Great Northern Beans in the Crockpot
Warm, hearty, and full of flavor! This Great Northern Beans in the Crockpot recipe is a classic comfort dish that brings simple ingredients together into something truly satisfying. The slow cooker does all the work, creating tender beans infused with smoky ham flavor and a hint of sweetness from brown sugar.
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 ½ lb smoked ham hocks
- 1 lb Great Northern beans
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Pour the beans into the bottom of the Crockpot.
- Add the onion, ham hocks, and brown sugar on top.
- Cover the beans with about 2 inches of water.
- Cook on high for 2 hours.
- Reduce the heat to low and cook for an additional 4–5 hours, until the beans are tender and the broth is rich.
- Remove the ham hocks, shred off the meat, and return the ham pieces to the Crockpot.
- Stir everything together and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Pro Tips
- Soak your beans overnight for even softer texture and reduced cooking time.
- Add a bay leaf or a pinch of thyme for extra depth of flavor.
- If you prefer a creamier texture, mash a small portion of the beans before serving.
Serving Suggestions
These Great Northern Beans pair beautifully with cornbread, biscuits, or a side of collard greens. They also make a fantastic meal when served over rice for a hearty Southern-style dinner.