This Hoppin’ John Casserole with cornbread crust is a delicious twist on the classic Southern dish, made with black-eyed peas, smoky ham, bacon, and bold seasonings. Unlike traditional Hoppin’ John, this skillet casserole skips the rice and features fire-roasted tomatoes, green chiles, onion, and bell pepper for extra flavor. Topped with a golden Jiffy cornbread crust, this easy Southern casserole is a comforting and flavorful way to enjoy black-eyed peas, perfect for New Year’s Day or any time of year.

Easy Hoppin’ John Casserole Recipe

Our love for black-eyed peas has grown over the years, evolving far beyond the simple, traditional version we once knew. These days, we prefer them with a little more personality—layered with bold flavors, savory add-ins, and just a hint of heat to take them to the next level.

This Hoppin’ John casserole is our flavorful twist on the classic Southern dish, combining seasoned black-eyed peas with hearty ingredients for a rich, satisfying bite. While traditional Hoppin’ John includes rice, in this version it’s served on the side and completely optional, making the casserole the true star of the meal.

Checkout this quick list of ingredients you’ll need to make Hoppin John Casserole with a Cornbread Crust: (Scroll down for full printable recipe card.)

Black-Eyed Peas – Canned fully cooked black eye peas are classic when making hoppin john.
Bacon – Crispy bacon for a smoky flavor.
Onion – Sweet onion for a hint of onion flavor.
Peppers – Poblano or green bell pepper for color and texture.
Tomatoes and Chiles – Canned diced tomatoes and green chilies i.e. Rotel or similar expand the flavor profile.
Liquid – Low sodium chicken broth for moisture.
Spices – Seasoned salt, cumin, dark chili powder, lemon pepper, garlic powder, crushed red pepper.
Protein – Smoked ham for flavor.
Cornbread – Two packages jiffy cornbread mix, plus ingredients to prepare, egg and buttermilk or whole milk. (i.e. Martha White, Jiffy Mix or similar).

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How to Make Hoppin’ John Casserole with Cornbread Crust Recipe

Black Eyed Peas – Place peas into a colander and rinse. Set aside to drain.
Fry Bacon – Cook the bacon until crisp over medium-high heat. Remove with a slotted spoon to paper towels. Reserve drippings.
Sauté Vegetables – To the drippings add the onion and pepper. Cook until softened and beginning to brown.
Combine with Tomatoes and Seasonings – To the skillet add black eyed peas, tomatoes, broth, seasoned salt, cumin, chili powder, lemon pepper, garlic powder and red pepper flakes. Mix well.
Add Ham – Simmer uncovered over medium for 10 minutes then remove from heat and mix-in ham sprinkle bacon on top.
Make the Cornbread Topping – In a medium-size bowl, mix together the cornbread batter per the package instructions. Pour batter evenly over the black eyed peas.
Oven – Place into the oven and bake per the recipe until the cornbread is cooked through and golden.
Serve immediately with collard greens and hot sauce on the side.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Hoppin’ John Black Eyed Pea Casserole with Jiffy Cornbread

A large 12-inch cast iron skillet or a similar size oven safe skillet or pan.
Slotted spoon.
Sharp knife and cutting board.
Colander.
Measuring cups and measuring spoons.
Medium bowl.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

Rice – Hopping John typically includes rice, but I opted for a cornbread crust for this recipe. I highly recommend serving this alongside a heaping helping of rice and collard greens and your meal is complete, be it for New Year’s Day or any other day you choose comfort food for supper.
Protein – You could use sausage in place of ham like andouille sausage, chorizo or classic breakfast sausage.
Peppers – For added flavor in this skillet meal, I use diced poblano pepper sauteed along with the onion. You could use jalapeños or for a less spicy version, go with green bell pepper or red bell pepper, instead.
Spice – You can omit the crushed red pepper flakes, if preferred.
Cornbread – I recommend using a cornbread mix that’s not overly sweet for the topping. That said, you could make this black eyed pea casserole with jiffy cornbread mix.
Cheese – You could add shredded cheddar cheese to the topping for a melty cheesy taste.

Storage and Leftovers

Leftovers – Store cooked Hoppin John Casserole in an airtightcontainer chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating – Reheat in single servings in the microwave.
Freezer – You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat just before serving.

More Southern Casserole Recipes to Make

Chicken Bacon Ranch Potato Casserole is a one dish meal.
Cheesy Cabbage Casserole will have the kiddos eating their vegetables and loving it!
This Pineapple Casserole is a must-make holiday side dish.
Southwestern Casserole with a Cornbread Crust is packed with flavor.
You can serve this Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole at any meal.
Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comfort food classic.
Zucchini and Spinach Lasagna from Southern Living.

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