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Southern Great Northern Beans (Crock Pot Version)

The aroma alone transports me back to my grandmother’s kitchen, a place perpetually filled with the comforting smells of slow-cooked goodness. I remember sitting at her worn, wooden table, the sunlight streaming through the window as I eagerly awaited a bowl of her legendary Great Northern beans. Each spoonful was a warm hug, a taste of home, a connection to generations of family tradition simmering in that humble pot. These beans are more than just a meal; they’re a legacy I’m honored to share.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6-7 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes – 7 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 10
Yield: About 12 cups
Dietary Type: Can be adapted to be Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free (see notes).

Ingredients

1 lb great northern beans
2 quarts water, added only as needed
1 tablespoon salt, (estimated; add to your taste)
1 teaspoon pepper, (estimated; add to your taste)
1 boneless pork chop or 1 ham bone
1 ½ teaspoons hot pepper flakes (or 1 whole dried red hot chili pepper; increase for more heat)
1 tablespoon butter

Equipment Needed

4-6 quart crock pot
Measuring cups and spoons
Colander or strainer

Instructions

Start the beans in the morning for optimal cooking time.
Wash the beans thoroughly in a colander.
Pick through the beans, discarding any discolored or broken beans. This step is crucial for ensuring the best texture and flavor.
Use a 4-6 quart crock pot.
Pour the washed beans into the crock pot.
Add water to the crock pot, ensuring the beans are covered by about 1 inch of water.
Add the butter, salt, hot pepper flakes, and pork chop or ham bone to the crock pot.
Cover the crock pot and cook on high for 2 hours.
Turn the crock pot to low and cook for the rest of the day, stirring occasionally.
Add water only if necessary, a little at a time. It’s best to add smaller amounts of water gradually to avoid a watery final product.
Do not add too much water at once; otherwise, your beans will turn out watery. You want a nice thick gravy with your beans.
The beans will be done when they are tender and surrounded by a thick gravy. This should take approximately 6-7 hours total.
When the beans are done, remove the pork chop or ham bone.
If using a pork chop, shred the meat and return it to the crock pot. If using a ham bone, remove the meat from the bone, discarding the bone, and return the meat to the crock pot.
If you used a whole dried red hot chili pepper, remove it now and discard it. Be careful not to let anyone accidentally bite into it!
The beans will be tender in a thick gravy.
If the gravy is too thin, move the lid on the crock pot so that one side is open to let steam escape. This will help to thicken the gravy.
If the gravy is too thick, add 1/4 cup of water at a time until it reaches the consistency you desire.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
Will take about 6-7 hours to cook in total.
Serve with hot buttered cornbread and iced tea for a good southern rib-sticking meal.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Soaking the beans: For a faster cooking time and more even texture, soak the beans in water overnight before cooking. Drain and rinse them well before adding them to the crock pot.
Flavor Boost: Consider adding a chopped onion, diced celery, or minced garlic for added depth of flavor. Sauté these vegetables lightly before adding them to the crock pot.
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of hot pepper flakes to your preference. You can also use a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
Salt Timing: While the recipe calls for salt at the beginning, taste and adjust the salt towards the end of the cooking process, as the flavor will intensify as the beans cook.
Smoked Flavor: For a deeper, smokier flavor, use smoked paprika or a smoked ham hock in place of the regular pork chop or ham bone.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serving: Serve hot in a bowl, garnished with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if desired. Pair it with a side of cornbread, coleslaw, or collard greens for a complete Southern meal.

Storage: Leftover beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating: Reheat the beans in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth if they seem too thick.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	92 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	23 kcal	N/A
Total Fat	2.6 g	4%
Saturated Fat	1.2 g	6%
Cholesterol	15.4 mg	5%
Sodium	723.4 mg	30%
Total Carbohydrate	9.5 g	3%
Dietary Fiber	3.2 g	12%
Sugars	0.1 g	0%
Protein	7.7 g	15%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and cooking methods.

Variations & Substitutions

Vegetarian/Vegan: Omit the pork chop or ham bone. Add a tablespoon of olive oil for richness. Consider adding smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. Ensure the butter used is a vegan butter substitute.
Spicy: Increase the amount of hot pepper flakes or add a chopped jalapeño pepper for more heat.
Herby: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage to the crock pot for a more aromatic flavor.
Different Beans: While this recipe calls for Great Northern beans, you can substitute other types of white beans, such as cannellini beans or navy beans. Cooking times may vary slightly.
Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always double-check the labels of your ingredients to ensure they are certified gluten-free if necessary.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?
A: While dried beans are recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use canned beans in a pinch. Reduce the cooking time significantly, as canned beans are already cooked. Add them to the crock pot during the last hour of cooking, along with the other ingredients.

Q: How do I prevent the beans from being too watery?
A: Avoid adding too much water at once. Add water gradually, only when necessary, to maintain a thick gravy. You can also remove the lid during the last hour of cooking to allow excess moisture to evaporate.

Q: Can I cook these beans in an Instant Pot?
A: Yes, you can adapt this recipe for an Instant Pot. Follow the instructions for soaking the beans (optional). Then, add all ingredients to the Instant Pot, cover with water, and cook on high pressure for 30-40 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release.

Q: How do I make the gravy thicker?
A: To thicken the gravy, remove the lid of the crock pot during the last hour of cooking to allow excess moisture to evaporate. You can also mash some of the beans against the side of the crock pot to release their starches, which will help thicken the gravy. A slurry of cornstarch and water can also be added near the end of cooking.

Q: Can I add tomatoes to this recipe?
A: Yes, you can add diced tomatoes or tomato sauce for a slightly different flavor profile. Add about 1 cup of diced tomatoes or 1/2 cup of tomato sauce to the crock pot along with the other ingredients.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you’ll give this recipe a try. It’s more than just a dish; it’s a piece of my heart, a taste of Southern comfort, and a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the seasonings and make it your own. And most importantly, share it with the people you love, creating memories that will last for generations. Pair it with a tall glass of sweet tea and some homemade cornbread, and let the flavors transport you to a place of pure culinary bliss. Enjoy!

Southern Great Northern Beans (Crock Pot Version) Recipe