It’s protocol to serve Hoppin’ John on New Year’s Eve, and we have the tried-and-true recipe that will make anyone look forward to the New Year!

What is Hoppin’ John?

There are many dishes thought to bring good luck for the New Year (and good luck dishes vary by region). Hoppin’ John is a delicious rice and beans dish thought to bring prosperity!

It is said that this welcome addition to your new year’s dinner table first appeared in 1847 in Sarah Rutledge’s “The Carolina Housewife” however, there is some debate as to how the name came about. No matter where the name came from, the recipe remains the same: black-eyed peas, hog jowl, ham hocks or a ham-bone, and some seasonings with rice.

Some recipes add different veggies, bacon, and more. I’ve kept this simple.

How to Make Hoppin’ John

With the beans prepped overnight you are ready to make this recipe in three simple steps!

  • Saute veggies and seasonings until onions are translucent and fragrant.
  • Add remaining ingredients, simmer until beans are tender.
  • Serve this black beans mixture over seasoned rice.

Running Short on Time? See the recipe below for quick-soaking beans!

Extra Flavor

I add a bit of extra broth to this recipe and use it to cook the rice at the end. The broth is flavored with the ham bone making the rice extra delicious!

If you’re not going to cook your rice in the ham broth, reduce the cooking liquid by 2 cups in this recipe.

What to Serve with Hoppin’ John!

Why, cornbread, of course! Nothing is better than soaking up those delectable juices with a hunk of homemade cornbread! Steamed or boiled collard greans are a traditional side to serve with black eyed peas and ham, but a crisp, green salad with a tangy vinaigrette are excellent choices, too! If you are fresh out of cornbread, pre-packaged flour or corn tortillas will do in a pinch!

Leftovers

Treat Hoppin’ John just like any soup or stew-like entrée. Keep leftovers stored tightly covered in the refrigerator and simply pop into the microwave to reheat.

To freeze, just scoop it into quart-sized freezer bags after it is cooled to room temperature and don’t forget to label with the date!

Classic Southern Dishes

  • Oven-Fried Chicken – crispy, juicy classic
  • Frito Pie – a crowd-pleasing dish!
  • Chicken and Sausage Gumbo – vibrant, spicy comfort food!
  • Shrimp and Grits – easy, cheesy & delicious
  • Old Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings – made from scratch!

Hoppin’ John

Nutrition Information

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

© SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.

Like our recipes?Follow us on Pinterest!

Follow us on Pinterest