Slow Cooker Hoppin’ John

This Slow Cooker Hoppin’ John recipe is a comforting Southern classic made easy with the help of your crockpot. Featuring tender black-eyed peas and ham hock this perfectly seasoned dish simmers low and slow for rich, soulful flavor with minimal effort. Ideal for New Year’s Day traditions or cozy weeknight dinners, slow cooker Hoppin’ John is hearty, stick-to-your-ribs comfort food that’s both budget-friendly and full of Southern charm.

Easy Slow Cooker Hoppin’ John Recipe

Hoppin’ John, also known as Carolina peas and rice, is part of a beloved Southern tradition of eating black eyed peas with rice, collard greens and cornbread on New Years Day. It’s symbolic of wealth, health and prosperity for the new year and to some, good luck.

There are many theories as to how Hoppin’ John got it’s name, though none of which are confirmed or written in stone. It’s a humble, but delicious dish, very popular in the Carolina’s and beyond it’s primarily a dish of field peas cooked with pork, ham hock, or spicy sausage that’s served with rice.

Checkout this quick list of key ingredients you’ll need How to make Slow Cooker Hoppin’ John in a crockpot: (Scroll down for full printable recipe.)

• Peas – One pound dry black-eyed peas rinsed and picked over.
• Meat – One ham hock or ham bone with meat gives the blackeyed peas a smoky flavor.
• Onion – Sweet onion enhances the flavor.
• Peppers – Green bell pepper OR poblano pepper expands the flavor profile.
• Aromatics and Herbs – Bay leaves and fresh thyme.
• Spices – Crushed red pepper flakes, seasoned salt, lemon pepper or black pepper and garlic cloves.
• Liquid – Chicken broth for moisture.
• Tomatoes – Canned diced tomatoes with green chilies (Or plain diced tomatoes) for depth of flavor.
• Serving – Cooked white rice for serving, collard greens and hot sauce.

How to Make the BEST Slow Cooker Hoppin’ John Recipe

• Prep the Ham Hock – Prior to cooking: Rinse and scrub ham hock. Place into a pot and cover completely with water. Place on the stovetop and bring to boil. Boil for 2 minutes, then remove from heat and drain. Rinse thoroughly under cold water. Follow recipe for adding to slow cooker.
• Assemble – Pour black-eyed peas into bottom of slow cooker insert. Center the ham hock in the peas.
• Vegetables – Add the onion, pepper, bay leaves, thyme. red pepper flakes,1/2 tsp seasoned salt, and garlic.
• Add Liquid – Pour chicken broth over all. Place the lid on securely. Cook on high per the cooking time in the recipe.
• Shred Meat – Remove ham hock from the slow cooker and pull meat from bone. Discard bone and skin.
• Combine – Return meat to the slow cooker with canned tomatoes and lemon pepper. Taste and adjust salt to your taste, if needed. Stir to combine then contine to cook until the peas are tender.
• Serve with rice, collard greens and cornbread with hot sauce, if desired.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Hoppin’ John Slow-Cooker Recipe

• 6 quart or similar size slow cooker.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Large spoon for stirring.
• Chopping board and knife.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

• Meat – You can also season black eyed peas with smoked turkey legs, andouille sausage or bacon.
• Salt – The ham hock adds a great deal of seasoning and salt to the entire dish. If desired, you can wait to add salt after the Hoppin’ John has cooked for the initial 3 hours, then taste and adjust the amount to your taste. You can also replace the seasoned salt with creole seasoning.
• Spice – You can adjust the amount of spice in this dish by increasing the amount of red pepper flakes or omitting them altogether.
• Garlic – You can use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder or granulated garlic in place of fresh garlic.
• Canned Tomatoes – You can use plain diced tomatoes or fire roasted tomatoes.
• Hot Sauce – For those who want a little extra heat, serve hoppin’ john with hot sauce nearby for those who like to sprinkle a little on top.
• Serving Options – There are many ways to enjoy this simple fare. Some cooks will add cooked collards to the black eyed peas and rice and mix it all together. While others may prefer to serve Hoppin’ John ladled over rice with collard greens and cornbread on the side. I’ve done it both ways, and typically like to serve it with the white rice and collard greens on the side and allow those eating it to decide if they want to mix it altogether or eat them separately. It’s completely up to you!
• Side Dish Option – You may also like to add these Cajun Collard Greens with Bacon or Southern Collard Greens to your meal.

Storage and Leftovers

• Leftovers – Store leftovers Hoppin’ John in an airtight container chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating – Reheat in single servings in the microwave or in a saucepan on the stovetop over medium heat.
• Freezer – You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat just before serving.

More Southern Side Dish Recipes to Make

• My recipe for Southern Collard Greens is packed with flavor.
• Easy Mashed Potatoes recipe is my go-to for making mashed potatoes.
• This easy Pear Salad doesn’t require any cooking at all.
• Make your own Hush Puppies to go with any meal.
• Stovetop Bacon Mac and Cheese.
• Bacon seasoned Lima Beans.
• Sweet Candied Yams made on the stovetop.

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• Slow Cooker
• Kitchen Utensils
• Knives and Chopping Board
• Measuring Set