12 Delicious Ways with Hoppin' John That Are Perfect for New Year's Day
For many Southerners, New Year's Day means we're eating one thing: Hoppin' John. With a side of collard greens and cornbread, as a rule. A hearty bowlful of this classic recipe filled with black-eyed peas, Carolina Gold rice, and ham hock (or bacon) ensures we kick off the year with a promise of good fortune. As it goes, the black-eyed peas represent coins or, because they swell when cooked, symbolize growing prosperity. Collard greens represent paper money, and cornbread looks something akin to gold. (If you cook it correctly.) Southerners eat this sacred trio—black-eyed peas, potlikker greens, and cornbread—because we're a tad on the superstitious side.
For those who aren't, it certainly doesn't hurt to chow on a New Year's Day meal this delicious. Hoppin' John might be ultra-traditional, but we're not afraid of tweaking it every now and then. Make our forever-classic versions, whether made in the slow-cooker or served as a soup, or try something different, like our crispy Hoppin' John cakes and hush puppies. Whatever you choose, make one of these 12 delicious Hoppin' John recipes this New Year's Day.
Classic Hoppin' John
Recipe: Classic Hoppin' John
Consider this the ultimate classic recipe. When served for the New Year, this Lowcountry dish promises prosperity with its perfect blend of Carolina Gold rice, black-eyed peas, and bacon.
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Hoppin' John Soup
Recipe: Hoppin' John Soup
The most important rule in making Hoppin' John is to cook everything together in the same pot. This soup makes it easy. Smoked turkey wings, country ham, and collard greens make it overflow with flavor.
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Hoppin' John Cakes with Tomato-Jalapeño Gravy
Recipe: Hoppin' John Cakes with Tomato-Jalapeño Gravy
These crispy cakes will make you rethink the one-pot version, at least for the day. A tomato-jalapeño gravy gives a warm, slightly fiery finishing touch.
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Hoppin' John Noodle Bowls
Recipe: Hoppin' John Noodle Bowls
If you're thinking outside of the box, these noodle bowls just might be the ticket. Black-eyed peas, collard greens, and pickled okra make it as Southern as can be.
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Slow-Cooker Hoppin' John
Recipe: Slow-Cooker Hoppin' John
If you're still nursing the post-holiday blues, this slow-cooker rendition makes it almost too easy to get back in the spirit. Just set it, and forget about it until dinnertime.
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Hoppin' John with Braised Oxtail
Recipe: Hoppin' John with Braised Oxtail
Chef Sheldon Simeon updated the Lowcountry staple with braised oxtail as a nod to his time on Top Chef season 14 in Charleston.
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Hoppin' John Hush Puppies
Recipe: Hoppin' John Hush Puppies
We transformed this Lowcountry classic into a crispy, satisfying fritter—you can thank us later. Serve these bites with our tomato-corn relish, and it's absolute snackable heaven.
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Hoppin' John Parfaits
Recipe: Hoppin' John Parfaits
Why not turn the dish into an adorably miniature appetizer? With layers of black-eyed peas, hot cooked rice, and a marinated tomato mixture, these parfaits make a charming addition to the New Year's spread.
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Summer Hoppin' John Salad
Recipe: Summer Hoppin' John Salad
We'd happily serve Hoppin' John all year long, and this salad variation works from New Year's Day to summertime picnics.
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Hoppin' John Stew with White Cheddar Cheese Grits
Recipe: Hoppin' John Stew with White Cheddar Cheese Grits
As far as we're concerned, grits are never an unwelcome idea. Though we're generally partial to Carolina Gold rice, these cheesy grits have us feeling okay about the switch.
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Hoppin' John Salad
Recipe: Hoppin' John Salad
Trust us, this dish uses the term "salad" loosely. Kick off the year feeling good with this take on Hoppin' John with fresh mint, parsley, and jalapeño peppers.
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Hoppin' John Stew
Recipe: Hoppin' John Stew
Smoked sausage is the unabashed star of this stew. This Hoppin' John recipe feeds a crowd.