I have tons of bean recipes, and I firmly believe you can’t have too many. They’ve been on my comfort food list since Auntie taught me how to make butter beans. So whenever the craving hits, I throw this recipe together. My auntie would be proud of me because I made her delicious butter bean recipe even better with more flavorful herbs. Bay leaves and thyme add a whole new level of excitement with their sensational taste. So let’s get started!
Recipe Ingredients
How to Make Butter Beans
Soak Beans – Pour butter beans into a large bowl, rinse under cold water, and remove debris or broken beans. Fill the bowl with 4 cups cold water, and let them sit overnight or for 8-12 hours. After soaking, drain the beans, rinse under cold water, and set aside. (Photo 1)Cook the Bacon – Heat a large 6- or 8-quart saucepan over medium-high. Add the bacon. Cook, stirring frequently, until it’s golden, 3-5 minutes. Transfer the crispy bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate and set it aside. (Photo 2)Sauté Veggies – Add the onion, carrots, bell pepper, celery, garlic, and thyme in the same cooking pot. Sauté for 5 minutes until the vegetables soften. (Photos 3-4)Seasonings – Next, add the drained beans, bay leaves, bouillon powder, Creole seasoning, and half of the cooked bacon into the pot, stirring to combine well. (Photo 5)Simmer – Then add the chicken broth and water and mix well. Bring it all to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 1-1½ hours until the butter beans are soft. Stir occasionally to distribute the starch evenly and make a nice, creamy broth. (Photo 6)Serve – Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed, gently mix, then remove from the heat. Sprinkle with finely chopped parsley, serve, and enjoy.
Recipe Variations
Tips and Tricks
Make Ahead Instructions
This butter bean recipe is even better the next day. So you can make it a day or two early, let it cool to room temperature, and store it in the fridge. Reheat and add the parsley when ready to serve.
Serving and Storage Instructions
You can serve butter beans hot off the stove as a side dish or the meal’s star player. Once leftovers cool, put them in an airtight container or freezer-safe resealable bag. They’ll keep in the fridge for 3 -5 days or three months in the freezer. To reheat, use a deep saucepan and heat it on low, occasionally stirring, until it bubbles. It’s probably better to defrost first in the fridge overnight, but sometimes I forget. So a little extra broth helps it thaw on the stovetop without burning.
What to Serve With Butter Beans
More Fantastic Bean Recipes to Try
Conclusion
This creamy and flavorful butter beans recipe is perfect for any weather. What’s your favorite comfort food? If you’d like more comfort food recipes, sign up for my newsletter. 😍
Watch How to Make It
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