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
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe adapted from Deep South Dish
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.
Originally posted January 18, 2019.
Pretty delish. However, I often just use pancetta/prosciutto/ham slices. Often have to double recipe and use a very large pot. Learned the best way is to soak it well after that fast boil method (I use the white limas, not finding many smaller beans around). As for methods, i’ve had it overdone (instant pot) and underdone (canned or not enough broth), so the overnight soak after a boil and multiple rinsing for the bean, before you add you add them to the broth is a huge difference. Also, no water. Just chicken stock and low salt chicken broth. We are making a meal out of this (over rice) and we add some homemade pulled pork. It’s heavenly. Do not fear adding a personal splash of vinegar to perk it up a little at the table. Just be patient, plan on a 2-day deal (soak one day, prep and cook the broth and beans the next) because it is so worth it.
Lovvvvvvvvve this recipe!!! Especially on a cold day.
Best recipe! I have made this 5 times already!
Pretty close to down home cooking! Of course, I tweaked it a bit…added more veggies than was called for, and more smoked ham, also used all chicken broth (no water!), and added a bit more seasonings, but that’s just my taste. Great job!
How was it bout to cook this for my Sunday Dinner
Has anyone thought slow cooker?
Can I use fresh butter beans for this and follow the same directions? Thank you.
My husband loved this. Best butter beans and ham I have ever made.
You are so right about altitude. Took me a year to figure out why my pinto beans were never ready when I thought they would be. Only at 5,000′, but its still an issue. So grateful for the instant pot!
Try soaking beans in water overnight in room temp water before you go to bed that’s a southern trick
I see all ingredients but didn’t get the preparation for cooking creamy butter beans
Can you use baby lima beans in this recipe?
No. Baby lima beans would give you a very “green” flavor.
Dry Baby Lima Beans