Bojangles Pinto Beans Recipe

We’ve tried lots of pinto beans over the years, but the ones from Bojangles? Oh wow-they really hit different. We’ve made this recipe over and over, and let me tell you, it tastes just like the real deal. So, if you’re craving that smoky Southern flavor, you’re in the right spot.

The Bojangles Pinto Beans recipe is a Southern-style bean dish made with pinto beans, smoky seasoning, and a mild heat. It is served as a side and pairs well with cornbread, rice, Trader Joe’s Branzino, or fried chicken. It can be made using canned or dried beans.

Stick around, ’cause we’re sharing exactly how to make it taste just like the one from the restaurant-plus a few tricks that make it even better.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Bojangles Pinto Beans?

This Bojangles Pinto Beans recipe is everything you love about Southern comfort food-warm, smoky, and packed with bold, hearty flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, it’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and totally satisfying.

The rich blend of Cajun spices, tender beans, and savory broth brings out deep, soulful flavors in every bite. Plus, it’s customizable-add jalapeños for heat or vinegar for tang. You can use dried or canned beans, so it’s flexible for busy days. One taste, and you’ll be making this Southern favorite again and again. It’s that good!

Key Ingredients for Perfect Bojangles Pinto Beans Recipe

• 1 lb dried pinto beans (or 2 cans, drained and rinsed)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeño, diced (optional, for a little heat)
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for a tangy kick)
• Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Must-Have Kitchen Tools

1. Large pot or Dutch oven
2. Wooden spoon or spatula
3. Knife and cutting board
4. Measuring spoons
5. Ladle or serving spoon
6. Colander (for draining beans)

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours (for dried beans) or 30 minutes (for canned beans)
Yield: Serves 6–8

Copycat Bojangles Pinto Beans Recipe

1. Prep the Beans
If you’re using dried beans, soak them overnight or for at least 6–8 hours. Drain and rinse well. If you’re using canned beans, just rinse and drain to get rid of the extra sodium.

2. Sauté the Good Stuff
In your pot, heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and jalapeño (if you like things spicy) and let them cook for about 5 minutes until soft. Add in the minced garlic and stir it for another minute until it smells amazing.

3. Add the Spice
Now it’s time to spice it up! Add paprika, cumin, chili powder, Cajun seasoning, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir it all around and let the spices toast for a minute. This step brings out those deep flavors.

4. Cook the Beans
Pour in the broth and add your beans along with the bay leaf. If using dried beans: Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 1.5–2 hours until the beans are tender. If using canned beans: Let them simmer uncovered for 20–30 minutes so all the flavors can come together.

5. Taste and Finish
Give the beans a taste and add salt as needed. If you want a little tang, stir in some apple cider vinegar at the end. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Scoop into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley if you like. Serve it hot and enjoy every cozy bite.

Pro Tips for First-Time Success on This Bojangles Pinto Beans Recipe

1. Soak the dried beans overnight.
I always soak my dried beans the night before. It helps them cook faster and makes them softer. If I forget, I just soak them in hot water for an hour or two while I prep other things.

2. Don’t skip the onion and garlic.
These little guys add so much flavor. I always cook them until they smell really good-that’s when you know it’s time to add the spices!

3. Want more heat? Use the jalapeño.
Sometimes I feel like adding a little kick, so I toss in a chopped jalapeño. If you don’t like spice, you can leave it out. Totally up to you!

4. Toast your spices.
I like to stir the spices into the onions before adding the broth. It makes the beans taste richer, kind of smoky. Just let the spices sizzle for about a minute.

5. Use good broth.
I always go for chicken broth, but veggie broth works great too. It gives the beans a deeper flavor than just using water.

6. Let it simmer low and slow.
When I use dried beans, I let them cook gently for about 2 hours. I just check on them every so often and give ’em a stir.

7. Canned beans are great for saving time.
If I’m in a hurry, I use canned beans. It still tastes delicious, and it’s done in about 30 minutes. Super easy!

8. A splash of vinegar wakes it up.
Just a spoon of apple cider vinegar at the end makes everything pop. It adds a little zing that balances all the spices.

9. Don’t forget to taste.
I always taste my beans before serving. Sometimes they need a little more salt or spice. A quick taste test fixes everything.

Creative Serving Ideas for This Bojangles Pinto Beans

1. Piled High Over Steamed Rice
You can’t go wrong with this classic. Spoon those smoky beans right over a fluffy bed of white or brown rice. It soaks up all that flavorful broth, and honestly, it makes a full meal all by itself. We’ve done this for weeknight dinners more times than we can count.

2. Tucked Inside a Warm Cornbread Bowl
Yep, we hollowed out a big ol’ hunk of Yard House Steak Bowl and filled it up with pinto beans. Game-changer. The sweet, crumbly cornbread mixed with those savory, spicy beans? Pure comfort food magic.

3. On the Side of Fried Chicken
This is our go-to Sunday dinner combo. You’ve got that crispy, golden chicken and then a scoop of pinto beans right next to it. It feels like something you’d get from your grandma’s kitchen.

4. Rolled Up in a Burrito
One day we had leftovers and decided to wrap the beans up in a flour tortilla with some rice, shredded cheese, and a little sour cream. It was like a homemade bean burrito, and honestly-it might’ve been better than takeout.

5. Topped with a Fried Egg
Trust us on this one. Take your bowl of pinto beans, fry up an egg with crispy edges, and place it right on top. When that yolk breaks into the beans? Oh man, it’s rich, creamy, and totally satisfying.

6. With a Scoop of Creamy Coleslaw
It sounds a little different, but the tang and crunch from coleslaw really balance out the warmth and spices in the beans. We usually throw this combo together for potlucks or backyard cookouts-always a hit.

7. Stuffed Into a Baked Potato
This one came from a fridge clean-out night, but wow-it stuck. We split open a baked potato, added a bit of butter, and then piled in the beans. Add some shredded cheddar and chopped green onions on top? Heaven.

8. Alongside Grilled Sausages or Smoked Meats
If you’re firing up the grill, you’ve gotta make these beans. We’ve served them with smoked sausage, brisket, even grilled pork chops. The smoky spices in the beans just go perfectly with that charred, juicy meat.

9. As a Taco Filling
Okay, hear us out-soft tacos with these beans, a sprinkle of cotija cheese, a little slaw or diced onion and cilantro… It’s a super easy meatless taco night. We’ve done this on Meatless Mondays and didn’t miss the meat one bit.

Storage Guide & Reheating Instructions

Let the beans cool to room temperature before storing. Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freezer: These beans freeze great! Just let them cool completely, then freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.

Common Questions About Bojangles Pinto Beans Recipe

Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions about the Bojangles Pinto Beans that people often ask.

1. What is in Bojangles pinto beans?

From what we’ve tasted and recreated in our kitchen, Bojangles pinto beans are packed with smoky, savory flavors. The base is simple-pinto beans, broth, onions, garlic, and just the right mix of spices like paprika, cumin, chili powder, and a touch of Cajun seasoning. It’s not fancy, but boy, is it flavorful!

2. Are Bojangles pinto beans healthy?

Yes, especially when you make them at home! Pinto beans are full of fiber and protein. When you cook them from scratch, you can control the salt and avoid preservatives. If you skip the bacon or pork and go with veggie broth, it’s a great plant-based option too.

3. What is the best way to eat pinto beans?

Oh, there are so many ways! We love them with a slice of cornbread, served over rice, or even as a topping for baked potatoes. They’re also a great side for BBQ, fried chicken, or just with a spoon straight outta the bowl.

4. Can I use canned beans instead of dried?

Absolutely! We’ve made this recipe both ways. Canned beans save a lot of time and still taste great. Just be sure to rinse and drain them well before using.

5. How spicy are these beans?

They’ve got a mild heat to them, thanks to the jalapeño and red pepper flakes-but it’s easy to tone it down or crank it up. If you like it spicy, keep the jalapeño seeds in. If not, just leave it out altogether.

6. Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Yes! Just use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. All the seasonings stay the same, and the flavor is still rich and hearty without any meat.

7. How do I store leftover pinto beans?

We always let them cool first, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. They also freeze really well-just thaw and reheat on the stove or microwave when you’re ready to eat.

8. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

You sure can! Just toss everything in the slow cooker (if using dried beans, make sure they’re soaked first) and cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for about 4 hours. It makes the house smell amazing all day long.

9. Why add apple cider vinegar at the end?

Great question-we love this little trick. A splash of vinegar brightens up the beans and adds a nice tangy finish. It’s optional, but once you try it, you might not skip it again!

10. What’s the secret to getting that Bojangles flavor at home?

Honestly, it’s all about the seasoning blend. That combo of smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, cumin, and garlic really brings it together. Letting the beans simmer long enough to soak up all that flavor is key too. Low and slow wins the race here.

There you have it-your very own homemade Bojangles Pinto Beans. Whether you’re pairing it with fried chicken or enjoying it on its own with a slice of cornbread, this recipe brings those comforting Southern flavors right to your table.

Easy to make, budget-friendly, and loaded with bold taste, these beans are sure to be a regular in your meal rotation. Let me know how it turns out-and don’t forget the sweet tea!

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