This Bojangles Pinto Beans Recipe brings warm Southern comfort straight to your kitchen. These beans are soft, savory and deeply satisfying.
They remind me of roadside meals and family dinners. The kind where food feels simple but full of heart. I love how this dish turns humble beans into something special.
Today, I will share how to make Bojangles Pinto Beans at home. You will also learn the exact ingredients for Bojangles Pinto Beans Recipe, made easy and clear.
Why I Love Making This Bojangles Pinto Beans
I grew up loving simple Southern sides. Pinto beans were always on the table. When I first tasted Bojangles-style beans, they felt familiar and comforting.
They were rich but not heavy. I started recreating them at home. Over time, this version became my favorite. I make them for family meals and casual dinners. They always bring smiles and warm plates.
Equipment List
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Colander
Recipe Overview
- Recipe Name: Bojangles Pinto Beans
- Servings: 6 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Total Time: 100 minutes
- Course: Side Dish
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Calories: 230 kcal per serving

Ingredients You Need for Bojangles Pinto Beans Recipe
- 1 pound dried pinto beans
- 6 cups water or chicken broth
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Rinse the Pinto Beans
Place dried pinto beans in a colander. Rinse under cold water. Remove any stones or damaged beans. This step helps ensure clean and even cooking.
2. Soak the Beans
Place the beans in a large bowl. Cover with water. Let them soak overnight or for at least eight hours. This helps them cook faster and more evenly.
3. Drain and Rinse Again
Drain the soaked beans. Rinse them once more under fresh water. This removes excess starch and improves texture.
4. Sauté the Onion
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion. Cook until soft and fragrant. Stir often to avoid burning.
5. Add Garlic and Spices
Add minced garlic to the pot. Stir for thirty seconds. Add paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, pepper and salt. Stir gently to release flavors.
6. Add Beans and Liquid
Add soaked beans to the pot. Pour in water or chicken broth. Stir gently. Make sure the beans are fully covered with liquid.
7. Bring to a Gentle Boil
Increase heat slightly. Bring the pot to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low. Cover with a lid.
8. Simmer Slowly
Let the beans simmer for about ninety minutes. Stir occasionally. The beans should become soft and creamy. Add more liquid if needed.
9. Taste and Adjust
Taste the beans near the end. Adjust salt and seasoning if needed. The beans should be tender and flavorful.
10. Rest Before Serving
Turn off the heat. Let the beans rest for ten minutes. This helps flavors settle and thicken naturally.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Use chicken broth for richer flavor.
- Add a bay leaf for extra depth.
- Mash some beans for creamier texture.
- Add diced jalapeño for mild heat.
- Use slow cooker for hands-off cooking.
History or Fun Fact About the Dish
Pinto beans are a Southern staple. They have been cooked for generations. They were affordable and filling. Families often served them with bread or rice.
Fast food chains like Bojangles brought them to a wider audience. They turned simple beans into a beloved side dish.
Pairings & Complementary Recipes
- Fried chicken
- Cornbread
- Mashed potatoes
- Coleslaw
- Rice and gravy
Occasion or Event Ideas
- Family dinners
- Holiday sides
- Barbecue plates
- Church potlucks
- Comfort food nights
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Let beans cool completely.
- Store in airtight containers.
- Refrigerate for up to four days.
- Reheat on stove or microwave slowly.
- Add water if beans feel thick.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 230 kcal |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Fat | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 38 g |
| Fiber | 10 g |
Health Benefits
Pinto beans are rich in fiber and plant protein. They help keep you full longer. They support digestion and heart health.
These beans contain important minerals like iron and magnesium. When cooked at home, they are low in fat. They fit well into balanced meals.

Bojangles Pinto Beans Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried pinto beans
- 6 cups water or chicken broth
- 1 small onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions
Rinse the Pinto Beans
- Place dried pinto beans in a colander. Rinse under cold water. Remove any stones or damaged beans. This step helps ensure clean and even cooking.
Soak the Beans
- Place the beans in a large bowl. Cover with water. Let them soak overnight or for at least eight hours. This helps them cook faster and more evenly.
Drain and Rinse Again
- Drain the soaked beans. Rinse them once more under fresh water. This removes excess starch and improves texture.
- Sauté the Onion
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion. Cook until soft and fragrant. Stir often to avoid burning.
Add Garlic and Spices
- Add minced garlic to the pot. Stir for thirty seconds. Add paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, pepper and salt. Stir gently to release flavors.
Add Beans and Liquid
- Add soaked beans to the pot. Pour in water or chicken broth. Stir gently. Make sure the beans are fully covered with liquid.
Bring to a Gentle Boil
- Increase heat slightly. Bring the pot to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low. Cover with a lid.
Simmer Slowly
- Let the beans simmer for about ninety minutes. Stir occasionally. The beans should become soft and creamy. Add more liquid if needed.
Taste and Adjust
- Taste the beans near the end. Adjust salt and seasoning if needed. The beans should be tender and flavorful.
Rest Before Serving
- Turn off the heat. Let the beans rest for ten minutes. This helps flavors settle and thicken naturally.
Notes
- Use chicken broth for richer flavor.
- Add a bay leaf for extra depth.
- Mash some beans for creamier texture.
- Add diced jalapeño for mild heat.
- Use slow cooker for hands-off cooking.
FAQs about Bojangles Pinto Beans Recipe
Can I make Bojangles Pinto Beans without soaking overnight?
Yes, but soaking is recommended. Without soaking, cooking time increases. The texture may be less creamy. If short on time, use a quick soak method.
Can I use canned pinto beans instead?
Yes, canned beans work in a pinch. Rinse them well. Reduce cooking time to thirty minutes. Flavor may be slightly lighter.
How do I thicken the beans naturally?
Mash a small portion of beans during cooking. Stir them back into the pot. This thickens the broth without adding anything extra.
Are Bojangles Pinto Beans spicy?
No, they are mild. You can add heat if you like. Jalapeños or chili powder work well.
Can I freeze cooked pinto beans?
Yes, cooked beans freeze well. Let them cool fully. Store in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Final Thoughts
This Bojangles Pinto Beans Recipe is simple, comforting and full of Southern flavor. It uses basic ingredients and slow cooking.
The result is soft, rich beans that feel homemade. Serve them with your favorite meals. Once you try them, they will become a regular side on your table.

Zoey Lane is the voice behind ZoeyCooks.com, where she shares comforting, home-tested recipes inspired by everyday cooking. She believes great food should be simple, approachable and enjoyable to make.












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