Hoppin John Recipe
This Hoppin’ John Recipe is quick and easy to make. It’s the perfect savory dish to serve as you ring in the new year, or any time you need a delicious one pot meal.
For more quick and easy meals, be sure to check out my Instant Pot Stir Fry Rice Noodles, Fried Cabbage with Bacon, and Air Fryer Taquitos.
What is Hoppin’ John?
Hoppin’ John is a southern dish made from bacon, rice, and black eyed peas (or field peas.) This Hoppin’ John recipe is traditionally eaten on New Years day, along with collard greens and cornbread, in the hopes of bringing good luck, wealth, and prosperity into the new year.
Ingredients for Hoppin’ John
- thick cut bacon
- celery
- onion
- garlic
- green bell pepper
- black eyed peas
- cooked long grain rice
- salt + pepper
- dried thyme
- cayenne pepper
- dried oregano
- Sliced green onions for topping
How to Make This Hoppin’ John Recipe – Step by Step
Step 1: Cook Bacon
Cook the bacon slices in a large skillet until browned and crispy. Remove the bacon slices and set them on a paper towel to cool. Leave the grease from the bacon in the skillet. Once the bacon is cooled, chop into small pieces and set aside.
Step 2: Cook vegetables
Cook the celery and onion in the reserved bacon grease on medium heat for 3-5 minutes, or until the onions are translucent. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute or until fragrant. Lastly, add the green peppers and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes.
Step 3: Add remaining ingredients
Add the black eyed peas, rice, salt, pepper, thyme, cayenne pepper, and oregano and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, stirring well.
Step 4: Serve
Serve warm with sliced green onions on top.
Tips and Notes
How to Store Leftovers
Any leftovers from this Hoppin’ John recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Freezing
You can also freeze leftover Hoppin’ John. Simply place leftovers in a freezer safe container or freezer ziplock bag and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating on the stove or in the microwave.
More One Pot Recipes You Might Enjoy!
Recipe: Hoppin' John Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound thick cut bacon
- 2 stalks celery , chopped
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 14 ounce can black eyed peas, drained
- 2 cups cooked long grain rice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- Sliced green onions , for topping
Instructions
- Cook the bacon slices in a large skillet until browned and crispy. Remove the bacon slices and set them on a paper towel to cool. Leave the grease from the bacon in the skillet. Once the bacon is cooled, chop into small pieces and set aside.
- Cook the celery and onion in the reserved bacon grease on medium heat for 3-5 minutes, or until the onions are translucent. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute or until fragrant. Lastly, add the green peppers and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes.
- Add the black eyed peas, rice, salt, pepper, thyme, cayenne pepper, and oregano and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, stirring well.
- Serve warm with sliced green onions on top.
Notes
- How to Store Leftovers: Any leftover Hoppin John can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Freezing : Simply place leftovers in a freezer safe container or freezer ziplock bag and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating on the stove or in the microwave.
This looks delicious and I love all the simple ingredients! One pot meals like this are my favorite!
I know this is a “simplified” version but holy crap is it totally delicious. My first ever Hoppin John recipe and I knew you wouldnt let me down. It’s easily the best thing I’ve cooked this year. (Granted, It’s Jan 1st but still).
I’ll make it again and again… loved all the veggies…
On the recipe, it doesn’t say where to reintroduce the bacon btw… I did it with the scallions.
Happy New Year!
Greg
Denver
oh this looks so tasty!! I love anything bacon and rice
This is wonderful and who doesn’t love a one-pot dish? A lovely, flavorful and filling way to bring on that good luck for the new year!