Copycat Bojangles Pinto Beans Recipe

Craving Bojangles Pinto Beans? This Copycat Bojangles Pinto Beans Recipe nails the smoky, savory taste.

It’s hearty and simple. Learn how to make Bojangles Pinto Beans at home. Perfect copycat recipe for comfort food fans!

My Story With This Comforting Copycat Bojangles Pinto Beans

I first tried Bojangles Pinto Beans on a road trip through the South. That smoky flavor hooked me. I missed it back home.

So, I experimented in my kitchen. Now, this recipe beats the drive-thru. My family loves it. It feels like a warm hug on cold days.

Equipment List

• Large pot.
• Wooden spoon.
• Cutting board.
• Sharp knife.
• Colander.
• Measuring cups.
• Can opener.

Recipe Overview

• Recipe Name: Copycat Bojangles Pinto Beans
• Servings: 8
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 90 mins
• Total Time: 105 mins
• Course: Side Dish
• Cuisine: Southern
• Calories: 220 kcal per serving

Ingredients for Copycat Bojangles Pinto Beans

• 1 lb dried pinto beans, rinsed.
• 1 smoked ham hock (or 1 cup diced ham).
• 1 large onion, diced.
• 3 garlic cloves, minced.
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped.
• 2 tbsp olive oil.
• 1 tbsp brown sugar.
• 1 tsp salt.
• 1/2 tsp black pepper.
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika.
• 6 cups water or chicken broth.
• 1 bay leaf.

Instructions for Copycat Bojangles Pinto Beans

1. Rinse the Beans

Pick through dried beans. Rinse under cold water. Remove any stones or bad beans.

2. Soak Overnight

Place beans in a bowl. Cover with 6 cups water. Soak 8 hours. Drain well.

3. Sauté the Veggies

Heat oil in pot over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, garlic. Cook until soft, about 5 minutes.

4. Add Beans and Ham

Stir in soaked beans and ham hock. Mix well with veggies for even flavor.

5. Season the Pot

Add brown sugar, salt, pepper, paprika, and bay leaf. Pour in broth or water.

6. Simmer Low and Slow

Bring to boil. Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer 1.5 hours. Stir occasionally.

7. Check and Thicken

Beans are tender when done. Remove ham hock, shred meat, return to pot. Mash some beans for thickness.

8. Final Taste and Serve

Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust salt. Serve hot with a smile.

Cooking Tips and Simple Recipe Variations

• Soak beans overnight for creamier texture.
• Use Instant Pot: Cook on high 45 minutes.
• Variation: Add bacon bits for extra smoke.
• Variation: Make spicy with cayenne pepper.
• Low-sodium broth keeps it healthy.
• Stir gently to avoid breaking beans.
• Double batch freezes great.

Little History Behind This Comfort Food

Pinto beans are a Southern staple since pioneer days. Bojangles made them famous with smoky ham twists.

Native Americans grew them first. Cowboys carried them on trails. Slow cooking tenderizes and builds flavor. It’s cheap, filling soul food.

What to Serve With This Dish

Pair with fried chicken or cornbread. Add coleslaw for crunch.

Try mac and cheese. Green beans or biscuits work too. Iced tea completes the meal.

Occasion or Event Ideas

Perfect for potlucks and barbecues. Great for game day parties. Family Sunday dinners love it.

Tailgates or picnics. Holiday sides shine. Weeknight easy win.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Cool completely before storing.
• Fridge in airtight container up to 5 days.
• Freeze in portions up to 3 months.
• Reheat on stovetop with splash of water.
• Microwave covered, stir halfway.
• Tastes better next day.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	220 kcal
Protein	14g
Fat	4g
Carbs	35g
Fiber	12g
Iron	20% DV
Potassium	15% DV

Is This Dish Good for You?

Yes! Copycat Bojangles Pinto Beans offer plant protein and fiber. They aid digestion and keep you full.

Ham adds flavor without excess fat. Low calories fit any diet. Beans lower cholesterol. Packed with iron for energy. Eat often for heart health.

Read more : Brenda Gantt Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe

FAQs about Copycat Bojangles Pinto Beans

Can I skip soaking for this recipe?
Yes, quick-soak: Boil beans 2 minutes, sit 1 hour. Drain. Still creamy results with less wait time.

How to make Bojangles Pinto Beans vegetarian?
Swap ham for smoked paprika and liquid smoke. Use veggie broth. Tastes just as smoky and rich.

Are these beans spicy like the original?
Mild and savory. Add hot sauce or jalapeños if you want heat. Family-friendly as is.

What if I use canned beans for Ingredients for Copycat Bojangles Pinto Beans?
Drain 4 cans. Simmer 30 minutes only. Adjust salt—canned have more. Quick weeknight hack.

Does this Copycat Bojangles Pinto Beans Recipe freeze well?
Absolutely. Portion into bags. Thaw overnight. Reheats like fresh. Stock your freezer.

Final Thoughts

This Copycat Bojangles Pinto Beans Recipe brings fast-food joy home. Smoky, tender, and oh-so-easy. Whip it up tonight.

You’ll wonder why you waited. Share your potluck stories below. Cook on, friends!