If you’ve ever found yourself craving that comforting, savory side dish from your favorite southern restaurant, you’re in for a treat. This Lima Beans (Cracker Barrel Copycat) Recipe takes the creamy, smoky flavors you love and brings them right into your kitchen with simple ingredients and easy steps. It’s the perfect blend of tender baby lima beans, a hint of smoky depth, and just the right spices to make you feel like you’re sitting down at a southern table with old friends. Ready to make your own batch of this heartwarming dish? Let’s dive in!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a key role in building the dish’s soulful flavor and perfect texture. From the tender lima beans themselves to the smoky nuance of liquid smoke and hearty touch of chicken bouillon, every element complements the others beautifully.
- 1 cup water: The cooking base that helps soften the beans without overpowering their natural flavor.
- 1 16 oz. bag baby lima beans (frozen): These tender beans are the star of the dish, providing a creamy texture and mild taste.
- 1 chicken bouillon cube: Adds a rich, savory depth that’s essential for that Cracker Barrel authenticity.
- ½ tsp liquid smoke (optional): Gives an irresistible smoky edge that makes these lima beans uniquely flavorful.
- 1 clove garlic (minced): Fresh garlic brings a subtle pungency that wakes up the taste buds.
- ½ tsp Cajun seasoning: Introduces a gentle kick of spice and complexity.
- ½ tsp onion powder (or dried minced onion): Adds a natural sweetness and enhances the savory profile.
- ½ tsp garlic salt: Balances the flavors with just the right amount of seasoning.
- 1 tsp sugar: Brightens the dish and cuts through the savory notes for balance.
- ½ tsp black pepper: Provides mild heat and depth, rounding out the seasoning.
How to Make Lima Beans (Cracker Barrel Copycat) Recipe
Step 1: Combine Your Ingredients
Start by adding the water, frozen baby lima beans, chicken bouillon cube, optional liquid smoke, minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, onion powder, garlic salt, sugar, and black pepper into a medium pot. This combination sets your flavor foundation for exactly the right taste and aroma.
Step 2: Bring Everything to a Boil
Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Give it a quick stir to help the bouillon cube dissolve completely and to wake up all those spices in the pot.
Step 3: Simmer Low and Slow
Once boiling, cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. This gentle simmer lets the beans absorb all the flavors while becoming perfectly tender.
Step 4: Cook Until Tender
Allow the lima beans to cook, covered, for about 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the beans are soft to the bite yet still maintain a bit of shape and creaminess.
Step 5: Ready to Serve
Once tender, your Lima Beans (Cracker Barrel Copycat) Recipe is done and ready to enjoy! Simple, satisfying, and filled with that classic southern charm.
How to Serve Lima Beans (Cracker Barrel Copycat) Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives add a lovely pop of color and a hint of brightness that balances the smoky richness of the beans perfectly.
Side Dishes
Lima beans pair beautifully with fried chicken, cornbread, and collard greens. They also complement grilled meats or a juicy pork chop if you want a classic southern plate that will impress any crowd.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the lima beans over creamy mashed potatoes or even spoon them into hollowed-out baked potatoes for a comforting twist. You can even add a sprinkle of crispy bacon on top for extra texture and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. The flavors actually develop more after sitting overnight, making leftovers even tastier the next day.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the lima beans, place them in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat your lima beans gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of water to loosen them up and keep them creamy after refrigeration or freezing.
FAQs
Can I use fresh lima beans for this recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh lima beans work wonderfully here; just adjust the cooking time as fresh beans may cook a little faster than frozen, so keep an eye on tenderness.
Is liquid smoke necessary for the flavor?
Liquid smoke adds an authentic smoky touch reminiscent of Cracker Barrel’s version, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can still get tasty results without it.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the chicken bouillon cube for a vegetable bouillon cube or broth, and skip the liquid smoke if you want a milder flavor. The beans will still be deliciously seasoned.
What can I substitute for Cajun seasoning?
If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, feel free to use a mix of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and a pinch of oregano to mimic the taste.
How long do I need to soak lima beans?
This recipe uses frozen baby lima beans, which don’t need soaking. If using dried lima beans, soak them overnight and cook until tender before proceeding with the recipe steps.
Final Thoughts
This Lima Beans (Cracker Barrel Copycat) Recipe is one of those comforting dishes that makes any meal feel like a warm hug. Its simplicity, heartiness, and bold flavors come together effortlessly, so don’t hesitate to bring a little taste of southern hospitality to your table. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite side!
Print
Lima Beans (Cracker Barrel Copycat) Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
This copycat recipe for Cracker Barrel-style lima beans offers a comforting Southern side dish made with tender baby lima beans simmered in a flavorful broth infused with garlic, Cajun seasoning, and a hint of liquid smoke. It’s quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for a hearty family meal.
Ingredients
Beans and Broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 16 oz. bag frozen baby lima beans
- 1 chicken bouillon cube
Seasonings
- ½ tsp liquid smoke (optional)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ tsp Cajun seasoning
- ½ tsp onion powder (or dried minced onion)
- ½ tsp garlic salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium pot with a lid, add the water, frozen lima beans, chicken bouillon cube, liquid smoke (if using), minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, onion powder, garlic salt, sugar, and black pepper. This mixture forms the flavorful base for the beans.
- Bring to a Boil: Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir occasionally to help the bouillon cube dissolve completely and incorporate the seasonings evenly.
- Simmer Covered: Once boiling, cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. This gentle simmer allows the beans to cook slowly and absorb all the flavors.
- Cook Until Tender: Let the beans simmer, covered, for about 20 minutes, or until they become tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Serve: Once the lima beans are tender and flavorful, remove from heat and serve warm as a delicious side dish.
Notes
- Using frozen baby lima beans keeps cooking time relatively short and maintains a tender texture.
- The liquid smoke is optional but adds a subtle smoky depth reminiscent of Southern cooking.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially the Cajun seasoning and garlic salt, depending on your preference for spice and saltiness.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken bouillon cube with a vegetable bouillon cube.
- Stirring occasionally during simmering prevents beans from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
