Cracker Barrel Pinto Beans Recipe is a recipe that uses dried pinto beans soaked overnight. The beans are cooked gently with onions and garlic, and sometimes a ham hock or some bacon for added flavor.

The beans are super flavorful and creamy, and the flavors complement each other as you cook. They are sprinkled with salt and pepper, and sometimes cayenne pepper for an extra kick.

The result is a rich, full-flavored, creamy consistency dish that is traditionally served as a side dish to serve alongside Southern-style foods like fried chicken, cornbread, or collard greens.

What will you like about it?

That’s a warm, comforting dish that can fill you up, bite after bite, perfect for family meals or nights out with friends.

You can adapt the Cracker Barrel Pinto Beans recipe to whatever seasonings and flavorings you prefer—cayenne pepper if you want more heat or liquid smoke for a little depth of flavor.

You can serve this dish alongside something more filling; grilled or smoked sausage is a great option. Its strong flavor and meaty bite provide an excellent complement to the rich beans.

If, however, you want something a bit lighter, a crunchy coleslaw with a sharp dressing and crisp vegetables will give a welcome contrast to the dense beans.

How to make Cracker Barrel Pinto Beans Recipe

I just love to prepare these Cracker Barrel Pinto Beans at home; they are warm and like the filling meals that I enjoy at Cracker Barrel’s Old Country Store.

To preserve cooked Cracker Barrel Pinto Beans, start by cooling them to room temperature. After cooling, place the beans in an airtight jar or sealed plastic bag. Refrigerate the beans and consume them within 4-5 days for best taste and quality.

Before serving, reheat the beans on the stove or in the microwave until completely hot. A splash of water or broth during reheating can prevent sticking and keep them moist.

Ingredients

Dried pinto beans = 1 pound
Water = 6 cups
Onion, chopped = 1 medium
Garlic, minced = 2 cloves
Ham hock = 1 (or 1/2-pound bacon, chopped)
Salt = 1 teaspoon
Black pepper (according to taste)
Cayenne pepper (according to taste)
Vegetable oil = 1 tablespoon

Step by step instructions to make Cracker Barrel Pinto Beans

Prepare the beans:

After rinsing the dry pinto beans quickly in cold water, place them in a large vessel. Soak the beans for eight hours or overnight by covering them with water. Before use, drain and rinse.

Cooking the Beans:

Step 1

Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot on medium flame.

Step 2

Add chopped onion and minced garlic and keep stirring until translucent and fragrant. If using ham hocks or diced bacon, add to the saucepan. Cook the bacon until it becomes crispy, or wait for the ham hock to be browned.

Step 3

Now put the drained pinto beans and 6 cups of water into the pot.

Step 4

Boil the mixture on high heat. Slow down the heat for about two hours and let the Beans simmer uncovered. Keep stirring in between. Remove the foam that appears on the top of it.

Step 5

Keep checking the tenderness of the beans. Be careful that the beans are tender but not mushy. If necessary, heat them until they attain the required texture.

Seasoning:

Once the beans are heated, add the desired amount of salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.

Recipe Variations

Beans

You can use beans of any other kind if you want to replace the pinto beans.

Garlic powder and onion powder

Fresh garlic and onions can be skipped and dried, or a powder version can also be used.

Herbs

Herbs like oregano or thyme can provide a natural flavor and a fragrant boost to the recipe.

Mash a portion of the beans

It helps create a creamier texture naturally.

Cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water)

If you prefer a thicker consistency, add a mixture of one tablespoonful of cornstarch and two tablespoons of water.

Recipe Tips

To the seasoning, try adding a teaspoon of liquid smoke. This could improve the bean’s rich and smoky flavor.
For a creamier consistency, try mashing some of the beans. It will act as a natural thickening process and provide you with a ‌creamier experience.
You can skip the bacon and ham hocks in the recipe and make it completely vegetarian. Add a vegetable stock cube or vegetable bouillon for a rich and savory taste.

For added taste and texture, mix the onions and garlic with chopped bell peppers, celery, or carrots. These veggies give the dish depth and go well with the beans.

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