Pinto Bean Cakes

This easy Pinto Bean Cakes recipe elevates simple brown beans into something special. It’s an impressive way to stretch leftovers into a delicious round two meal.

Easy Pinto Bean Cakes Recipe

Pinto beans are standard fare in the South. They’re affordable and filling which is incredibly important to keeping the family satisfied and your grocery budget in check. To make this recipe for bean cakes you’ll need a colander to rinse the beans, a large skillet for frying, measuring cups and spoons, a sharp knife and chopping board, a potato masher, mixing bowls and a large plate of shallow dish for the panko breadcrumbs. How to make Pinto Bean Cakes: (Scroll down for full printable recipe.)

• Vegetables – In a large skillet over medium high heat, melt butter with red bell pepper and green onion. Cook for 2-3 minutes or just until the bell pepper has softened.
• Pinto Beans – To the skillet add beans, Creole seasoning, granulated garlic, garlic salt and onion powder. Cook for 2-4 minutes just until the beans are heated through.
• Mash Beans – Remove from heat and mash together using a potato masher or fork. Let cool slightly.
• Mix-ins – Add panko breadcrumbs, flour, egg and bacon. Mix well
• Divide – Form into 8-10 even bean cakes about 1/2 inch thick.
• Breadcrumbs – Coat on all sides with reserved breadcrumbs.
• Cook – Drizzle a large skillet with oil. Cook beans cakes over medium-high heat until golden. If frying in batches, wipe skillet clean between each batch.
• Serve warm with topped with sour cream and Southern Chow Chow.

How to Make the Best Pinto Bean Cakes Recipe

Thee pinto bean cakes can be served as a side dish, as an entrée or on toasted buns as a sandwich. I like to top them with Southern Chow Chow and sour cream just before serving. You may also like to top them with salsa.

• Ingredients you’ll need to make homemade Pinto Bean Cakes: Cooked pinto beans, crumbled bacon, Creole or Cajun seasoning, butter, chopped red bell pepper and green onions, panko breadcrumbs, all purpose flour, granulated garlic, garlic salt, cayenne pepper or paprika, one large egg and peanut oil or vegetable oil for frying. You can also fry these brown bean cakes in bacon drippings.
• How do you make fried Pinto Bean Cakes? To make these cakes you begin by rinsing the beans in a colander. Then, cook the red bell pepper and green onions in a large skillet with butter until they begin to soften. Add the drained pintos to the pan cooking just until heated through. Remove from the heat and use a potato masher or a fork to mash the beans, adding the seasonings, egg, flour and half of the breadcrumbs to the mixture stirring until fully combined. Add the bacon if using and mix it all together.
• Shape the pinto bean mixture into even size cakes and coat on all sides with panko breadcrumbs. Fry them over medium high heat for round 2 minutes per side, adjusting the time according to the thickness.
• Different Creole and Cajun seasoning blends have varying amounts of sodium. Adjust the amount of salt used in the recipe depending on the brand you use.
• It’s also important to take into consideration how the pinto beans were seasoned. If they were heavily salted, you may want to omit salt or taste and adjust to your personal preference.
• You can make the pinto bean mixture ahead of time and chill in the refrigerator up to one day in advance. Shape into cakes and coat with breadcrumbs just before frying.
• Store leftover pinto bean cakes in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave. Please note, the panko breadcrumb coating will soften once chilled.

More Southern Style Recipes Using Beans to Make

Beans are a regular rotation in my kitchen in various forms and flavors.  More recipes using beans you may like to try:

• This recipe for the Best Pinto Beans features fresh herbs and seasonings to elevate a classic.
• A potluck favorite is this recipe for mixed Calico Beans casserole.
• 5 Bean Salad is a retro refrigerator salad that everyone will love.
• Turn holiday leftovers into this Ham and 15 Bean Soup recipe.
• You can have this recipe for Instant Pot Beef and Bean Chili ready for  game day snacking in no time flat.
• Creole Red Beans and Rice are full throttle flavor.
• Black Bean and Corn Salsa from Southern Living.

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• Skillet
• Measuring Set
• Kitchen Utensils
• Knives and Chopping Board