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These Southern black eyed peas with bacon are made using canned black eyed peas simmered with bacon, onion, and garlic for rich, homestyle flavor. This easy small batch black eyed peas recipe is ready in minutes and is perfectly sized to serve one generously or as a side for two.
Featured Comment
“I am a Southern girl living in the Northeast & I wanted a quick, simple Black Eyed Peas recipe for New Years Day. This recipe did not disappoint & I would even serve it to my Southern family. We will be enjoying this dish more often for sure!”
– Allison
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This black eyed peas recipe uses canned beans, so it’s ready in minutes with no soaking required.
- Classic Southern Flavor: Bacon, onion, and garlic create a rich, homestyle taste.
- Perfectly Portioned: Makes the right amount to serve one generously or as a side for two.
- Nutritious Choice: Black eyed peas are a good source of protein and fiber.
Black eyed peas have always felt like more than just a side dish to me. Growing up in the South, they were a familiar presence on the table, especially around New Year’s, when a simple pot of peas carried the hope of good fortune and better days ahead. I still love that quiet tradition and the meaning behind it, even when I’m cooking just for myself or for the two of us now.
This small batch version keeps that spirit alive without making more than you need. The peas simmer gently with bacon, onions, and garlic, filling the kitchen with a comforting, familiar aroma. It’s the kind of recipe that feels grounding and satisfying, whether you’re welcoming the new year or just craving a simple, well-seasoned dish that tastes like home.
Carry this tradition to the table by pairing these black eyed peas with tender roasted cabbage or a single serving of unstuffed cabbage rolls. Serve with baked white rice and finish the meal with cornbread for one or a small batch of corn muffins for a classic Southern-style New Year’s spread.
Looking for more ideas? Browse our collection of single serving and small batch New Year’s recipes to round out your celebration.
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this small batch black eyed peas recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Bacon: Two strips add smoky, rich flavor and help season the dish from the start. If you have extra bacon, use it in crack chicken for one, single serving broccoli salad, or a small crustless quiche lorraine.
- Onion and Garlic: Finely chopped to build flavor in the pot. These create the base of the dish, so don’t skip them.
- Black Eyed Peas: One 15-ounce can, rinsed and drained. Canned black eyed peas cook quickly and still absorb plenty of flavor. Extra peas can be used in a small batch of cowboy caviar.
Canned vs. Dried Black Eyed Peas
Both canned and dried black eyed peas work well, but they are used very differently.
Canned black eyed peas are fully cooked, which means they only need to be rinsed, drained, and heated. They are ideal for a quick black eyed peas recipe and make it easy to control portion size without soaking or long simmering times.
Dried black eyed peas must be soaked and cooked before using. They take significantly longer to prepare and require more liquid and seasoning. While dried peas can be used in larger batches, they are not necessary for this recipe.
For this small batch black eyed peas recipe, canned black eyed peas are the best choice because they are convenient, reliable, and ready to absorb flavor right away.
Recipe Variations
These simple variations let you change up this black eyed peas recipe using ingredients you may already have on hand.
- Spicy Black Eyed Peas: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few slices of jalapeño for heat.
- Herb Seasoned Black Eyed Peas: Stir in fresh or dried thyme or rosemary for a more aromatic flavor.
- Black Eyed Peas with Tomatoes: Add diced tomatoes for a slightly tangy, saucy finish.
- Black Eyed Peas with Sausage: Mix in cooked, sliced sausage to make the dish more filling.
- Vegetarian Black Eyed Peas: Skip the bacon and add smoked paprika to keep a smoky flavor.
How To Cook Black Eyed Peas Using Canned Beans
These step-by-step photos and instructions show exactly how to make this small batch black eyed peas recipe using canned beans. For ingredient amounts and full details, see the recipe card below.
I used to cook black eyed peas in large pots, but now I rely on canned black eyed peas for convenience and the right portion size. They cook quickly and absorb plenty of flavor, making them a great option for a smaller batch.
- Cook the bacon, onion, and garlic in a small saucepan over medium heat until the bacon is crisp and the onions are soft.
- Add the rinsed and drained black eyed peas and simmer until heated through and well seasoned.
Expert Tips
- Cook the onions and garlic in the bacon fat to build smoky, savory flavor.
- Season gradually and taste as you cook to avoid over-salting.
- Simmer gently over low heat so the black eyed peas heat through without breaking apart.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Canned black eyed peas are already cooked, so there is no soaking required. Simply rinse and drain before using.
Season them with aromatics like onion and garlic, and add flavor with bacon.
In Southern tradition, black eyed peas are believed to bring good luck and prosperity in the new year.
Because they are pre-cooked, canned black eyed peas only need about 10 to 15 minutes to heat through and absorb flavor.
Yes, simply double the ingredients to serve more people.
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
RELATED: Comfort Food Recipes For One
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Small Batch Black Eyed Peas
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 strips bacon -cut into ½-inch pieces
- ½ cup chopped onions
- 1 clove garlic -minced
- 1 (15-ounce) canned black eyed peas -rinsed and drained
Instructions
- In a 2-quart saucepan over medium heat, cook the bacon until crisp.
- Add the onion and garlic and cook until the onion softens, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in the black eyed peas, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Transfer to a serving dish and serve warm.
Notes
- Cook the onions and garlic in the bacon fat to build smoky, savory flavor.
- Season gradually and taste as you cook to avoid over-salting.
- Simmer gently over low heat so the black eyed peas heat through without breaking apart.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
How would I make this using frozen black eyed peas?
Frozen black-eyed peas will need to be cooked first before using them in this recipe since they aren’t pre-cooked like canned peas.
How many ounces of black eyed peas if they’re previously frozen?
I would suggest using about 10 ounces of frozen and cooked black eyed peas.
Simply wonderful.
I drained and rinsed my beans. After sautéing the onions in bacon grease I added jalapeños diced, garlic , bacon the black eyed peas. Then I added some ham broth I had in to the mixture. Brought to a boil. Then simmered without a lid for 10/15 min until it cooked down stirring occasionally. Mmmmm good
BLACK EYED PEAS: Do not make my blunder by using precooked bacon – not enough fat or flavor; canned b-e-p s had zero flavor, so “season-as-you-go” is a understatement. Sorry, new at cooking for one.
Trappey’s Blackeye Peas flavored with bacon are flavorful and good. We buy them at Walmart.
There is no liquid in this recipe-is there an omission?
There is no need for liquid in this recipe, you are simply heating up the canned black eyed peas. Cooking the bacon in the pan yields enough drippings to saute the onions and garlic. The black eyed peas are then heated in the mixture.
I drained and rinsed the black eyed placed then in the pan with the other ingredients. Is you like your peas similar to soup add chicken broth. Is you like them thicker don’t add any liquid. Sprinkler cayenne and simmered. Happy New Year
Easy and delicious! I think my garlic clove was too big. I added a couple tablespoons of canned collard greens for color. Will checkout more of your recipes. Happy New Year!