Southern Speckled Butter Beans Recipe (2024)

In this post I am sharing a savory and delicious Southern Speckled Butter Beans Recipe.

What the heck are speckled butter beans? Speckled butter beans have been referred to as the creamier nuttier cousin to the lima bean.

All I know is that they are delicious and you will too! Speckled butter beans are a lovely brownish red color with freckles. I mean speckles.

They are usually found in the fresh frozen section at the grocery store. I’ve never seen these beans canned or dried in stores. Speckled butter beans are a gardener’s favorite though and you could preserve them at home as you wish.

Fresh frozen beans are wonderful because they cook up fast and are packed with garden fresh flavor. This variety of beans, like others, is perfect as a side or as the main meal itself with a few additional ingredients.

Savory Bean Soup

This savory bean recipe is a mighty fine meal with a few vegetables and smoked sausage added to the mix. It’s hearty and so nutritious. Serve with a slice of cornbread and you’re all set.

If you prefer to prepare speckled butter beans as a side, just cook them with some seasoning meat as you would with other beans.

As I mentioned, fresh frozen beans cook up faster than dried beans. The package directions will say to cook about half an hour. While they are technically done at they point, there is still a bit of bite to me.

I prefer to simmer the beans for about an hour so they are a bit more tender and creamy.

Speckled Butter Beans Recipe

As with most of my bean recipes, this one begins with a bit of bacon grease. It adds such a nice smoky flavor to this Southern Speckled Butter Beans Recipe.

Once the bacon fat has melted in a cooking pot add the onion and celery and saute about five minutes until tender.

At this point you’re ready to add your cooking liquids. I use a mix of chicken stock and water. You can certainly use all water if you don’t have stock on hand.

Stocks and broth add additional flavor to meals like this. Bring your beans to a boil then reduce the heat and simmer.

You’ll add the smoked sausage, if you’re using some, the last few minutes of cooking. It just needs to heat through and your hearty bean soup is ready to serve.

Beans are packed with protein and a great budget friendly meal. You can really stretch those grocery dollars with a bean soup meal.

Leftovers are also great. Just reheat and serve.

This recipe could be easily adapted for your slow cooker by following the same steps in your heated crockery then cooking on the high setting for two hours.

Printable Recipe Card

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You might also enjoy this Instant Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup from The Country Cook.