Bojangles Pinto Beans Recipe

I love making these Bojangles-style pinto beans at home because they turn out creamy, smoky, and super comforting. Slow-simmered beans with onion, garlic, and simple seasonings create a hearty Southern side dish that pairs perfectly with rice, cornbread, or fried chicken.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 2

Total Time 2 30

Servings: 4 People

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Southern

Calories: 220

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

1 lb dried pinto beans soaked overnight if possible
1 tbsp olive oil for sautéing
3 slices bacon chopped for smoky flavor
1 medium onion finely chopped
3 cloves garlic minced
4 cups chicken broth or water
1 tsp Cajun seasoning adjust to taste
1
bay leaf optional
1/2 tsp black pepper freshly ground
to taste
salt add near the end

Equipment

1 Large Pot or Dutch Oven For simmering the beans
1 Cutting board For chopping vegetables
1 Sharp knife Makes prep easier
1 Wooden spoon For stirring beans
1 Measuring cups For broth and ingredients
1 Colander To rinse and drain beans

Method

Step 1

Sort through the dried pinto beans and remove any debris or damaged beans. Rinse them thoroughly under cold running water.

Step 2

Place the beans in a bowl and cover with water. Let them soak overnight for about 8 hours, then drain and rinse again before cooking.

Step 3

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until it begins releasing its fat.

Step 4

Add the chopped onion and cook for about 4–5 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.

Step 5

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 6

Add the soaked beans to the pot and mix them with the bacon and vegetables.

Step 7

Pour in the chicken broth and add the bay leaf, Cajun seasoning, and black pepper. Stir gently to combine.

Step 8

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and partially cover the pot.

Step 9

Let the beans simmer slowly for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until they become tender and creamy.

Step 10

Taste the broth and add salt if needed. If you prefer thicker beans, mash a few beans against the side of the pot and stir them back into the broth.

Step 11

Turn off the heat and allow the beans to rest for about 15 minutes before serving so the broth thickens naturally.

Notes

If you forget to soak the beans overnight, you can use the quick soak method by boiling them for 2 minutes and letting them sit for 1 hour.

For a vegetarian version, skip the bacon and add smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.

These beans taste even better the next day after the flavors have developed in the refrigerator.

Serve with warm cornbread, rice, or grilled sausage for a classic Southern meal.