If you’re looking for a dish that marries smoky richness with hearty comfort, then this BBQ Black Eyed Peas Recipe is about to become your new go-to favorite. It’s a soul-satisfying, crowd-pleasing classic that brings together tender black eyed peas in a luscious, tangy BBQ sauce, all topped with crispy bacon for that irresistible crunch. Easy to prepare yet packed with bold flavors, this recipe is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any time you want a dish that feels both special and cozy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this BBQ Black Eyed Peas Recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient plays a crucial role in flavor, texture, and visual appeal. From the zing of yellow mustard to the deep sweetness of brown sugar and the smoky kick from bacon, every component is essential to creating that perfect balance in the final dish.
- Ketchup: Adds a tangy tomato base that brightens the dish and balances the sweetness.
- BBQ sauce: Brings that signature smoky, savory flavor that defines this recipe.
- Yellow mustard: Introduces a mild tang and depth to the sauce mixture.
- Worcestershire sauce: Enhances the umami, elevating the overall savory note.
- Brown sugar: Sweetens the sauce with a subtle caramel undertone.
- Onion powder: Offers aromatic warmth without overpowering the other spices.
- Garlic powder: Complements the onion powder with a subtle garlicky depth.
- Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
- Black eyed peas (4 cans, drained and rinsed): The hearty star ingredient, tender and ready to soak up all the sauce flavors.
- Bacon (8 slices): Crispy, smoky, and salty, it provides a glorious finishing touch.
How to Make BBQ Black Eyed Peas Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF and lightly spraying a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. This ensures your dish won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze later on.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Sauce
In a large bowl, whisk the ketchup, BBQ sauce, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until everything is perfectly combined. This rich mixture is the flavorful heart of your BBQ Black Eyed Peas Recipe and will soak deep into the beans, giving them that unforgettable tangy-sweet smoky taste.
Step 3: Combine the Sauce with the Black Eyed Peas
Drain and rinse the black eyed peas well, and then stir them into the BBQ sauce blend. Make sure each pea is nicely coated—it’s this step that ensures you’ll get flavor in every bite. Once mixed, spread the saucy peas evenly into your prepared baking dish.
Step 4: Add the Bacon Topping
For a quick shortcut to crispy bacon, microwave the slices for 1 to 1½ minutes until just crisp, then chop them up into bite-sized pieces. Sprinkle the chopped bacon evenly over the top of the black eyed peas. This crispy topping adds incredible texture and smoky goodness that really brings the dish to life.
Step 5: Bake and Broil to Perfection
Bake the dish uncovered for 35 to 45 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the peas to become tender and bubbling. Once baking is complete, turn on your broiler and broil the top just until the bacon crisps up beautifully. Keep a close eye during broiling to avoid burning—it only takes a minute or two!
How to Serve BBQ Black Eyed Peas Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes elevates your BBQ Black Eyed Peas Recipe from tasty to unforgettable. Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions or parsley on top for a pop of color and a hint of freshness that perfectly balances the smoky richness. A light drizzle of a mild hot sauce can also add some welcome heat.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with classic Southern sides like creamy cornbread, buttery mashed potatoes, or even a crisp coleslaw to cut through the richness. If you want a lighter option, a simple green salad with a bright vinaigrette will complement the BBQ flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the BBQ Black Eyed Peas in individual mason jars or small bowls for a charming buffet setup. You can also heap them over toasted baguette slices for a smoky, bean bruschetta, or spoon them alongside grilled meats like ribs or chicken to really highlight that BBQ vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover BBQ Black Eyed Peas keep remarkably well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors even deepen after resting overnight, making it an excellent dish for easy lunches or quick dinners afterward.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers by placing the peas in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat gently to preserve the texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat your BBQ Black Eyed Peas on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave them in a covered dish, stirring halfway to ensure even heating. Adding a splash of water or broth can help keep the peas moist.
FAQs
Can I use fresh black eyed peas instead of canned?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh or dried black eyed peas, you’ll need to cook them until tender before adding them to the BBQ sauce. This might extend your prep time, but fresh peas bring a wonderful texture to the dish.
What type of BBQ sauce works best?
A classic smoky and slightly sweet BBQ sauce works beautifully here. You want one that’s not too spicy or overpowering since the other ingredients balance the flavors, but feel free to choose your favorite variety.
Is this dish vegetarian-friendly?
This BBQ Black Eyed Peas Recipe features bacon for added flavor and texture, but you can easily omit it or swap it for smoked paprika or a vegetarian bacon-style product to keep it vegetarian while still enjoying rich smoky notes.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Definitely! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce mixture. It’s a simple way to introduce a pleasant kick that pairs nicely with the sweet and smoky elements.
Why do you broil the bacon at the end?
Broiling crisps up the bacon topping perfectly without overcooking the peas underneath. This step ensures you get that irresistible crunch which contrasts beautifully with the creamy, tender peas.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so wonderfully satisfying about this BBQ Black Eyed Peas Recipe that keeps me coming back time and time again. Its mix of bold flavors, comforting textures, and simple preparation makes it a dish you’ll want to share with everyone. So go ahead, dive in, and make this smoky, savory, slightly sweet delight part of your next meal. I promise it’s as delicious to eat as it is fun to make!
Print
BBQ Black Eyed Peas Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-45 minutes baking + 5 minutes broiling
- Total Time: 50-60 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This delicious BBQ Black Eyed Peas recipe combines tender black eyed peas with a tangy and smoky barbecue sauce, enhanced by crispy bacon topping. Perfect as a hearty side dish for gatherings or family dinners, this baked casserole is packed with flavor and comfort.
Ingredients
Sauce and Seasoning
- ¾ cup ketchup
- ¾ cup BBQ sauce
- 1½ Tbsp yellow mustard
- 1½ Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Main Ingredients
- 4 (15-oz) cans black eyed peas, drained and rinsed
- 8 slices bacon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Sauce Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the ketchup, BBQ sauce, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined. Stir in the drained and rinsed black eyed peas to coat them evenly with the sauce.
- Assemble Dish: Spread the sauced black eyed peas evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Cook Bacon: Microwave the bacon slices for 1 to 1½ minutes until partially cooked. Chop the bacon into pieces and sprinkle evenly on top of the black eyed peas in the baking dish.
- Bake: Place the baking dish uncovered in the oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and the dish to heat through.
- Broil for Crispiness: After baking, turn on the broiler and broil the dish for a few minutes until the bacon topping becomes crispy and golden brown. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your flavorful BBQ black eyed peas as a comforting side or main dish.
Notes
- You can substitute turkey bacon for a leaner alternative.
- For extra smoky flavor, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the sauce mixture.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, include a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
- This recipe is easily doubled for larger gatherings.
