. I omitted the bacon and used a ham hock. They are delicious and the flavors are incredible. If you like black eyed peas, you need to use this recipe.
Ho do I adjust using one can of BEPS
I can’t say without testing it, I apologize.
I have a 15.5 can of black beans. Also have bacon. Not kosher not vegan. How would I adjust the recipe. Sounds delicious!
Hi Judie, sorry I would have to test it out. I’ve never made this recipe canned or a just one can. I think you can do something with what you have, you’ll just need to be creative.
This recipe is amazing! Big hit with my family! So good I made a second batch! Thank you!!
I got off to a late start today.. can I cook on high for 5 hours and and switch to low for another 3??
High for 6 hours should do it.
Made this (almost) exactly as written. Omitted the bacon and used 1 cup of Turkey Kielbasa instead. Added a couple of dashes of Tabasco too. Fantastic flavor and was a big hit! I will be adding this to my regular slow cooker rotation. Paired with some homemade corn bread? Yes please!
I made this recipe on New Years Day. I soaked the peas the night before in salted water. I don’t have a slow cooker so I used my Dutch oven and cooked it in the oven for 10 hours at 200. I used a ham shank instead of bacon and ham. This recipe is so delicious and so easy. It took maybe 10 minutes to add the ingredients to the pot. This recipe is so amazing., it’s my new favorite!!!!
Love the flavor … I made the vegetarian version and used my slow cooker. But my black-eyed peas just WILL NOT get soft! Happens to me no matter whose recipe I use (when cooking legumes with a slow cooker, that is). What am I doing wrong? I soaked my peas literally at least 24 hours, cooked them in slow cooker on high for 8 hours, did not add any salt at all! Nice and hot but still very crunchy … now have them in a pot on top of the stove to get them soft. Why? It’s so frustrating
It could be two things. Either your beans are old, or possibly your slow cooker doesn’t get hot enough. I know when I cook them on low sometimes they can take 10 hours, (maybe yours is cooking more like on low than high.)
Hi Kathy, I made this for the first time and my BEP turned out wonderfully – I soaked overnight, no salt. I cooked for 8 hours on low in my slow cooker and they were perfect. Maybe cook on high for a few hours and switch to low?
I’ve found that beans don’t get soft if you add anything tomato before the beans are finished cooking. Has to do with the acidity of the tomato. If you go on hurst beans website, say for example, their 15 bean soup recipe, they always add anything tomato after your beans have cooked to your desire softness.
Getting ready to make this recipe tomorrow for New Years! Super excited!
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!
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.
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!