If you love warm, spicy, and comforting food, then you will enjoy this Bojangles Cajun Pintos Recipe. These beans are soft, smoky, and full of bold Cajun flavor.
Many people want to learn how to make Bojangles Cajun Pintos because they taste almost the same as the restaurant version. The recipe is simple, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy days.
You only need a few basic ingredients to make a large pot of delicious beans. This Bojangles Cajun Pintos Recipe is great for family dinners, meal prep, or any time you want quick comfort food at home.
The Secret Behind This Delicious
The secret behind this delicious dish is the spice blend. Cajun seasoning brings warmth and depth. Smoked paprika gives a rich smoky taste.
Slow cooking allows the beans to become creamy and full of flavor. Another secret is adding a little vinegar at the end.
It brightens the taste and makes the spices pop. These small touches make the beans taste just like the Bojangles version you love.

Recipe Card info
- Recipe Name: Bojangles Cajun Pintos
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 mins
- Course: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American / Southern
- Calories: 210 kcal per serving
Equipment List
• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring spoons
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Small bowl for spices
Ingredients You Need for Bojangles Cajun Pintos
Here are the simple ingredients for Bojangles Cajun Pintos:
• 1 lb dried pinto beans
• 6 cups water
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Optional: 1 chopped jalapeño for extra spice
Instructions
1. Rinse the Beans
Rinse the dried pinto beans under cold water. Remove any broken beans or small stones you see.
2. Soak the Beans
Place beans in a large bowl. Cover with water and soak for at least four hours or overnight for best texture.
3. Drain the Beans
After soaking, drain the beans completely. Rinse again with clean water to remove extra starch.
4. Heat the Oil
Place a large pot on medium heat. Add the vegetable oil and let it warm for a few seconds.
5. Cook the Onion
Add chopped onions to the pot. Stir and cook until soft and slightly golden for better flavor.
6. Add the Garlic
Add the minced garlic and cook for one minute. Stir well to keep the garlic from burning.
7. Add the Beans
Pour the soaked beans into the pot. Mix gently to cover the beans with onion and garlic.
8. Add Water
Add six cups of water to the pot. Stir everything and bring the mixture to a light boil.
9. Add the Spices
Add Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, chili powder, pepper, salt, and sugar. Mix gently until combined well.
10. Lower the Heat
Reduce heat to low and cover the pot. Let the beans cook slowly for one and a half hours.
11. Stir Often
Open the pot every 20 minutes. Stir gently to prevent sticking at the bottom and ensure even cooking.
12. Add Jalapeño
If using jalapeño, add it halfway through cooking. This adds extra spice and deeper flavor.
13. Check the Texture
Check the beans after two hours. They should be soft, creamy, and easy to mash with a spoon.
14. Add Vinegar
Add one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar at the end. It brightens the flavor and balances the spices.
15. Adjust Seasoning
Taste the beans. Add more salt, pepper, or Cajun seasoning if needed for stronger flavor.
16. Serve Warm
Remove from heat and serve warm. The beans taste rich, spicy, and perfectly seasoned.
Expert Tips & Variations
• If you want creamier beans, mash a small portion and mix back into the pot.
• Replace water with chicken broth for richer and deeper flavor.
• Add smoked sausage or ham for a true Southern-style dish.
• For a thicker texture, remove the lid during the last 20 minutes of cooking.
• Use canned pintos if you want a fast version. Reduce cooking time by half.

Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 kcal |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 36 g |
| Fat | 3 g |
| Fiber | 10 g |
Serving Suggestions
• Serve with fried chicken, biscuits, or cornbread for a full Bojangles-style meal.
• Add rice on the side to make a hearty and complete dish.
• Pair with mashed potatoes or coleslaw for extra comfort.
• Top with shredded cheese or green onions for extra flavor.
• Use the beans as a filling for burritos or tacos.
Storage & Reheating Tips
• Store leftover beans in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge.
• Beans thicken as they cool. Add a little water when reheating.
• Reheat on the stove over low heat for best texture.
• Freeze beans in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months.
• Thaw the beans in the fridge overnight before reheating.
FAQs about Bojangles Cajun Pintos
1. Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?
Yes, you can use canned pinto beans to save time. Just drain and rinse them first. Reduce cooking time because canned beans are already soft, but still add spices for full Cajun flavor.
2. How can I make the beans spicier?
You can add extra Cajun seasoning, jalapeños, crushed red pepper, or cayenne pepper. Spices get stronger as they cook, so start small and adjust based on your taste.
3. Why do I need to add vinegar at the end?
Vinegar helps balance the spicy and smoky flavors. It also brightens the dish and gives it a more restaurant-style taste, just like the Bojangles version.
4. Can I cook these beans in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook them in a slow cooker. Add all ingredients except vinegar and cook on low for 6–7 hours. Add vinegar at the end for best flavor.
5. What should I do if the beans are still hard after cooking?
Some beans take longer to soften. Just keep cooking and add a little more water. Never add acidic ingredients like vinegar or tomatoes early, or the beans will stay firm.
Conclusion
This Bojangles Cajun Pintos Recipe is warm, flavorful, and perfect for any day. The simple ingredients and mild spice make it great for the whole family.
You now know how to make Bojangles Cajun Pintos at home with just a few steps. These beans are creamy, smoky, and full of Cajun flavor.
They taste amazing with many meals or even alone in a bowl. Try this recipe today and enjoy a delicious Southern comfort dish anytime you want!

Bojangles Cajun Pintos Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb dried pinto beans
- 6 cups water
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Optional: 1 chopped jalapeño for extra spice
Instructions
Rinse the Beans
- Rinse the dried pinto beans under cold water. Remove any broken beans or small stones you see.
Soak the Beans
- Place beans in a large bowl. Cover with water and soak for at least four hours or overnight for best texture.
Drain the Beans
- After soaking, drain the beans completely. Rinse again with clean water to remove extra starch.
Heat the Oil
- Place a large pot on medium heat. Add the vegetable oil and let it warm for a few seconds.
Cook the Onion
- Add chopped onions to the pot. Stir and cook until soft and slightly golden for better flavor.
Add the Garlic
- Add the minced garlic and cook for one minute. Stir well to keep the garlic from burning.
Add the Beans
- Pour the soaked beans into the pot. Mix gently to cover the beans with onion and garlic.
Add Water
- Add six cups of water to the pot. Stir everything and bring the mixture to a light boil.
Add the Spices
- Add Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, chili powder, pepper, salt, and sugar. Mix gently until combined well.
Lower the Heat
- Reduce heat to low and cover the pot. Let the beans cook slowly for one and a half hours.
Stir Often
- Open the pot every 20 minutes. Stir gently to prevent sticking at the bottom and ensure even cooking.
Add Jalapeño
- If using jalapeño, add it halfway through cooking. This adds extra spice and deeper flavor.
Check the Texture
- Check the beans after two hours. They should be soft, creamy, and easy to mash with a spoon.
Add Vinegar
- Add one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar at the end. It brightens the flavor and balances the spices.
Adjust Seasoning
- Taste the beans. Add more salt, pepper, or Cajun seasoning if needed for stronger flavor.
Serve Warm
- Remove from heat and serve warm. The beans taste rich, spicy, and perfectly seasoned.
Notes
• Replace water with chicken broth for richer and deeper flavor.
• Add smoked sausage or ham for a true Southern-style dish.
• For a thicker texture, remove the lid during the last 20 minutes of cooking.
• Use canned pintos if you want a fast version. Reduce cooking time by half.

Sofia Lane is a food lover who loves cooking and sharing easy, tasty recipes. She believes in making cooking simple and fun for everyone. On DiveCrave, Sofia shares her favorite meals, desserts and treats that anyone can make at home.













Leave a Reply