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bowl of dry black-eyed peas on blue cloth

What to Eat with Black-Eyed Peas

white bowl of black eyed peas with carrots and potatoes
bowl of black-eyed peas stew in bowl

Looking for something new to serve with black-eyed peas?

We’ve got you covered! From main dishes to side dishes, we have plenty of easy recipes that will make your black-eyed peas stand out from the rest.

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These black eyed peas recipes are easy to follow and even easier to enjoy. Whether you are seeking a delicious New Year’s Day meal idea or just a pea dish for a dish side, you’ll be able to find plenty of ideas on what to serve with black-eyed peas. Whip up a fantastic dish in no time at all that everyone loves.

bowl of black eyed peas with rice and stew meat

Fun Fact about Black-eyed Peas

Black-eyed peas are a traditional food for New Year’s Day because they are thought to bring good luck. They are also a delicious and healthy option for any meal. Here are some fun facts about black eyed peas:

  • Black-eyed peas are actually a type of bean, not a pea.
  • They are native to Africa and have been cultivated for thousands of years.
  • Black-eyed peas are high in fiber and protein, making them a great choice for a healthy meal.
  • They can be cooked in many different ways, including boiled, baked, or fried.

Can’t read now? Pin for later!

cast iron skillet with black-eyed peas, ham hocks, and garnish

Black-Eyed Pea Meal Ideas

Bring on the New Year's luck. Find out what to serve with black eyed peas for an amazing meal - main dishes, sides, breads, & more 

Field Peas with Ham
Photo Credit: littlefamilyadventure.com

Field Peas with Ham Hocks

This classic Southern main course is easy to make and really tasty. It is slow-cooked in a large pot on the stove top and can be made with any type of field pea; black-eyed, purple hull, crowder peas, lentils, etc.

blue pot with 15 bean soup and ham next to cast iron skillet of cornbread
Photo Credit: littlefamilyadventure.com

15 Bean Soup

This hearty bean soup made with any combination of dry beans is perfect for chilly winter nights. You can make it ahead of time and eat it all week long! I like that it's made in an Instant Pot so I can skip the overnight soak of black-eyed beans or other beans.

Instant Pot red beans and rice
Photo Credit: littlefamilyadventure.com

Rice and Beans

Rice and beans is a simple dish that’s packed with flavor. Serve with hot sauce or salsa to kick up the heat. You can create a pot of beans from scratch or warm up a can of two and serve it with steamed white or brown rice. You can substitute black-eyed peas for red beans in this rice dish. For added flavor, you can also add in some andouille sausage and shredded chicken.

Black Eyed Pea Salad Recipe
Photo Credit: littlefamilyadventure.com

Southwestern Black Bean and Black Eyed Peas Salad Recipe

This chilled salad is a side dish I like to make for a barbecue or picnic. It’s easy to make and the flavors get better the longer it can marinate in the fridge. It's always a hit with the crowd.

Image for Vegetarian Chili
Photo Credit: www.awortheyread.com

Vegetarian Chili

This vegetarian chili is full of flavor and packed with protein thanks to the addition of black-eyed peas and sweet potatoes. Great recipe for the slow cooker.

chicken with black eye peas
Photo Credit: littlefamilyadventure.com

Paprika Chicken with Black Eyed Peas

This paprika chicken recipe is a delicious way to enjoy chicken that is full of flavor. Chicken is marinated in a paprika spice blend, then cooked in a dutch oven to perfection. The result is a juicy, tender chicken that is packed with flavor.

Image for Texas Caviar Dip
Photo Credit: www.savoryexperiments.com

Texas Caviar Dip

This no cook appetizer is great as a salad or a dip with chips served for New Year's Day. The combination of peppers, tomatoes, and corn creates a flavorful and colorful dish that everyone will love.

Image for Hoppin' John Biryani
Photo Credit: gardenandgun.com

Hoppin' John Biryani

Hoppin John is a traditional Southern dish made with black-eyed peas, rice, and ham hocks or bacon. This recipe is a flavor-packed spin with Middle Eastern spices; cardamon, turmeric, cumin, and cinnamon.

Image for Southern Instant Pot Collard Greens
Photo Credit: www.mysequinedlife.com

Southern Instant Pot Collard Greens

Instant Pot Collard Greens feature delicious Southern-style flavors and truly cook up tender with just 5 minutes of pressure cooking time! Add your favorite bacon, a ham bone, or ham steak for added flavor.

Delicious Greek Bread with Kalamata Olives plus a secret ingredient - #MezzettaMemories #ad
Photo Credit: littlefamilyadventure.com

Feta and Kalamata Bread

This bread is a tasty accompaniment to beans and field peas. It’s french bread topped with tangy spread, feta cheese, and kalamata olives, making it the perfect blend of salty and savory that pairs well with stews, soups, and other dishes.

Southern Cornbread (no refined sugar recipe)
Photo Credit: littlefamilyadventure.com

Easy Southern Cornbread without Refined Sugar

This cornbread is a classic southern side dish that can be served with black-eyed peas. It’s made without refined sugar and has a hint of sweetness from the honey.

Image for Corn Muffins
Photo Credit: kidtestedrecipes.com

Corn Muffins

These corn muffins are a great side dish for any meal. They’re made with fresh corn and have just the right amount of sweetness. Serve them warm with butter or jelly for an extra treat!

Poppy Seed Salad Dressing
Photo Credit: littlefamilyadventure.com

Green Salad

A classic green salad is the perfect simple side dish to go along with almost any main entree. It’s light and refreshing and loaded with vitamins and minerals. Try our poppy seed dressing for a tangy twist.

tri-color coleslaw in white bowl with green napkin and fork to the sides
Photo Credit: littlefamilyadventure.com

Southern Coleslaw

This mayonnaise-based coleslaw is a classic southern side dish that pairs perfectly with field peas. It’s creamy, crunchy, and filled with flavor!

baked mac and cheese in bowl with cheese side
Photo Credit: littlefamilyadventure.com

Macaroni and Cheese

This baked mac and cheese is the ultimate cheesy, gooey side for any meal! It’s made with three kinds of cheese for a delicious and indulgent dish that will make everyone at the table happy.

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    What Meat Goes with Black Eyed Peas?

    Eating black eyed peas on New Year’s Day is said to bring luck and prosperity. But what do you pair with those lucky little legumes?

    In the Southern United States, black-eyed peas are often served with smoked meats such as smoked ham hocks or smoked turkeys. Collard greens and other soul food are popular dishes to serve with black-eyed peas.

    From vegetarian chili and paprika chicken for main courses, to corn muffins, coleslaw, green salad and macaroni and cheese for sides, we’ve got you covered with great black eyed pea meal ideas. No matter what you serve with your black eyed peas, it’s sure to be a hit! Get creative with seasoning and sides and you’ll have an amazing meal.

    Happy New Year!

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    Written by:
    Nicky Omohundro
    Published on:
    November 22, 2023
    Thoughts:
    1 Comment

    Categories: RecipesTags: main entrees, side dishes

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    About Nicky Omohundro

    Nicky Omohundro is a travel and active family lifestyle blogger and social media influencer based out of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She shares stories, destinations, and ideas on food, family, health, and outdoor recreation to help families find their own adventures. Her spirit animal is a caffeinated squirrel fueled by coffee, real food, and the desire to seek new adventures.

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    Comments

    1. blankOlivia Browns

      April 19, 2025 at 1:54 am

      I had no idea black-eyed peas are actually beans! Who knew? The field peas with ham hocks sound delish. I’m imagining a big pot of it on a cold winter’s day. Do you think using turkey ham hocks would change the flavor too much?

      Reply

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