Easy One-Pan Hoppin’ John Rice Bake with Ham Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a deeper smoky flavor, consider adding a dash of liquid smoke or using a smoked ham hock broth. If you prefer a sharper onion flavor, reserve half of the green onions and stir them in fresh right before serving, rather than baking them all the way through with the rice.

If you find the rice is not quite tender enough, a quick trick is to place a damp paper towel over the surface of the rice before covering it with foil.

This adds an extra layer of moisture that helps finish the cooking process without needing to add more liquid directly to the pan, which could make the rice mushy.

Variations

• Spicy Hoppin' John: Add one tablespoon of diced jalapeño or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the rice base before adding the broth to introduce a subtle, warming heat to the dish.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace the ham with smoked tofu or extra black-eyed peas, and use a high-quality smoked vegetable broth to maintain the signature smoky flavor profile without using meat.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Reheat

Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) with a splash of broth until heated through, or microwave individual portions until steaming hot.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain moisture and prevent the rice from drying out in the refrigerator. Ensure the dish has cooled completely to room temperature before sealing the container, but do not leave it on the counter for more than two hours to ensure food safety.

You can assemble the rice, peas, and ham in the baking dish several hours in advance, but do not add the broth until you are ready to bake.

Adding the liquid too early will cause the rice to absorb the moisture and soften prematurely, which will result in a gummy texture when eventually cooked. Keep the assembled dish covered in the refrigerator until ready to pour the broth and bake.

Serving ideas

Serve this dish warm, ideally directly from the baking pan to keep it at an optimal temperature.

Because it is a hearty meal on its own, it pairs well with a simple side salad of crisp greens and a light vinaigrette to provide a refreshing contrast to the savory, smoky notes of the rice and ham.

For an added touch of texture, you can top the individual servings with a few extra fresh green onions or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

The acidity from the lemon helps to brighten the overall flavor profile of the dish and cuts through the richness of the ham, creating a more balanced and vibrant dining experience for everyone at the table.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Easy One-Pan Hoppin' John Rice Bake with Ham

Prep 10 minCook 45 minRest 5 minTotal 1 hServes 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups long-grain white rice
• 1 can (15 oz) black-eyed peas, drained
• 1 cup cooked ham, diced
• 4 cups chicken broth, infused with 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9x13 inch enameled rectangular baker, evenly spread the dry long-grain white rice, drained black-eyed peas, and the diced ham cubes across the bottom of the pan.
2. Pour the smoked paprika-tinted chicken broth over the rice mixture until it is just covered. Scatter the sliced green onions over the top. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
3. Remove the baker from the oven and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. This allows the steam to redistribute and ensures the rice remains light and fluffy before serving with a large spoon.

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

380

Protein

14.5 g

Carbohydrates

62 g

Fat

7.5 g

Fiber

5 g

Sugar

1.5 g

Sodium

850 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.