Creamy Butter Beans have lots of smoked ham flavor. They’re so thick and creamy and make a fantastic side for any southern meal.
This recipe is adapted from Deep South Dish Cookbook and it is phenomenal. Butter beans never tasted so good.
You have to make these beans to see how much flavor they have. And while you’re at it, make a side of cornbread to serve with them. They’re so meaty and delicious, you can serve them over rice for a whole meal.
How To Make Creamy Butter Beans
To make thse Butter Beans, start by bringing 1 pound of dried lima beans, covered with water, to a boil. Remove from the heat, cover the pot, and let soak for 1 hour.
While the beans are soaking, you’re going to start to build all the flavors for the beans. Cook some onion, celery, and carrots in some bacon grease until soft. Then add chopped smoked ham, 2 ham hocks, a large container of chicken broth, 4 cups of water, 2 bay leaves, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, dried thyme, and pepper. Simmer these ingredients for 1 hour then add the beans, 4 tablespoons of butter, and some Cajun seasoning. Cook 60 to 90 minutes, until the butter beans are soft and the liquid gets thick.
You won’t believe how unbelievably meaty these beans taste!
Storage
Leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days.
More Southern Sides
- Southern Style Green Beans
- Creamed Corn
- Southern Cabbage
- Fried Okra
- Yellow Squash Casserole
- Super Creamy Mac and Cheese
Watch the short video below to see how easy this recipe is to make.
Creamy Butter Beans
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried large lima beans
- 1 tablespoon bacon grease or butter
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/3 cup diced celery
- 1/4 cup diced carrot
- 1 1/2 cups chopped smoked ham
- 2 ham hocks
- 1 (32-ounce) carton chicken broth
- 4 cups water
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 teaspoon Cajun or Creole seasoning
Instructions
- Rinse and sort the beans, getting rid of any broken pieces. Place in a stockpot or Dutch oven and cover with 1-inch of water. Bring to a boil. Place lid on pot and remove from heat. Let sit 1 hour.
- Meanwhile, in a large pot or Dutch oven, heat bacon fat over medium heat.
- Add onion, celery, and carrots and saute until soft, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Add ham, ham hocks, chicken broth, water, bay leaves, garlic powder, thyme, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Bring to a boil and reduce heat to maintain a simmer. Simmer for 1 hour.
- Once beans have been sitting for an hour, drain them.
- Add beans, butter, and Cajun or Creole seasoning to the chicken broth mixture after it has simmered for 1 hour. Continue to simmer for 60 to 90 minutes. If liquid level gets too low (ie not all the beans are submerged), add more water.
- Remove ham hocks. Let cool slightly and then remove any meat from the bone, chop it up and return it to the pot.
- Serve as is for a side dish or serve over rice with a side of cornbread for a main dish.
Nutrition
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Recipe adapted from Deep South Dish
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.
Originally posted January 18, 2019.
I squished the lima beans partially with a potato masher to thicken the soup.
I personally love this recipe have made it many times
Once I let the beans soak, do I take the casing off them?
I have made this many times. It’s perfect