Crock Pot Hoppin' John: A Cozy, Powerful 8-Hour Classic

Name: Crock Pot Hoppin' John
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 15 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 pound dried black-eyed peas; 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced; 1 yellow onion, diced; 1 green bell pepper, diced; 1 rib celery, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with chilies; 3 cups beef broth; 4 cups water; 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe

If there’s one dish that feels like a warm Southern hug after a long day, it’s Crock Pot Hoppin’ John. This is the kind of recipe that quietly simmers while you’re juggling work, kids, errands, or just life—then rewards you with a hearty, soul-soothing meal that tastes like you tried way harder than you actually did.

I love recipes like this because they respect your time. You toss everything into the slow cooker, walk away, and come back to a pot full of comfort. And honestly? On hectic weeks, that feels like winning.

Whether you’re making this for New Year’s luck, Sunday supper, or a random Tuesday when you need something grounding and filling, this Crock Pot Hoppin’ John has your back.

Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Hoppin’ John

Let me count the ways—because there are plenty.

Set-it-and-forget-it easy. After a quick sausage sear, your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting.
Budget-friendly and filling. Black-eyed peas are affordable, hearty, and stretch beautifully.
Big flavor, low effort. Smoked sausage, Creole seasoning, garlic, and veggies create layers of flavor without fuss.
Perfect for busy days. This is the kind of meal that cooks while you live your life.

And yes—your house will smell incredible. Like “neighbors suddenly stopping by” incredible.

A Little Southern Comfort (Without the Stress)

Traditionally, Hoppin’ John is a Southern staple made with black-eyed peas, pork, and rice—often enjoyed for good luck. My slow cooker version keeps the spirit of the classic but trims the effort way down.

I started making Crock Pot Hoppin’ John during a season when my to-do list felt endless. I needed meals that didn’t ask much of me, and this one delivered every single time. It became my quiet kitchen hero—reliable, cozy, and always satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything that goes into this comforting slow cooker meal. Nothing fancy—just good, honest ingredients that work hard together.

1 pound dried black-eyed peas
1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
1 yellow onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 rib celery, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and chilies
3 cups beef broth
4 cups water
1 tablespoon Creole seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper, to taste

How to Make Crock Pot Hoppin’ John (Step by Step)

This recipe is wonderfully straightforward. If you can slice sausage and turn on a slow cooker, you’ve got this.

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Slice the smoked sausage and add it to a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook just until it caramelizes and develops a little color. This step adds a ton of flavor—don’t skip it if you can help it.

(It doesn’t need to be fully cooked. We’re just waking up those smoky flavors.)

Step 2: Add Everything to the Crock Pot

Transfer the sausage to your crock pot. Add the black-eyed peas, onion, bell pepper, celery, garlic, diced tomatoes with chilies, beef broth, water, and all the seasonings.

Give everything a good stir so the flavors start mingling early.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Set the crock pot to HIGH and cook for 1 hour. Then turn it down to LOW and let it cook for another 7 hours.

That’s it. No babysitting. No stirring every 20 minutes. Just let time do its thing.

Crock Pot Hoppin' John with black-eyed peas and smoked sausage served with cornbread — Classic Crock Pot Hoppin’ John served warm with cornbread for a cozy Southern-inspired dinner.

Helpful Tips for the Best Results

No need to soak the peas. Long, slow cooking takes care of that for you.
Like it thicker? Leave the lid off for the last 20–30 minutes.
Too thick? Add a splash of broth or water and stir.
Want more heat? A pinch of cayenne or hot sauce at the end does wonders.

If your Crock Pot Hoppin’ John looks a little thick, don’t panic—it’s just extra comfort waiting to happen.

What to Serve with Crock Pot Hoppin’ John

Traditionally, Hoppin’ John is served over rice, and that’s still my favorite way to enjoy it. The rice soaks up all that savory, smoky broth like a dream.

Other great options:

Cornbread (because obviously)
Steamed white or brown rice
A simple green salad for balance
Collard greens if you’re leaning full Southern

FAQs About Crock Pot Hoppin’ John

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Absolutely. Andouille, kielbasa, or even turkey sausage work well. Just keep that smoky element if you can—it’s key to the flavor.

How do I store leftovers?

Let everything cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. This dish reheats beautifully and might taste even better the next day.

Can I freeze Crock Pot Hoppin’ John?

Yes! Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Can I make this vegetarian?

You can swap the sausage for smoked paprika and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The flavor will change, but it’s still comforting and delicious.

A Cozy Ending Worth Coming Home To

There’s something deeply satisfying about knowing dinner is handled before the day even gets hard. Crock Pot Hoppin’ John gives you that peace—along with a bowl full of rich, smoky, soul-warming goodness.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd, planning for leftovers, or just craving something steady and comforting, this recipe shows up every time. It’s simple, forgiving, and filled with the kind of flavor that makes you slow down and savor a moment.

So grab your slow cooker, let it work its magic, and enjoy every cozy bite of this Crock Pot Hoppin’ John. 💛

Keep the Comfort Going

If Crock Pot Hoppin’ John hits the spot, there are plenty of other cozy, slow-cooked favorites waiting for you. These recipes carry the same comforting, down-home feel and make wonderful companions for busy days when you want big flavor without extra effort. Whether you’re craving another Southern classic, a hearty one-pot meal, or a simple side to round out dinner, these are great places to wander next:

Slow Cooker Black-Eyed Peas Recipe – A natural next step if you love the hearty, soulful flavors of black-eyed peas and want another easy, slow-cooked version.
Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya – Bold, cozy, and full of Southern charm, this dish brings those Creole flavors back to the table in a weeknight-friendly way.
Crockpot Texas Cowboy Stew – Rich, filling, and perfect for chilly evenings when you want a stick-to-your-ribs kind of meal.
Crock Pot Green Beans – A classic Southern side that pairs beautifully with Hoppin’ John and rounds out any comfort-food dinner.

And if you’re curious about a more traditional take on this dish, you may also enjoy this comforting version of Slow Cooker Hoppin’ John for a little extra inspiration.