Slow Cooker Black Eyed Peas Recipe
316 Comments Dec 03, 2023
Updated Sep 23, 2024
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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.
Pair these delicious beans alongside my Slow Cooker Leg of Lamb, Slow Cooker Cranberry Pork Roast and Slow Cooker Focaccia Bread for a complete New Year’s meal.
Table of Contents
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
Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.
Should the bacon be fried up before putting in the slow cooker?
Yes.
Can I make this recipe the day before and refrigerate? If so, what is your suggestions on reheating to serve?
I would reheat in a saucepan on the stove for best results.
Can recipe be cut in half?
Yes, though you may need to add a touch more liquid.
Can you add collards to the recipe near the end of cooking time?
You can probably add them about the last two hours. I’ve never had an issue with them overcooking.
I am making these for the first time tomorrow. I am so impressed with Sara Olson’s answering people right away I had to.
This is exactly what I was looking for. One question, how many people does 1 lb serve?
About 8.
I have a small family and will only be cooking 1/2 of thr bag. Should I also cut the ingredients in half?
Yes, though you may need to add a touch more liquid.
Can I follow this recipe for stove top? I don’t have a slow cooker/crockpot, but I do have an instant pot.
If I double the amount of peas to 2lbs do I have to double the liquid? I will be feeding about 15-20 people and this sounds perfect if I can double
Yes, you will definitely need to double the liquid.
Great thanks anything else I should do watch or be considered with when doubling?
Do u need to double the tomatoes and other ingredients when doubling this recipe
Yes.
I have a question.
Can I use canned black eyed peas?
Yes, though I’m unsure how much liquid for I haven’t tested it.
If I add some sliced red potatoes, will that effect the cook time?
They should be fine along with the beans.
Do I place the garlic in slow-cooker whole?
In the recipe card it has the info. Minced.
What’s the serving size for the nutritionals?
1/8 of the recipe. We don’t measure how much, I apologize.