There’s something undeniably comforting about gathering around a table set with a hearty meal, and this Creamy Southern-Style Butter Beans recipe is the kind of dish that invites everyone in. When I first tasted it at a friend’s family gathering, the rich aroma of smoked ham and simmering beans enveloped me like a warm hug. Just imagine that first bite—the creamy texture mingling with the savory, smoky notes that complement every morsel.
Perfect as a side to your favorite mains or enjoyed by themselves, these butter beans bring the essence of Southern cuisine right into your home. Paired with fluffy cornbread or nestled over a bed of rice, this dish promises to elevate any meal into a delightful feast. Whether you’re tired of fast food or simply craving some comforting homemade goodness, this recipe is your answer—a simple yet satisfying way to brighten your dinner table. Let’s dive into the magic of creamy butter beans!
Why Choose Creamy Butter Beans Today?
Simplicity at Its Best: Preparing these creamy butter beans is a breeze, requiring minimal ingredients and effort.
Hearty and Satisfying: This dish is filled with rich, smoky flavors that make each bite a comforting experience.
Versatile Side Dish: Whether paired with cornbread or served over rice, these beans complement a variety of meals beautifully.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners, it’s a dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Nutritional Punch: Packed with protein and fiber, they’re not just delicious but also offer healthy benefits.
Make-ahead Friendly: Easily prepare in advance, they store well in the fridge for quick reheats. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned chef, this recipe is a must-try for any home kitchen!
Creamy Butter Beans Ingredients
• A delightful recipe that warms the heart!
For the Beans
• Dried Large Lima Beans – Provides the primary texture and creamy consistency; use canned beans for a quicker option.
• Ham Hocks – Adds flavor and texture; can skip if not available; increase chopped ham instead.
For the Seasoning
• Diced Onion – Enhances the dish’s flavor profile; shallots can be substituted for a milder taste.
• Diced Celery – Adds crunch and depth; leeks can work as a substitute.
• Diced Carrot – Provides sweetness and color; parsnips can be used for more earthiness.
• Chopped Smoked Ham – Infuses the dish with a smoky taste; use turkey ham for a lighter option or omit for a vegetarian version.
• Bay Leaves – Imparts herbal notes; omit if unavailable, though it is recommended for flavor.
• Garlic Powder – Adds depth of flavor; fresh garlic can be substituted.
• Dried Thyme, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes – Contributes aroma and spice; fresh thyme can be used; adjust red pepper flakes to taste.
• Cajun or Creole Seasoning – Adds a kick and complexity; adjust based on spice tolerance.
For Cooking
• Bacon Grease or Butter – Adds richness and flavor; can use olive oil as a healthier alternative.
• Chicken Broth – Provides savory undertones; vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian alternative.
• Water – Adds to the liquid for cooking; no substitutions needed.
• Butter – Adds creaminess and richness; use a dairy-free butter for a vegan option.
Let’s get ready to create a dish that embodies the true spirit of Southern comfort!
How to Make Creamy Butter Beans
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Rinse and Soak: Start by rinsing your dried large lima beans, making sure to remove any broken or damaged pieces. Soak them in a stockpot covered with water for about 1 hour, allowing them to soften beautifully.
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Sauté Vegetables: In a separate pot, heat bacon grease (or butter) over medium heat. Add diced onion, celery, and carrot, sautéing for about 3-5 minutes until they are nice and soft, filling your kitchen with a delicious aroma.
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Combine Ingredients: Stir in the chopped smoked ham, ham hocks, chicken broth, water, bay leaves, garlic powder, thyme, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix well and bring everything to a gentle boil.
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Simmer the Mixture: Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 1 hour. This allows all those rich flavors to meld together as the broth begins to thicken.
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Add Beans: After soaking, drain the beans and add them to the pot along with butter and Cajun seasoning. Continue to simmer for an additional 60-90 minutes until the beans are tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally and add more water if necessary to keep it from sticking.
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Finish with Ham Hocks: Once the beans are cooked to perfection, carefully remove the ham hocks. Chop the meat into smaller pieces, then return it to the pot, stirring well to combine all the flavors.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve your creamy butter beans as a hearty side dish or over a bed of rice. A slice of fluffy cornbread makes for an unbeatable pairing!
Optional: Garnish with fresh herbs for a burst of flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Creamy Butter Beans Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to play around with this recipe and tailor it to your taste buds! Each twist brings a unique flavor experience to your table.
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Vegetarian: Omit the ham entirely and add your favorite vegetables; a can of cream of mushroom soup enhances creaminess wonderfully.
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Spicy Kick: Increase heat by adding chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for those who love it fiery.
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Herby Twist: Swap out dried thyme for fresh herbs like basil or parsley to bring freshness into the dish.
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Smoky Flavor: For a deeper smoky essence, add liquid smoke or smoked paprika instead of the ham. It’s a game-changer!
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Creamy Vegan: Use coconut cream in place of butter for a rich, dairy-free alternative that adds a hint of sweetness.
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Nutty Flavor: Stir in a handful of toasted walnuts or pecans at the end for a delightful crunch and nuttiness.
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Southern Style: Use a traditional Southern seasoning blend or Voodoo seasoning for an explosion of flavor that stays true to its roots.
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Corn & Beans: Mix in some sweet corn for added texture and sweetness, making your dish even heartier and colorful.
Each variation you choose can take these creamy butter beans to new heights, ensuring there’s always something comforting and delicious on your plate!
Expert Tips for Creamy Butter Beans
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Soak Properly: Always soak your dried large lima beans for at least 1 hour. This ensures they cook evenly and reach the perfect creamy texture.
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Monitor Liquid Levels: While simmering, keep an eye on the liquid. If it drops too low, replenish with water to prevent burning.
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Thicken Effectively: For thicker beans, mash a portion with a potato masher during cooking. This enhances the creamy consistency without losing any flavor.
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Flavor Balance: Adjust the Cajun seasoning according to your spice threshold to prevent it from overpowering the rich smoky flavor of your creamy butter beans.
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Fat Control: Remove excess fat from the smoked ham to achieve a less greasy dish while retaining its smoky flavor.
What to Serve with Creamy Southern-Style Butter Beans?
Elevate your dinner table with delicious sides that enhance the comforting flavors of these creamy beans.
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Fluffy Cornbread: The light, tender texture perfectly absorbs the rich sauce, adding a touch of sweetness that balances the savory elements.
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Steamed Broccoli: This bright, crunchy veggie brings freshness and color, creating a beautiful contrast that complements the creamy beans wonderfully.
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Fried Catfish: Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, the flavors of this Southern classic meld seamlessly with smoky butter beans for a hearty meal.
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Coleslaw: Crisp, tangy, and slightly sweet, coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch that nicely offsets the rich creaminess of the beans.
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Corn on the Cob: Sweet, juicy corn brings a burst of summer freshness and texture, making for a delightful pairing with the hearty beans.
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Sweet Tea: A glass of this classic Southern beverage offers just the right amount of sweetness to complement the savory dish and soothe the palate.
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Peach Cobbler: Finish your meal with a slice of warm peach cobbler, whose sweetness and buttery crust create a satisfying end to a hearty feast.
Each of these options not only enhances the flavors of creamy butter beans but also ties together the essence of Southern comfort food, creating a delightful dining experience for you and your loved ones.
Make Ahead Options
These Creamy Butter Beans are ideal for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during busy weeknights! You can soak the dried beans up to 24 hours in advance, which will help them cook faster when you’re ready to prepare the dish. Additionally, you can sauté the vegetables and mix in the smoked ham the day before, storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, simply combine the prepped ingredients with the soaked beans and follow the remaining steps. This ensures your butter beans maintain their creamy texture and robust flavor, serving up a delicious dish with minimal effort!
How to Store and Freeze Creamy Butter Beans
Fridge: Store leftover creamy butter beans in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days. Make sure they are completely cooled before sealing to maintain freshness.
Freezer: Freeze the creamy butter beans in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Cool completely before freezing to prevent ice crystals from forming.
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain the creamy consistency. If using a microwave, cover with a microwave-safe lid, heating in intervals until warmed through.
Airtight Tips: For best flavor retention, ensure that the container is fully airtight, preventing freezer burn and keeping your creamy butter beans just as delicious as the day they were made!
Creamy Butter Beans with Smoked Ham Recipe FAQs
What type of beans should I use for this recipe?
For this recipe, I highly recommend using dried large lima beans as they provide a rich, creamy texture. If you’re short on time, canned butter beans work beautifully as a quick substitute. Just remember to drain and rinse them before adding them to your dish!
How should I store leftover creamy butter beans?
Leftover creamy butter beans should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Allow the beans to cool completely before sealing to keep them as fresh as possible and prevent any condensation from forming inside the container.
Can I freeze creamy butter beans?
Absolutely! To freeze, ensure the creamy butter beans have cooled completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to restore creaminess.
What should I do if my beans aren’t creamy after cooking?
If your creamy butter beans don’t reach that perfect creamy consistency, consider mashing a portion of them with a potato masher while they’re cooking. This technique helps create a thicker, more luscious sauce. Remember to adjust the liquid if it appears too thick, and stir well to combine.
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Yes, if you’re cooking for someone with dietary restrictions, you can easily modify this recipe. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the smoked ham and ham hocks, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Additionally, if you need a dairy-free option, use dairy-free butter to maintain that creamy texture.
Creamy Butter Beans with Smoked Ham for Southern Comfort
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Rinse and soak the dried large lima beans in a stockpot covered with water for about 1 hour.
- In a separate pot, heat bacon grease (or butter) over medium heat. Add diced onion, celery, and carrot, sautéing for about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in chopped smoked ham, ham hocks, chicken broth, water, bay leaves, garlic powder, thyme, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix and bring to a gentle boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 1 hour.
- Drain the soaked beans and add them to the pot along with butter and Cajun seasoning. Simmer for an additional 60-90 minutes until the beans are tender.
- Remove ham hocks, chop meat into smaller pieces, and return it to the pot.
- Serve your creamy butter beans as a hearty side dish or over rice.