The Easy Hoppin’ John Recipe is a classic Southern dish that is simple, comforting and full of flavor. This dish combines black-eyed peas, rice and a touch of smoky bacon.
Many people search How to make Easy Hoppin’ John because it is perfect for New Year’s Day or a hearty weeknight dinner.
It cooks quickly and uses ingredients you may already have at home. This recipe brings warmth and tradition to your table. It is easy, tasty and always satisfying.
My Experience With This Easy Hoppin’ John Recipe
I first made Hoppin’ John for a New Year’s celebration. I wanted something traditional but simple. The aroma of cooking bacon and onions filled the kitchen.
The black-eyed peas were tender and the rice soaked up all the flavor. My family loved the combination of smoky, savory and slightly sweet notes.
Everyone asked for seconds. Since then, this recipe has been a go-to comfort food. It is easy to prepare and always brings smiles.
Recipe Card info
- Recipe Name: Easy Hoppin’ John
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Course: Main Course or Side Dish
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Calories: 320 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Medium saucepan or pot
- Skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients You Need for Easy Hoppin’ John
- Black-eyed peas, canned or cooked – 2 cups
- Long-grain white rice – 1 cup
- Bacon – 4 slices, chopped
- Onion – 1 medium, diced
- Green bell pepper – 1, diced
- Celery – 1 stalk, diced
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
- Chicken broth – 2 cups
- Salt – ½ teaspoon
- Black pepper – ¼ teaspoon
- Hot sauce – optional, to taste
- Fresh parsley – 1 tablespoon, chopped
Instructions
1. Cook the bacon
In a skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside. Keep drippings in the pan.
2. Cook the vegetables
Add diced onion, bell pepper and celery to bacon drippings. Sauté until softened and fragrant.
3. Add garlic
Add minced garlic to vegetables. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Do not let it burn.
4. Add black-eyed peas
Stir in black-eyed peas with vegetables. Mix well to combine and heat through.
5. Add rice and broth
Add rice and chicken broth to the pan. Stir to distribute ingredients evenly.
6. Season the dish
Add salt, black pepper and optional hot sauce. Stir gently to mix flavors.
7. Simmer
Cover the pot. Reduce heat to low. Simmer for 20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
8. Combine with bacon
Stir cooked bacon into the rice and pea mixture. Mix gently for even distribution.
9. Garnish
Top with chopped parsley before serving. This adds fresh color and flavor to the dish.
Recipe Tips
- Use low-sodium broth if you want less salt.
- Rinse canned black-eyed peas before using.
- Adjust hot sauce for preferred spice level.
- Keep bacon drippings for better flavor.
- Stir occasionally to prevent rice from sticking.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Carbohydrates | 42 g |
| Fiber | 6 g |
| Sodium | 600 mg |
Serving Suggestions
Serve Hoppin’ John hot as a main dish or side. It tastes great with cornbread. A light green salad balances the richness.
I like adding extra parsley for freshness. A small drizzle of hot sauce adds a kick if you like spice. This dish is hearty and satisfying for lunch or dinner.
Best Sides To Serve With
Cornbread is a classic pairing. Collard greens add a healthy touch. Roasted or steamed vegetables work well.
Pickled vegetables or a fresh salad also complement flavors. Keep sides simple to let Hoppin’ John shine.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat.
Add a splash of water or broth if it dries. Microwave works too, stir occasionally to heat evenly.
Easy Hoppin’ John Recipe
Ingredients
- Black-eyed peas canned or cooked – 2 cups
- Long-grain white rice – 1 cup
- Bacon – 4 slices chopped
- Onion – 1 medium diced
- Green bell pepper – 1 diced
- Celery – 1 stalk diced
- Garlic – 2 cloves minced
- Chicken broth – 2 cups
- Salt – ½ teaspoon
- Black pepper – ¼ teaspoon
- Hot sauce – optional to taste
- Fresh parsley – 1 tablespoon chopped
Instructions
Cook the bacon
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside. Keep drippings in the pan.
Cook the vegetables
- Add diced onion, bell pepper and celery to bacon drippings. Sauté until softened and fragrant.
Add garlic
- Add minced garlic to vegetables. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Do not let it burn.
Add black-eyed peas
- Stir in black-eyed peas with vegetables. Mix well to combine and heat through.
Add rice and broth
- Add rice and chicken broth to the pan. Stir to distribute ingredients evenly.
Season the dish
- Add salt, black pepper and optional hot sauce. Stir gently to mix flavors.
Simmer
- Cover the pot. Reduce heat to low. Simmer for 20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Combine with bacon
- Stir cooked bacon into the rice and pea mixture. Mix gently for even distribution.
Garnish
- Top with chopped parsley before serving. This adds fresh color and flavor to the dish.
Notes
- Use low-sodium broth if you want less salt.
- Rinse canned black-eyed peas before using.
- Adjust hot sauce for preferred spice level.
- Keep bacon drippings for better flavor.
- Stir occasionally to prevent rice from sticking.
FAQs about Easy Hoppin’ John
Can I use dried black-eyed peas instead of canned?
Yes, soak them overnight and cook until tender. Adjust cooking time for rice and broth accordingly.
Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
You can skip bacon and use vegetable broth instead. Add smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, it stores well in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove before serving.
What rice works best for Hoppin’ John?
Long-grain white rice works best. You can also use brown rice for a healthier version, adding extra cooking time.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Yes, add diced carrots, tomatoes or spinach for extra color and flavor.
Conclusion
The Easy Hoppin’ John Recipe is a comforting, classic Southern dish that anyone can make.
It uses simple ingredients and cooks quickly. Now you know How to make Easy Hoppin’ John at home. With black-eyed peas, rice and smoky bacon, it is hearty and delicious.
Serve it for holidays, family meals or any day you want comfort food. This recipe is easy, flavorful and always satisfying.
Sara Collins is a food blogger at TastyDive. She shares simple and family-friendly recipes made with everyday ingredients. Her mission is to help home cooks enjoy tasty meals without stress.
