Southern-Style Baked Black-Eyed Pea Casserole with Ham
A hearty Southern-inspired baked casserole featuring tender black-eyed peas and smoky ham, layered with sautéed onions, bell peppers, and seasoned with traditional spices, then topped with cheesy breadcrumbs for a comforting family dinner.
Ingredients
Check ingredients as you go.
- Main Ingredients
- Vegetables
- Cooking Ingredients
- Spices
- Dairy
- Topping
Let’s make it
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 2-quart casserole dish with a little olive oil.
Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and green bell pepper; sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Ham Mixture
Add diced smoked ham to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, to warm through and allow flavors to meld.
Mix Ingredients
Stir in the cooked black-eyed peas, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Cook and stir for 3 minutes to combine and warm everything evenly.
Cheesy Mixture
Remove skillet from heat. Stir in softened cream cheese and half of the shredded cheddar cheese until creamy and well combined.
Assembly
Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.
Topping
In a small bowl, mix bread crumbs with melted butter until combined. Sprinkle the buttered bread crumbs evenly over the cheese layer.
Baking
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is heated through with bubbling edges.
Serving
Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Southern-Style Baked Black-Eyed Pea Casserole with Ham!
Tips & notes
Make sure to drain and rinse canned black-eyed peas well to remove excess salt and improve flavor. If using dried peas, soak and cook them ahead of time. For a spicier kick, add extra cayenne or a dash of hot sauce.
Saving it for later
Store leftover casserole covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot throughout, about 2-3 minutes, stirring once halfway. Alternatively, reheat in a 175°C (350°F) oven covered with foil for 15-20 minutes.
