Creamy Butter Beans

Welcome to a culinary journey into the heart of Southern comfort food with our definitive guide to crafting the most exquisite Creamy Butter Beans. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s an homage to a cherished tradition, a dish that has graced tables for generations, offering warmth, nourishment, and a taste of home. Our Southern-style butter beans recipe utilizes humble dried lima beans, slow-cooked to creamy perfection with your choice of savory smoked meat, be it turkey, ham, or salt pork. The result is a deeply flavorful, impossibly tender bean dish that simply begs to be paired with a generous slice of classic buttermilk cornbread.

Growing up in a Southern household, beans and cornbread weren’t just meals; they were weekly rituals, often making an appearance twice a week. The comforting aroma of a pot of beans simmering on the stove was a constant in our home. As I’ve gotten older, the wisdom behind this tradition has become abundantly clear: dried beans offer incredible value, providing a substantial, wholesome meal for a standard-sized family on a budget. A single pound of dried beans, costing less than a dollar, can transform into a feast.

This traditional, budget-friendly meal shares its preparation philosophy with other beloved Southern staples, echoing the methods used in my Southern Black Eyed Peas and Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice recipes. It’s a testament to simple ingredients yielding profound flavors.

What Are Butter Beans? Butter Beans vs Lima Beans

Let’s clear up a common question right away: butter beans are indeed lima beans! These terms are often used interchangeably, particularly in the American South, where “butter beans” is the preferred name. You’ll find them labeled as “lima beans” in most grocery stores and on packaging. These versatile legumes are celebrated for their distinctly buttery and creamy texture, a characteristic that makes them so beloved in Southern cuisine.

While deeply rooted in Southern culinary traditions, butter beans actually trace their origins much further south, specifically to Peru in South America. From there, they traveled north, finding a new home and identity in the kitchens of the American South. There are several varieties of lima beans, including small “baby limas” and larger “Fordhook” limas, both of which work wonderfully in this recipe, offering slightly different textures but the same rich flavor potential.

On their own, butter beans possess a mild, delicate flavor, making them an ideal canvas for absorbing the robust tastes of whatever ingredients they are cooked with. This characteristic is precisely why Southerners traditionally pair them with intensely flavorful smoked meats. Beyond being slow-cooked in a pot, butter/lima beans are a star ingredient in a variety of dishes such as hearty soups, warming stews, comforting casseroles, and the classic Southern succotash. Their creamy consistency and ability to meld with other flavors make them an invaluable asset in any kitchen. You can delve deeper into the fascinating relationship between Butter Beans vs Lima Beans here.

The Heart of the Flavor: Smoked Meats and Seasoning

The secret to truly authentic Southern butter beans lies in the infusion of rich, smoky flavor, typically achieved through the addition of cured or smoked meats. For this particular recipe, I often opt for a smoked turkey wing or turkey leg. These cuts are fantastic for imparting a deep, savory essence without being overly greasy. While sometimes a bit of a hunt, you can typically find them in the meat or deli section of your local grocery store. Don’t hesitate to ask your butcher if you can’t spot them right away.

If smoked turkey isn’t readily available or you prefer an alternative, there are several other traditional and equally delicious options:

• Ham Hocks: A quintessential Southern choice, ham hocks bring an unparalleled depth of smoky, porky flavor and contribute to a rich, gelatinous broth.
• Diced Ham: Leftover ham, especially from a holiday roast, is perfect for adding savory chunks of meat throughout the beans.
• Salt Pork: This cured pork product is another traditional choice, providing a salty, umami kick that enhances the beans beautifully.
• Bacon: Crispy bacon bits (or the rendered fat) offer a familiar and beloved smoky flavor. If using bacon, render it first and sauté your aromatics in the bacon fat for an extra layer of taste.

The choice of meat significantly influences the final flavor profile, so select one that appeals to your palate. Whichever you choose, it will lend an incredible depth that elevates the humble butter bean to a culinary masterpiece.

To Soak or Not to Soak: The Great Bean Debate

This recipe calls for dried beans, and while cooking them from their dry state is entirely possible, pre-soaking them offers significant advantages, primarily reducing the overall cooking time and ensuring a more even, tender result. You have two primary methods for soaking:

1. Overnight Soak (Traditional Method): Simply place your dried beans in a large bowl, cover them generously with water (at least two to three inches above the beans), and let them soak at room temperature overnight, typically for 8-12 hours. This slow rehydration process softens the beans thoroughly.
2. Quick Soak Method: For a faster approach, combine the dried beans with plenty of water in a large pot on the stove. Bring the water to a rolling boil, then remove the pot from the heat, cover it, and let the beans soak for at least one hour. This method achieves a similar softening effect in a fraction of the time.

Beyond reducing cook time, soaking dried beans can also help in breaking down some of the complex sugars (oligosaccharides) that can sometimes lead to digestive discomfort. While not strictly mandatory, skipping the pre-soak will inevitably extend your cooking time by several hours, potentially requiring anywhere from 4 to 6 hours or more to achieve the desired tenderness. Planning ahead with a soak ensures a smoother, more predictable cooking experience.

Crafting the Perfect Pot of Southern Butter Beans

Making a truly memorable pot of Southern butter beans is a labor of love, but one that rewards you with an incredibly comforting and flavorful dish. The magic happens during the slow simmer, where the beans transform from humble dried legumes into a creamy, savory delight, absorbing all the wonderful flavors around them. Here’s a detailed look at the process, with full measurements provided in the recipe card below:

1. Prepare Your Beans: As discussed, start by soaking your dried lima beans using either the overnight method or the quick soak method. This crucial step significantly cuts down on cooking time and ensures optimal tenderness. Once soaked, drain and rinse them thoroughly.
2. Aromatic Foundation: Begin by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a sturdy Dutch oven or a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add your finely chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté these aromatics gently until they become translucent and fragrant, releasing their sweet and pungent notes, which form the foundational layer of flavor for your beans.
3. Combine and Conquer: Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring there’s enough liquid to completely cover the beans. Add the pre-soaked lima beans, your chosen smoked turkey (or other smoked meat), a generous teaspoon of Creole seasoning for that authentic Southern kick, and a bay leaf to infuse a subtle herbaceous note. Give everything a good stir to combine.
4. The Slow Simmer: Bring the pot to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot with a lid, allowing the beans to simmer slowly. This slow-cooking process is key to developing their creamy texture and deep, complex flavor.
5. Cook to Perfection: Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the beans reach your desired level of tenderness. This typically takes anywhere from 1 ½ to 3 hours, depending on whether you prefer them firm, soft, or luxuriously mushy. Remember, patience is a virtue here; don’t rush the process.
6. Final Adjustments: Once the beans are tender, remove the lid. Carefully take out the bay leaf and the smoked turkey. If you enjoy meat in every bite, use two forks to shred the turkey meat and return it to the pot. Taste the beans and adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. The flavors will have deepened beautifully.

Serve your creamy butter beans warm, ideally with a slotted spoon to ensure you get plenty of those delicious beans and their flavorful broth. Allow them to cool slightly before serving, as the flavors will continue to meld and deepen.

Choosing Your Broth: The Flavor Foundation

The liquid you choose for cooking your butter beans plays a significant role in the overall flavor of the finished dish. While water can certainly be used, opting for a flavorful broth will impart an extra layer of richness and depth that truly enhances the beans. I personally prefer using chicken broth or chicken stock for its savory profile, which complements the smoked meat beautifully.

However, the choice is yours, and various broths offer different nuances:

• Chicken Broth/Stock: My go-to for its balanced savory notes. Stock, being thicker and more gelatinous, might yield an even richer texture.
• Vegetable Broth: An excellent option for those looking to keep the dish vegetarian or vegan (when combined with other substitutions, of course). It provides a clean, earthy flavor that allows the beans to shine.
• Ham Stock: If you’ve boiled a ham hock or ham bone separately, using that homemade ham stock would be incredibly flavorful and authentic.
• Water: While less flavorful, water can be used. Just be prepared to add more seasoning to compensate for the lack of savory notes from a broth. You might consider adding a bouillon cube or powder for an extra flavor boost if using water.

Ultimately, select a broth that aligns with your dietary preferences and desired flavor intensity. Using a high-quality broth can make all the difference in achieving truly exceptional butter beans.

Achieving Ideal Tenderness: Cook Time Explained

The cooking time for butter beans is not an exact science, as it depends largely on two factors: whether the beans were pre-soaked and your personal preference for texture. Some people enjoy their beans with a slight bite, others prefer them melt-in-your-mouth soft, and some even love them lusciously mushy, which is often considered the hallmark of truly “creamy” Southern beans.

After pre-soaking, dried butter beans will typically require anywhere from 1 ½ to 3 hours of simmering on medium-low heat. Here’s how to gauge doneness and troubleshoot:

• For Firmer Beans: Start checking around the 1 ½-hour mark. The beans should be tender but still hold their shape distinctly.
• For Soft, Creamy Beans (My Preference): I aim for just under 2 hours. The beans should be tender throughout, with a creamy interior, but not falling apart.
• For Mushy Beans: If you desire a thicker, almost pureed consistency that easily mashes, continue cooking for the full 3 hours or slightly longer. Some cooks even mash a portion of the beans against the side of the pot to thicken the broth.

How to Test for Doneness:
Frequently check on your beans during the cooking process. The easiest way to test for doneness is to carefully remove a single bean from the pot using a spoon, allow it to cool slightly, and then mash it with a fork or spoon. If it mashes easily with minimal resistance, they’re done. If you feel hard centers, they need more time.

Factors Affecting Cook Time:

Beyond soaking, the age of your dried beans can impact cook time (older beans take longer) and even the hardness of your water can play a role. Always cook until the beans reach the texture you enjoy most.

Fresh, Frozen, or Canned: Which Beans to Use?

While this recipe specifically focuses on dried lima beans, it’s worth understanding the characteristics and preparation methods for fresh and frozen varieties, as they can also be incorporated into your cooking with slight adjustments.

Fresh Butter Beans

If you’re lucky enough to find fresh butter beans in their pods, preparing them is a bit more hands-on but incredibly rewarding. You’ll need to shell them, which means opening each pod and extracting the individual beans. Typically, one pound of unshelled fresh beans will yield about 2 cups of shelled beans. Freshly shelled butter beans are best used within a day for optimal flavor and texture. A crucial safety note: **butter beans should never be eaten raw** as they contain high levels of a naturally occurring compound that, in its raw form, can be toxic. Always cook them thoroughly.

Frozen Lima Beans

Frozen lima beans offer convenience and often come pre-cooked or blanched, meaning they don’t require the extensive soaking or initial preparation steps of their dried counterparts. They are a fantastic shortcut if you’re short on time. Simply defrost them before adding them to your pot. Since they cook much faster, you might want to cook your smoked meat in broth for a period to develop its flavor before introducing the defrosted frozen beans for a shorter simmer time.

Canned Lima Beans

Canned lima beans are the quickest option of all. They are already cooked and ready to eat, though they won’t offer the same depth of flavor as dried beans cooked from scratch. If using canned beans, rinse them thoroughly to remove excess sodium and any canning liquid. The best approach is to prepare your smoked meat and aromatics in broth for about an hour or two to build flavor, then add the rinsed canned beans for only the last 15-30 minutes of simmering, just long enough for them to heat through and absorb some of the delicious broth.

Scaling Your Recipe

This recipe is incredibly adaptable, making it easy to adjust for different crowd sizes. Whether you’re cooking for a small family or feeding a large gathering, scaling the recipe is straightforward.

To Double the Recipe: Simply double all the ingredient quantities, including the dried lima beans, broth, and seasonings. When it comes to the smoked turkey or other smoked meat, you can either use two smaller pieces or opt for one slightly larger piece (around 2 to 3 pounds). The key is to ensure enough meat to flavor the increased volume of beans. Interestingly, doubling the recipe for dried beans typically won’t significantly alter the cook time. The beans will still require roughly the same 1 ½ to 3 hours to become tender, as the cooking process is more about the individual bean’s rehydration and softening than the total volume in the pot.

To Halve the Recipe: Reduce all ingredients by half. This is perfect for smaller households or when you want a quick side dish. Again, the cooking time for the dried beans will remain largely similar, but keep a closer eye on the liquid levels.

Always ensure your pot is large enough to accommodate the increased volume if doubling, and remember to cover the beans sufficiently with broth, adding more if needed during the simmering process.

Vegan or Vegetarian Butter Beans

Transforming this rich, flavorful dish into a delicious vegan or vegetarian meal is quite simple, requiring just a few thoughtful substitutions to maintain that coveted depth of flavor and creamy texture.

Here’s how to adapt the recipe:

1. Omit Smoked Meat: The most obvious step is to entirely skip the smoked turkey leg, ham hocks, or any other meat.
2. Choose Vegetable Broth: Instead of chicken broth, use a high-quality vegetable broth. Look for a robust, savory broth to provide a strong flavor base. Mushroom broth can also be an excellent choice, as it offers a natural umami depth.
3. Add Smokiness: To compensate for the missing smoky flavor from the meat, incorporate the following:
   • Smoked Paprika: Add ½ to 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika (Pimentón de la Vera) to the pot along with the other seasonings. Its deep, smoky flavor is a fantastic substitute.
   • Liquid Smoke (Optional): For an even more intense smoky aroma, a few drops of liquid smoke can be added, but use sparingly as it’s potent.
4. Enhance Umami and Spice:
   • Red Pepper Flakes: For a subtle kick and enhanced flavor, add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Adjust to your spice preference.
   • Nutritional Yeast: A tablespoon or two of nutritional yeast can add a cheesy, savory, and umami depth that is often appreciated in vegan cooking.
   • Mushrooms: Sautéing finely chopped mushrooms (like cremini or shiitake) with the onions and garlic can add an earthy, umami base.
5. Aromatics: Don’t skimp on the onions and garlic. You can also add other aromatics like chopped celery and bell peppers (the “holy trinity” of Cajun/Creole cooking) for a more complex flavor profile.

By following these simple steps, you can create a pot of vegan or vegetarian butter beans that is just as comforting, flavorful, and satisfying as its traditional counterpart, making it accessible for everyone to enjoy this Southern classic.

Storage and Freezing for Future Feasts

One of the many wonderful aspects of Southern butter beans is how well they store, making them an excellent candidate for meal prepping or simply enjoying delicious leftovers. In fact, many people find that the flavors deepen and improve the day after cooking!

Refrigeration Tips:

Once your butter beans have cooled to room temperature, transfer them to an airtight container. They will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. Ensure they are tightly covered to prevent them from drying out or absorbing other odors from the fridge. When reheating, you might need to add a splash of extra broth or water to restore their creamy consistency, as the beans will absorb some liquid during storage.

Freezer Tips:

For longer storage, butter beans are an absolute dream for freezing. They can be frozen for up to 9 months, offering a convenient “grab and go” meal option for busy days. This is an excellent hack for always having delicious, home-cooked comfort food on hand.

To freeze them effectively:

1. Cool Completely: Allow the cooked butter beans to cool completely before portioning. Freezing hot food can lower your freezer’s temperature and impact other stored items.
2. Portion Smartly: Divide the beans into individual or family-sized portions. This makes thawing and reheating much more convenient, allowing you to take out only what you need.
3. Keep the Broth: I highly recommend freezing the beans along with their cooking liquid. The broth is packed with flavor and helps keep the beans moist, ensuring they are just as delicious after defrosting.
4. Choose the Right Container: Use freezer-safe airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. If using bags, lay them flat for quicker freezing and easier stacking, and press out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
5. Thawing and Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen beans overnight in the refrigerator or gently reheat them from frozen on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little extra broth or water as needed until warmed through and creamy again.

With these storage and freezing tips, you can enjoy the hearty goodness of Southern butter beans whenever the craving strikes!

Perfect Pairings: With Cornbread

No Southern butter beans meal is complete without a side of warm, crumbly cornbread. The slightly sweet or savory cornbread perfectly complements the creamy, savory beans, offering a textural contrast and a delightful way to soak up all that flavorful broth. Here are some fantastic cornbread recipes to complete your meal:

• Homemade Southern Cornbread: The quintessential choice for a truly authentic experience.
• Cornbread Muffins: Perfect for individual servings and easy portion control.
• Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread: Adds a zesty, cheesy kick that elevates the classic.
• Honey Cornbread: A touch of sweetness to balance the savory notes of the beans.
• Air Fryer Cornbread: For a quick and convenient twist on a classic.
• Southern Cornbread Dressing: A holiday staple that can elevate any meal.
• Pumpkin Cornbread: A seasonal variation offering a hint of earthy sweetness.
• Cornbread Casserole: A hearty, comforting dish in its own right, perfect for a larger gathering.
• Sweet Potato Cornbread: A unique and subtly sweet option that pairs surprisingly well.

Delightful Side Dish Companions

While butter beans and cornbread are a meal unto themselves, they also serve as a fantastic centerpiece that pairs beautifully with a variety of other Southern-inspired side dishes. These accompaniments enhance the overall dining experience, offering different textures and flavors to complement the creamy richness of the beans.

• Southern Baked Mac and Cheese: The ultimate creamy, cheesy indulgence that’s a staple at any Southern table.
• Slow Cooker Crockpot Pinto Beans: For bean lovers, another comforting bean dish offering a different flavor profile.
• Ham Hocks and Beans: A rustic and savory pairing that doubles down on the rich, meaty flavors.
• Southern Collard Greens: Tender, smoky greens provide a fresh, slightly bitter contrast that cuts through the richness of the beans.
• Southern Turnip Greens: Similar to collards, turnip greens offer another hearty, flavorful green option.
• Southern Sweet Potato Casserole: A sweet and savory dish that brings a lovely balance to the meal.
• Southern Mustard Greens: With a slightly peppery bite, these greens offer another delicious complement.
• Southern Green Beans: Simple, tender green beans, often cooked with a bit of bacon or ham, are a classic choice.
• Southern Coleslaw Recipe: A refreshing, crunchy side that provides a cool contrast to warm, savory dishes.
• Southern Baked Beans: A sweeter, tangier bean dish that complements the savory butter beans.
• Southern Potato Salad: Creamy and tangy, it’s a perfect cold side for a hearty meal.
• Easy Spaghetti Salad: A unique, lighter side offering a different texture and flavor.

Butter Beans Recipe

By Brandi Crawford

This Creamy Southern Butter Beans Recipe features tender dried lima beans, slow-cooked to perfection with your choice of savory smoked turkey, ham, or salt pork. A true taste of classic Southern comfort, this budget-friendly dish is an ideal companion to homemade buttermilk cornbread. Enjoy a bowl of these rich, creamy legumes that bring warmth and flavor to any table, perfect for a cozy family meal or a festive gathering.

Prep Time
1 hour

Cook Time
2 hours

Total Time
3 hours

Course
Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine
American, Southern

Servings
10 servings

Calories
167 kcal

Equipment

• Cast Iron Dutch Oven
• Slotted Spoon

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 cup chopped white onion
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 5-6 cups chicken broth (use enough to fully cover the beans)
• 1 pound bag dried lima beans (rinsed)
• 1 smoked turkey leg (about 1 to 1 ½ pounds, fully cooked. You can find turkey legs and wings at most grocers. See notes for substitutions.)
• 1 teaspoon Creole Seasoning
• 1 bay leaf

Instructions

1. Soak the Beans: Fill a Dutch oven or soup pot with water (enough to cover the lima beans) and place it on the stove to boil. Once the water has boiled, remove it from the heat and add the lima beans. Allow the beans to soak for 1 hour, then drain and rinse them thoroughly. This step significantly reduces cooking time.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Place the Dutch oven or soup pot back on medium-high heat and add the olive oil. When hot, add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent and fragrant, typically 3-5 minutes.
3. Combine Ingredients: Add in the chicken broth, the soaked and drained lima beans, the smoked turkey leg, Creole seasoning, and the bay leaf. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
4. Simmer to Perfection: Place the lid on the pot and lower the heat to medium-low. Allow the beans to simmer for 1 ½ to 3 hours, or until they are soft and creamy. The exact time will depend on your desired texture; check frequently by mashing a bean with a spoon or fork.
5. Final Touches: Once the beans reach your preferred tenderness, open the pot. Carefully remove and discard the bay leaf and the smoked turkey leg. If you enjoy meat in your beans, use two forks to shred the turkey meat from the bone and return the shredded turkey to the pot. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
6. Serve: Allow the butter beans to cool slightly before serving. I recommend using a slotted spoon to serve, ensuring you get plenty of beans and their rich liquid.

Recipe Notes

• Not soaking the beans in advance will likely add a couple of hours to your cook time. Always rinse dried beans first to remove any surface dirt or debris.
• Bean Texture Preference: Decide how you like your beans – firm, soft, or mushy. Check them frequently while they cook. They typically need anywhere from 1 ½ hours to 3 hours depending on your preference. I prefer mine cooked for about 2 hours, making them soft but not overly mushy.
• Smoked Meat Substitutions: You can absolutely use other smoked meats such as ham hocks, a leftover ham bone, salt pork, country ham, or even bacon. If using bacon, render it first in the pot, then omit the olive oil and sauté the onions and garlic in the bacon fat for extra flavor.
• Scaling the Recipe: To double the recipe, simply double all ingredients. You can use the same amount of smoked turkey or opt for a slightly larger piece. The cooking time for dried beans will remain largely the same.
• Seasoning Variation: Feel free to substitute Creole seasoning with your favorite spice blend or simple seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne for heat.
• Fresh Beans: If using fresh beans, you’ll need to shell them first (about 2 cups shelled per pound of unshelled pods). Remember, butter beans should never be eaten raw due to naturally occurring compounds.
• Frozen Beans: Frozen lima beans are usually pre-cooked and don’t require soaking. Defrost them before use. Since they cook faster, you might cook your smoked meat in broth for an hour or so before adding the defrosted beans for the last segment of cooking.
• Canned Beans: Canned beans cook very quickly. If using them, cook your smoked turkey or meat in broth for a couple of hours separately to build flavor, then add the rinsed canned beans only for the last 15-30 minutes of simmering to heat through and absorb flavors.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 serving
Calories: 167 kcal
Carbohydrates: 14 g
Protein: 15 g
Fat: 3 g

Nutrition Data

Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.