Creamy Southern Black Eyed Peas Recipe You'll Love

Name: Creamy Southern Black Eyed Peas Recipe You'll Love
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil- bacon grease or duck fat as substitute; 1 large yellow onion finely chopped; 1 medium green bell pepper finely chopped; 1 stalk of celery finely chopped; 1 small jalapeno deseeded & finely diced; 6 cloves of garlic finely minced or 1 tablespoon garlic paste; 2 bay leaves; 2-3 teaspoons Creole Cajun Seasoning– homemade or store-bought; 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce; 1 lb smoked turkey wings or ham hocks; 1 lb 16 ounces dried black-eyed peas sorted & rinsed; 6 cups low-sodium chicken stock or broth; Fresh chopped parsley as garnish- optional; Cooked white rice and or cornbread- optional

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There’s something about the scent of simmering onions and smoky bacon that takes me right back to my grandma’s tiny kitchen slippers on, Gospel radio humming, and a big pot of Creamy Southern Black Eyed Peas bubbling away. It’s blowing up again on TikTok and Pinterest, and no surprise this cozy dish is comfort in a bowl.

This one’s creamy, salty, and just a little bit spicy made with black-eyed peas, garlic, and a splash of cream for that velvety finish. It’s like your grandma’s Sunday version, but weeknight-friendly. Great hot or cold, and even better as Black Eyed Peas Salad the next day. Full details in the blog!

My mom and I used to debate over how long to soak the dang peas, but I’ve tested shortcuts yes, even the slow cooker trick for Slow Cooker Black Eyed Peas and found a method that actually works. I made this five times. You’ll love the secret!

Why It’s a Family Favorite

There’s a reason this creamy Southern black-eyed peas dish feels like a warm hug in a bowl it’s the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re bringing it to a celebration or enjoying a cozy night in, this recipe delivers big, bold flavors with little fuss. The rich, smoky depth from the turkey and spices is classic Southern style, but the creamy twist makes this one extra special. Even picky eaters are bound to ask for seconds after tasting this hearty side.

Bonus: This recipe smartly uses pantry staples like dried black-eyed peas and broth, plus a mix of fresh aromatics you’re likely to have on hand. It’s perfect for keeping things practical and delicious!

CREAMY SOUTHERN BLACK EYED PEAS centered hero view, clean and uncluttered

Ingredients Breakdown

This bowl of comfort is all about layers of flavor that come from simple, wholesome ingredients. Let’s talk through what makes this dish a standout:

Black-eyed peas: The star! Dried black-eyed peas cook up tender and creamy the base of this Southern staple.
Smoked turkey wings (or ham hocks): These bring the smoky depth and rich flavor that ties everything together. Perfect for that classic Southern flair.
Aromatics: Onion, bell pepper, celery, and jalapeño create the “Holy Trinity,” a must-have flavor foundation for any soul food recipe.
Seasonings: Creole Cajun seasoning and a dash of Worcestershire sauce enhance the flavor. Adjust the heat or salt to suit your preferences.
Chicken stock: Skip plain water stock adds richness and keeps the peas extra flavorful while they cook.

Pro Tip: Use olive oil for a classic touch, but if you’ve got bacon grease or duck fat, swap it in for extra richness!

Simple Steps to Make It

Don’t let the flavorful depth fool you this recipe is easier than it looks! Here’s how to bring it together from start to finish:

Sauté the aromatics: Use your Instant Pot’s sauté setting to cook the onion, bell pepper, celery, and jalapeño. This step is key for unlocking their flavor, so don’t rush it!
Add everything else: Stir in the garlic, bay leaves, Cajun seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, smoked turkey, dried black-eyed peas, and chicken stock.
Pressure cook: Seal the lid and cook on high for 35 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally trust me, it’s worth the wait for the perfectly tender peas.
Shred the meat: Remove the turkey, shred it, and stir the pieces back into the pot. It adds so much texture and flavor to every bite.
Make it creamy: Mash a portion of the peas right in the pot to get that creamy consistency. A few stirs and you’re ready to serve!

If you’re going stovetop, the steps are the same just give the peas a nice soak before cooking, and simmer everything until tender.

Step	Instant Pot Timing	Stovetop Timing
Sauté aromatics	7 minutes	7 minutes
Cook peas	35 minutes (pressure cook)	45-60 minutes (simmer)
Release pressure	10 minutes (natural release)

Easy Customizations

Love to tweak recipes? Me too! Here are some simple ways to make this dish your own:

Meat swaps: No smoked turkey? Ham hocks or even bacon work beautifully for that smoky vibe.
Spice level: Like it spicier? Toss in an extra jalapeño, or sprinkle a little cayenne when serving.
Vegetarian version: Skip the meat and use vegetable stock the Cajun seasoning will still pack plenty of punch.
Extra veggies: Stir in chopped spinach or collard greens at the end for a nutritional boost.

Note: If you want to turn this recipe into a Black Eyed Peas Salad or soupy variation, cook the peas with a little extra liquid and skip the mashing step!

How to Serve & Store

This dish is pure versatility, whether it’s a part of your dinner spread or the main event. Here’s how to serve and keep it:

Serving ideas: Pair your creamy Southern black-eyed peas with fluffy white rice, cornbread, or both for the ultimate Southern feast. It’s also a hit with a side of sautéed greens.
Reheating leftovers: Warm them gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth to keep them creamy, or zap in the microwave for a quick fix.
Freezing tips: Let the dish cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Store	How Long	Best Reheating Method
Fridge	3-4 days	Stovetop or microwave
Freezer	Up to 3 months	Thaw first, then reheat on stovetop

However you enjoy it, this dish is bound to become a cozy kitchen staple you’ll want to make again and again!

Expert Says

Black eyed peas provide a great plant-based source of protein and fiber, which support digestion and sustained energy. Combining them with dairy or cream creates a creamy texture and enhances nutrient absorption, particularly fat-soluble vitamins. This classic technique elevates the comforting flavor profile of creamy southern black eyed peas.

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Perfecting Creamy Southern Black Eyed Peas Took Time and Tastes

This creamy Southern black eyed peas recipe didn’t happen overnight. After a few too-salty batches and one that was more mush than peas, I finally nailed that comforting, velvety texture and rich flavor that makes it a family favorite. Every stir was a lesson, and today’s version is worth the effort.

FAQs ( Creamy Southern Black Eyed Peas )

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, this dish adapts well to a slow cooker. Use soaked black eyed peas and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add creamy ingredients near the end to avoid curdling and stir occasionally for best texture.

What ingredients make the recipe creamy?

This recipe gets its creaminess from a blend of slow-cooked black eyed peas combined with sautéed onions, garlic, and a touch of cream or full-fat milk. The slow cooking helps the peas break down slightly, creating a rich texture without heavy thickeners.

How can I serve leftovers?

Leftovers taste great reheated as a side dish or stirred into grains like rice or quinoa. You can also transform this meal into a black eyed peas salad by mixing in fresh vegetables and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing twist.

Are there traditional Southern variations in this dish?

Yes, Southern style versions often include smoky ham hocks or bacon for added depth. Some cooks add hot sauce or cayenne for spice. This recipe keeps it balanced with simple seasoning to highlight the creamy texture and natural flavor of the peas.

Can I use frozen black eyed peas?

Frozen peas can be used but remember they cook faster and absorb less flavor. Add them toward the end of cooking and reduce soaking time accordingly. Fresh or dried peas deliver the best texture and creaminess in this dish.

Conclusion

After about an hour in the kitchen, you’ll have a pot of creamy Southern black eyed peas that smells like a warm, Southern hug. The softness of the peas and that subtle smoky richness make each bite feel like a little celebration. Whether you’re new to black-eyed peas or a longtime fan, you’ll love how it turns outcomfort food that’s honestly easier than you think.

Here’s a little secret: stirring in a splash of cream or a handful of fresh herbs at the end can brighten things up in a snap. Want to save some for later? Just cool, chill, and reheat gently with a splash of brothit keeps that luscious creaminess intact. These small tweaks come straight from my kitchen experiments and a few tricks I picked up from family traditions.

I’d love to hear about your own black eyed peas stories! Did this recipe remind you of Sunday dinners or New Year’s celebrations? Snap a pic, share your tweaks, or save this recipe for cozy nights ahead. Cooking is so much better when it feels like homethank you for letting me be part of your kitchen!