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Homemade Bojangles Pinto Beans - A perfectly made beans on my kitchen table.

Bojangles Pinto Beans Recipe

A comforting Southern-style copycat of Bojangles pinto beans made with slow-simmered beans, smoky flavor, and simple pantry ingredients. Creamy, hearty, and perfect as a side dish for fried chicken or biscuits.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Resting Time 20 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Appetizer, Dinner, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Copycat Restaurant Recipe, Southern
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups dried pinto beans
  • 6 cups water (plus more for soaking)
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 strips bacon, chopped (or smoked turkey)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
  • 1 bay leaf (optional)

Equipment

  • Large soaking bowl
  • Heavy-bottom pot or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Rinse and soak pinto beans overnight in plenty of water.
  2. Cook bacon in a heavy pot until lightly crisp. Add onion and cook until soft.
  3. Stir in garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
  4. Remove extra water and add beans to the pot with fresh water & seasonings.
  5. Simmer on low heat for 2–3 hours until beans are tender and creamy.
  6. Add salt near the end, rest for 20 minutes, then serve warm.

Notes

  • Always add salt at the end to avoid tough beans
  • Beans taste even better the next day
  • For vegetarian beans, skip the meat and add smoked paprika
  • Adjust thickness by mashing a few beans before serving