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.

a skillet full of hoppin john

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.

a white bowl of rice, bacon, and black eyed peas

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

an onion, green pepper, rice, beans, and bacon on a plate

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. 

bacon in a skillet

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.

green peppers and onions in a skillet

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.

a white bowl of rice, bacon, and black eyed peas

Step 4: Serve

Serve warm with sliced green onions on top. 

rice, green peppers, and bacon in a bowl

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.

hoppin john in a bowl with a spoon

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.

a spoon of hoppin john

More One Pot Recipes You Might Enjoy!

a white bowl of rice, bacon, and black eyed peas
5 from 34 ratings

Recipe: Hoppin' John Recipe

Yield: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
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!

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.
Cuisine: American
Course: Main Dish, Side Dish
Calories: 322kcal, Carbohydrates: 33g, Protein: 12g, Fat: 16g, Saturated Fat: 5g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 7g, Trans Fat: 0.05g, Cholesterol: 25mg, Sodium: 462mg, Potassium: 393mg, Fiber: 6g, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin A: 198IU, Vitamin C: 18mg, Calcium: 41mg, Iron: 2mg
Did you make this recipe?Let me know! Mention @TheBelleoftheKitchen on Instagram or tag #BelleoftheKitchen.