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–+ servings

Creamy Southern Butter Beans

Slow-simmered butter beans turn silky with smoky bacon, tender aromatics, and a splash of cream. Cozy Southern comfort in every spoonful.
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients
 

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb dried large lima beans (butter beans) picked over and rinsed
  • 6 oz thick-cut smoked bacon, chopped
  • 1.5 cup diced yellow onion
  • 0.75 cup diced celery
  • 3 tsp minced garlic
  • 6 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 cup water
  • 0.75 tsp dried thyme
  • 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 0.75 cup half-and-half
  • 1.25 tsp kosher salt more to taste
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar optional, for brightness
  • 1 tsp hot sauce optional, to taste
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • Quick-soak beans: cover with water, boil 2 minutes, cover, rest 1 hour, then drain.
  • Render bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crisp, about 8 minutes.
  • Sauté onion and celery in the bacon drippings until softened, 5 to 6 minutes.
  • Stir in garlic, thyme, and smoked paprika; cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  • Add drained beans, broth, and water. Bring to a gentle boil.
  • Reduce heat, partially cover, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until very tender, 60 to 75 minutes.
  • Mash a cup of beans against the pot to thicken the broth slightly.
  • Stir in butter and half-and-half. Simmer gently 10 to 15 minutes until creamy.
  • Season with salt, pepper, vinegar, and hot sauce to taste. Rest 5 minutes.
  • Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Notes

For a smokier pot, swap bacon for a small ham hock or smoked turkey wing and simmer with the beans. Want it meatless? Use olive oil instead of bacon and add another pinch of smoked paprika. Serve with cornbread or over rice to soak up the creamy broth. Leftovers keep 4 days refrigerated; thin with a splash of broth when reheating.
This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Creamy Southern Butter Beans flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.