Warm, smoky, and just a little sweet, these Maple Beef Bacon & Bourbon Black Eyed Peas bring soul food comfort straight to your kitchen. This easy dinner recipe mixes creamy black eyed peas, crispy beef bacon, and a splash of bourbon for depth that makes every bite unforgettable. Perfect for a cozy night in or your next soul food dinner gathering, it’s simple enough for weeknights yet fancy enough to impress guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet and smoky flavor combo that feels like southern comfort in a bowl.
- Protein-packed and hearty, perfect for a satisfying healthy dinner recipe.
- Simple to make with easy pantry ingredients—ideal for easy cooking recipes.
Ingredients
Each ingredient adds a layer of flavor to this black eyed peas recipe that’s both soulful and balanced.
- Beef Bacon: Adds smoky saltiness and texture. You can use turkey bacon for a lighter version.
- Maple Syrup: Gives a hint of sweetness that balances the bourbon and spices.
- Bourbon: Deepens the flavor with a rich caramel note (optional but delicious).
- Black Eyed Peas: The heart of this dish, creamy and full of southern soul.
- Onion & Garlic: Build the base flavor with warmth and aroma.
- Chicken Broth: Keeps the peas tender and flavorful as they simmer.
- Smoked Paprika: Boosts that southern smoky taste.
- Olive Oil: Helps the bacon crisp perfectly while sautéing aromatics.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Balance all the flavors beautifully.
Step-by-Step Instructions
These steps will guide you through making this cooking soul food dish with ease.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add beef bacon and cook until golden and crispy, about 5 minutes.
- Remove the bacon and set aside. In the same pot, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant and soft.
- Pour in bourbon and let it bubble for 30 seconds to cook off the alcohol, leaving a rich caramel aroma.
- Add the black eyed peas, smoked paprika, chicken broth, and maple syrup. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until the peas are tender and creamy, stirring occasionally.
- Return the beef bacon to the pot and season with salt and black pepper. Let everything simmer for 5 more minutes.
- Serve warm, garnished with extra crispy bacon or fresh herbs if you like.
Mistakes To Avoid
- Don’t skip soaking if you’re using dry peas it keeps them creamy, not mushy.
- Avoid overcooking the bacon at the start, or it’ll turn tough when simmered.
- Don’t forget to deglaze with bourbon—it lifts all the flavor bits and makes this Maple Beef Bacon & Bourbon Black Eyed Peas shine.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with warm cornbread, fluffy rice, or collard greens for a full soul food dinner. For something lighter, try it alongside Black Eyed Pea Salad or smoky Spicy Southern Black Eyed Peas for a flavorful meal rotation. You can also check out Black Eyed Peas and Ground Beef Recipe if you love hearty comfort food with a twist.
Maple Beef Bacon & Bourbon Black Eyed Peas
Equipment
- Large Pot
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 6 slices beef bacon chopped
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup bourbon optional
- 3 cups black eyed peas cooked or canned, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped beef bacon and cook until golden and crispy, about 5 minutes.
- Remove bacon and set aside. In the same pot, sauté chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant and soft.
- Pour in bourbon and let bubble for 30 seconds to cook off the alcohol.
- Add black eyed peas, smoked paprika, chicken broth, and maple syrup. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until peas are tender and creamy, stirring occasionally.
- Return beef bacon to the pot and season with salt and black pepper. Simmer for 5 more minutes. Serve warm.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use turkey bacon.
- Skip the bourbon if desired substitute with apple cider or Worcestershire sauce for depth.
- Serve with cornbread, rice, or collard greens.
FAQs
Can I use canned black eyed peas instead of dried?
Yes! Canned peas work great for busy nights. Just drain and rinse them before cooking. Reduce simmer time to about 10 minutes since they’re already soft.
What can I use instead of bourbon?
If you prefer to skip alcohol, swap bourbon for apple cider or a splash of Worcestershire sauce for depth. The flavor will still be rich and delicious.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. The flavor gets even better overnight. Reheat on the stove with a splash of broth to bring back the creamy texture.
Conclusion
Cooking should feel joyful and easy. These Maple Beef Bacon & Bourbon Black Eyed Peas prove that cooking recipes for dinner can be soulful, healthy, and absolutely delicious. So grab your pot, turn on some music, and let the sweet, smoky aroma fill your kitchen then don’t forget to save or pin this recipe for your next comfort meal.
