If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful dish that combines Southern tradition with casserole ease, you’ve come to the right place. This Hoppin’ John Casserole Recipe takes the beloved classic Hoppin’ John and transforms it into a deliciously creamy, smoky, and satisfying casserole that’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks. It’s savory, packed with hearty ingredients, and topped with crispy French fried onions that add the perfect crunch. Once you try this recipe, it’s sure to become a new favorite for sharing warmth and good times around the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Hoppin’ John Casserole Recipe plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures. With simple pantry staples and ingredients that are easy to find, this dish comes together quickly yet delivers a harmony of smoky, creamy, and crispy notes.
- Zatarain’s Dirty Rice mix (8 oz): The seasoned rice blend brings bold Cajun flavors and the right texture as the casserole base.
- Smoked sausage (1 lb, chopped): Adds a smoky, savory depth and hearty protein that elevates the dish.
- Black-eyed peas (2 cans, 15 oz each, drained and rinsed): A classic Southern staple that provides earthiness and nutrition.
- Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies (10 oz, drained): Offers a hint of spice and bright acidity to balance the richness.
- Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup (10.5 oz can, undiluted): Creates a creamy, luscious binder for the casserole.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Adds tangy creaminess that complements the savory flavors beautifully.
- French fried onions (1 cup): Essential for that irresistible crispy topping that contrasts perfectly with the soft casserole.
How to Make Hoppin’ John Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish and Sausage
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF and giving your 9×13-inch baking dish a light coat of cooking spray. This ensures the casserole won’t stick and makes cleaning up easier. Then, in a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped smoked sausage until it starts to brown. This browning step unlocks rich, smoky flavors that will infuse the entire dish.
Step 2: Cook the Dirty Rice
Next, add the Zatarain’s Dirty Rice mix along with the water instructed on the package into the skillet with your sausage. Cook this according to the package directions. The spiced rice, combined with those smoky sausage bits, creates a flavorful base that carries the recipe beautifully.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Once your dirty rice and sausage are cooked, remove them from heat. To the warm mixture, fold in the rinsed black-eyed peas, drained Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, undiluted cream of chicken soup, and the sour cream. Mixing these together creates a creamy, vibrant filling packed with layers of flavor and a perfect mix of textures.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the complete rice and pea mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Then, sprinkle the French fried onions on top — they will toast up beautifully in the oven, adding that amazing crunch that makes each bite extra special.
Step 5: Bake Until Bubbling
Bake the casserole uncovered at 350ºF for about 30 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and golden on top. The bubbling heat melds all the ingredients together while crisping the onions to perfection, signaling your Hoppin’ John Casserole Recipe is ready to serve.
How to Serve Hoppin’ John Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
For an inviting look and a burst of freshness, garnish your casserole with chopped green onions or fresh parsley before serving. These not only brighten up the rich dish visually but also add a light herbal note that perfectly complements the smoky sausage and creamy base.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad to balance the richness or roasted vegetables for a heartier meal. Cornbread is another classic companion, soaking up every bit of that flavorful sauce and making the meal feel truly Southern-inspired and complete.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests or family? Serve individual portions in small cast iron skillets or ramekins topped with a dollop of sour cream and an extra sprinkle of French fried onions. This personal touch turns the Hoppin’ John Casserole Recipe into a charming presentation that’s both cozy and elegant.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored properly in the refrigerator, it will keep well for up to 3 to 4 days, making it easy to enjoy a comforting second meal without any fuss.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole either before or after baking. To freeze, assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish and cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap. It will last in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before baking or reheating.
Reheating
Reheat portions in the microwave until warmed through, or bake leftovers covered with foil at 350ºF for 20-25 minutes. To revive that crispy onion topping, remove foil in the last few minutes of baking to let it toast back up beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage for the Hoppin’ John Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! While smoked sausage is traditional and adds great flavor, you can substitute kielbasa, andouille, or even a spicy chorizo depending on your taste preferences.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The main components can be gluten-free if you choose a gluten-free dirty rice mix and ensure your cream of chicken soup and French fried onions are gluten-free. Always check labels to be sure.
Can I make this vegan or vegetarian?
You can easily make a vegetarian version by omitting the sausage and using a plant-based cream soup or homemade sauce, plus vegetable broth when preparing the rice. Adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke can give it that smoky depth.
What can I substitute for French fried onions?
If you don’t have French fried onions, crushed crispy crackers or fried shallots work well as a crunchy topping alternative, although the classic onions definitely add a special touch.
How spicy is this casserole?
The casserole has a mild to medium level of spice, thanks to the Rotel tomatoes and green chilies. You can adjust the heat by choosing mild or hot Rotel, or add extra chili powder if you like it spicier.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about comfort food that brings people together, and this Hoppin’ John Casserole Recipe does just that. It’s easy to make, loaded with classic southern flavors, and easily adaptable to your family’s taste. Next time you want a meal that feels like a warm hug from the inside, give this recipe a try — it’s sure to become a beloved staple in your recipe box.
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Hoppin’ John Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
Hoppin’ John Casserole is a flavorful Southern-inspired dish combining smoky sausage, seasoned dirty rice, creamy components, and black-eyed peas. This comforting casserole is perfect for a hearty dinner and brings together traditional ingredients in an easy-to-make baked dish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 (8-oz) box Zatarain’s Dirty Rice mix
- 1 lb smoked sausage, chopped
- 2 (15-oz) cans black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
- 1 (10-oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained
- 1 (10.5-oz) can Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup, undiluted
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup French fried onions
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Sausage and Rice: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped smoked sausage until it starts to brown. Then add the dirty rice mix along with the water quantity specified on the rice package. Prepare the dirty rice following the package instructions, stirring occasionally until fully cooked.
- Combine Ingredients: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the drained and rinsed black-eyed peas, drained Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, undiluted cream of chicken soup, and sour cream until all ingredients are well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the combined rice and bean mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the French fried onions evenly on top of the casserole to add a crunchy topping.
- Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and hot throughout. Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute smoked sausage with a plant-based sausage alternative and use a vegetarian cream soup.
- Drain and rinse canned black-eyed peas to reduce sodium content and improve flavor.
- French fried onions add a delightful crunch but can be replaced with crushed cornflakes for variation.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead; simply refrigerate after assembling and bake when ready to serve.
- Adjust spice level by choosing mild or spicy Rotel diced tomatoes based on your preference.
