Butter Beans Recipe

This Creamy Butter Beans Recipe uses dried lima beans and is served Southern-style, cooked in turkey, ham, or salt pork. Pair this old-fashioned dish with classic buttermilk cornbread.

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Growing up my family ate beans and cornbread on a regular basis, oftentimes 2 days a week! You could always find a pot of beans on the stove in our house. Now that I’m older I see why! 1 pound of beans is less than a dollar and is enough to feed a standard-sized family.

This is a traditional, budget-friendly meal and is prepared almost identical to my Southern Black Eyed Peas and Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice. 

What Are Butter Beans? Butter Beans vs Lima Beans

Butter beans are also known as lima beans (they are labeled lima beans in the grocery store and on the packaging) and are white beans/legumes with a buttery and creamy texture. These beans are well known in the South and Southern cuisine and they actually originate even farther south from Peru, South America.

Butter/lima beans are commonly used in soups, stews, casseroles, in a popular dish succotash, and slow-cooked in a pot with salt pork, ham hocks, or smoked turkey. Alone, butter beans have a mild flavor. They really soak up the flavors that it’s cooked with, hence why many Southerners love to add meat with immense flavor. You can read more about Butter Beans vs Lima Beans here.

How to Season/What Meat Goes With it

I use a smoked turkey wing or turkey leg. Sometimes they are harder to find. I find it in the meat section of my grocery store. You may have to ask around for it or use another option listed below.

Other common options include ham hocks, diced ham, salt pork, and bacon.

Do You Have to Soak the Beans Overnight?

This recipe uses dried beans. If you want to lower the cooking time you will need to soak them in advance. You have two options. You can soak them overnight in a large bowl filled with water. Or you can boil a large pot of water on the stove. Once the temperature reaches boiling, remove the pot from heat and add the beans. Allow the beans to soak for at least one hour.

Not soaking them in advance will likely add a couple of hours to your cook time.

How to Cook Butter Beans

Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

1. Soak the beans in advance.
2. Place a Dutch oven or soup pot on medium-high heat and add the olive oil.
3. Add the onions and garlic. Saute.
4. Add in chicken broth, lima beans, smoked turkey, Creole seasoning, and bay leaf. Stir.
5. Place the lid on the pot and lower the heat to medium-low.
6. Cook until tender.

What Kind of Stock/Broth to Use

I like to use chicken broth or stock. You can use either and you can use whatever you like, such as vegetable. You can also use water. I find broth adds more flavor.

Cook Time/How Long Does it Take to Cook

Decide how you like your beans. Do you like them firm, soft, or mushy? Check in on the beans frequently while they cook. They will typically need anywhere from 1 1/2 hours – 3 hours depending on your texture preference. I like to cook mine for under 2 hours. I like for them to be soft, but not mushy.

You can test if they are done by grabbing one bean out of the pot and mashing it with a spoon or fork.

Fresh or Frozen Beans

Fresh beans will need to be shelled. You get about 2 cups of shelled beans for every pound of unshelled beans. Split the bean pod open, pluck the bean out of the shell, and discard the shell.

Fresh butter beans that are already shelled should only be stored for 1 day before using them.

Butter beans should never be eaten raw because they contain high levels of cyanide in their raw form.

Frozen lima beans are usually pre-cooked and don’t require any soaking or initial preparation. Defrost before using.

How to Double the Recipe

You can double the recipe and use the same amount of smoked turkey or opt for one slightly larger. The cook time will remain the same.

How to Make the Dish Vegan or Vegetarian

Omit the smoked turkey. Use vegetable broth. Add in 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for flavor.

How Long Will They Last in the Fridge

They will last 3-5 days in the fridge, tightly covered.

Freezer Tips

These will freeze for up to 9 months. This is a great hack. Be sure to store them tightly sealed. I like to leave them in the broth so that when I defrost they are loaded with flavor.

Pair With Cornbread

Homemade Southern Cornbread
Cornbread Muffins
Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread
Honey Cornbread
Air Fryer Cornbread
Southern Cornbread Dressing
Pumpkin Cornbread
Cornbread Casserole
Sweet Potato Cornbread

Pair With These Side Dishes

Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
Slow Cooker Crockpot Pinto Beans
Ham Hocks and Beans
Southern Collard Greens
Southern Turnip Greens
Southern Sweet Potato Casserole
Southern Mustard Greens
Southern Green Beans
Southern Coleslaw Recipe
Southern Baked Beans
Southern Potato Salad
Easy Spaghetti Salad
Southern Green Beans