Southern-Style Great Northern Beans Recipe: Savory Slow-Cooker Method

This Southern Great Northern Beans recipe is a classic side that pairs perfectly with a warm piece of cornbread and a scoop of rice.

Close up of a bowl full of southern great northern beans with a slice of cornbread on the side. — Southern Great Northern Beans Recipe

We often serve these Southern-style white beans alongside fried fish or chicken, and they complement pork dishes just as well. Their mild, comforting flavor makes them a great match for many main dishes.

What makes this recipe so yummy

Simple, economical ingredients that deliver big flavor.
Flexible — swap the pork, adjust seasoning, or add extras to suit your taste.
High in fiber for a filling, gut-friendly side.
Pairs beautifully with rice or cornbread for a hearty meal.

Groceries you’ll need: Ingredients

Ingredients needed to make a southern great northern beans recipe, all laid out with text overlay.

See the recipe card below for exact quantities.

Southern Great Northern Beans Recipe Instructions

Overview of the steps — detailed directions and measurements are in the recipe card below.

A large Dutch oven full of ingredients that will make a southern great northern beans recipe. — **Step 1:** Add all ingredients to a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven.

Chicken broth being poured into a large Dutch Oven full of ingredients. — **Step 2:** Add the chicken broth and stir to combine.

A large Dutch oven with a lid covering it. — **Step 3:** Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a low simmer and cover.

A large pot of Southern Great Northern Beans with a spoon digging in. — **Step 4:** Simmer about 4 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender. Serve with rice or cornbread.

Overhead image of southern great northern beans in a pot.

Hint: Stir the beans more often toward the end of cooking to encourage creaminess. Longer cooking and more stirring will break down beans and create a richer, creamier texture.

Recipe variations and substitute ideas

Smoked Sausage — swap for salt pork for a smoky alternative.
Smoked Tasso — another flavorful substitute for salt pork.
Ham Hocks or a ham bone — great for deep, savory flavor.
Navy or Cannellini Beans — can be used in place of Great Northern beans.
Bacon — add or substitute for salt pork for more smoky richness.
Mustard Powder — adds a tangy warmth.
Cajun Seasoning — use in place of Creole seasoning to up the spice profile.
Green Onions or Fresh Parsley — stir in at the end for freshness.
Green Bell Pepper — adds brightness and depth.
Hot Sauce or Black Pepper — finish to taste for heat and smoky notes.
Olive Oil — optional for browning meat if desired.
Ham Shanks or Pork Chops — handy ways to use leftover pork.
Onion Powder or Extra Garlic — for a flavor boost.
Vegetable Stock — use instead of chicken stock for a vegetarian option (omit pork).
Liquid Smoke — a little goes a long way to mimic smoked meats.

Close up of great northern beans on a spoon.

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Necessary gear: Equipment

A heavy Dutch oven gives the most even heat and makes this recipe easy to manage, but any large heavy pot will work.

More Beans Recipes I think you’ll love

Southern Baked Beans Recipe
Slow Cooker Cajun Red Beans and Rice
Southern Crock Pot Pinto Beans With Sausage (Easy Slow Cooker Recipe)
Chicken and Lima Beans

How to store leftovers

Allow the beans to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

They freeze well: transfer to a freezer-safe container and keep up to 3 months.

Mel’s kitchen notes

If you prefer most beans whole, remove a cup or two, blend them until smooth, then stir them back into the pot for creaminess while keeping many beans intact. Using a food processor makes quick work of finely dicing the onions and celery.

About The Author

Melanie Cagle

Melanie is a professional food photographer, home cook, and Cajun food enthusiast. Since 2020 she has shared tested recipes and tutorials on this blog.

Her work has appeared on national outlets and she recently competed on Food Network’s “100 Cooks”.

About Mel

Buy Me Coffee ☕️

Overhead close up shot of a wooden spoon lifting southern great northern beans out of a pot.

Frequently asked questions: FAQs

What are Great Northern Beans used for?

They have a mild, versatile flavor and are commonly used in casseroles, soups, stews, and simple sides like this recipe.

Do I need to soak the dried beans first?

Soaking is optional. Soaking overnight shortens the cooking time, but unsoaked beans will cook through with a longer simmer.

If you’ve tried this Southern Great Northern Beans recipe, please leave a comment below to share how it turned out — we love hearing from readers!

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Southern Great Northern Beans Recipe

A classic Southern Great Northern beans recipe that’s simple to make and full of comforting flavor.

Prep Time5 minutes

Cook Time4 hours

Total Time4 hours 5 minutes

Servings: 15

Cuisine: American

Author: Melanie Cagle

ANNOUNCEMENT

Watch Me Compete on Food Network’s 100 Cooks – airing June 7th @ 9/8c

Equipment

Large Dutch oven or heavy pot

Ingredients

2 Pounds Great Northern Beans
12 Ounces Salted Picnic Pork diced
1 Each Sweet Onions diced
1 Rib Celery diced
4 Cloves Garlic minced
2 (48 Ounce) Boxes Chicken Broth
2 teaspoons Creole Seasoning
2 Each Bay Leaves

Instructions

Add all ingredients to a large Dutch oven.
Stir, bring to a boil, then reduce heat.
Cover and simmer on low.
Simmer about 4 hours, stirring occasionally, until beans are soft and flavorful.

Notes

For creamier beans, cook longer and stir frequently, or blend a cup of beans and return them to the pot. Mashing some beans against the side of the pot also helps create a thicker texture.

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Nutrition

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Original Publish Date: October 23, 2023