Crockpot Split Pea & Ham Soup

Introduction

Crockpot Split Pea & Ham Soup is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a cold day. It’s the perfect blend of hearty and wholesome, with split peas that melt into a creamy base, chunks of tender ham, and aromatic vegetables adding layers of flavor. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity: toss everything into the slow cooker, and let it work its magic while you go about your day. By dinner time, your kitchen will be filled with the most irresistible, savory aroma that promises a comforting meal.

This soup holds a special place in my kitchen repertoire, especially after holiday feasts. Whenever I have leftover ham, this recipe becomes the obvious choice—economical, easy, and utterly delicious. I love pairing it with thick slices of crusty bread or buttery cornbread, perfect for dipping into the rich, flavorful broth.

What’s more, this dish is incredibly forgiving and customizable. Want a smokier flavor? Add a dash of smoked paprika. Need a vegetarian version? Skip the ham and use vegetable broth instead. No matter how you tweak it, the slow cooker ensures the ingredients meld together beautifully, creating a soup that’s velvety, filling, and oh-so-satisfying.

So whether you’re gearing up for a busy week or looking for something warm and hearty to share with family, Crockpot Split Pea & Ham Soup is a recipe that delivers every time. Just one bowl is enough to remind you of the simple joys of homemade comfort food.

Perfect for:

• Cold winter nights
• Family dinners
• Meal prepping
• Using leftover ham
• Quick and easy comfort food

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Split Pea & Ham Soup

Here’s why Crockpot Split Pea & Ham Soup deserves a place in your recipe rotation:

• Hearty and Nourishing: Packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, this soup is as nutritious as it is delicious.
• Easy to Make: The crockpot takes care of everything—just toss in the ingredients and let it cook while you focus on other tasks.
• Perfect for Leftovers: This recipe is an excellent way to repurpose leftover ham, giving it a new life in a wholesome dish.
• Rich and Flavorful: The combination of ham, peas, and vegetables creates a soup with deep, satisfying flavors.
• Freezer-Friendly: Make a large batch and freeze portions for future meals, ensuring you always have a warm, homemade meal on hand.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 6-8 hours
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 4-5 hours (high)
• Servings: 6 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 18g, Carbs: 35g, Fiber: 12g, Fat: 6g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Crockpot Split Pea & Ham Soup:

• 1 pound (16 oz) dried split peas, rinsed and sorted
• 1 meaty ham bone or 2 cups diced ham
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 bay leaf
• 6 cups chicken broth or water
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional garnish: fresh parsley, croutons, or a drizzle of olive oil

Ingredient Highlights

• Split Peas: These legumes break down during cooking, creating a creamy base without needing cream or flour.
• Ham Bone: The ham bone infuses the soup with rich, smoky flavor while adding depth to the broth.
• Vegetables: Carrots, celery, and onion provide a classic aromatic base that enhances the soup’s flavor.
• Chicken Broth: This serves as the flavorful liquid base; water can be used for a lighter option.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness, enhancing the ham’s natural flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Crockpot Split Pea & Ham Soup:

Prepare the Ingredients:

1. Sort and Rinse Peas: Place the dried split peas in a colander, rinse thoroughly, and remove any debris or damaged peas.
2. Chop Vegetables: Dice the onion, carrots, and celery, and mince the garlic.

Assemble the Soup:

3. Layer Ingredients in the Crockpot: Add the split peas, ham bone (or diced ham), onion, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, smoked paprika, and bay leaf to the crockpot.
4. Add Liquid: Pour in the chicken broth or water, ensuring all ingredients are submerged.

Cook the Soup:

5. Set the Slow Cooker: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, stirring occasionally.
6. Check Consistency: Once the peas are tender and the soup has thickened, remove the bay leaf and ham bone. Shred the meat from the ham bone and stir it back into the soup.

Season and Serve:

7. Season to Taste: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
8. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with parsley, croutons, or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

How to Serve Crockpot Split Pea & Ham Soup

Here are some serving suggestions for Crockpot Split Pea & Ham Soup:

• With Crusty Bread: Serve alongside a loaf of crusty bread or garlic toast for dipping.
• With a Fresh Salad: Pair with a simple green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
• As a Starter: Serve smaller portions as a warm and hearty appetizer before the main course.
• Topped with Croutons: Add some crunch by sprinkling croutons over the soup before serving.
• With Grated Cheese: A sprinkle of Parmesan or cheddar cheese on top adds an extra layer of flavor.

Additional Tips for Crockpot Split Pea & Ham Soup

Here are some tips to ensure your Crockpot Split Pea & Ham Soup turns out perfectly:

• Rinse the Split Peas Thoroughly: This helps remove any debris and ensures the soup cooks evenly.
• Don’t Skip the Ham Bone: If you have one, it adds an incredible depth of flavor to the soup.
• Add Water if Necessary: If the soup becomes too thick, stir in a little hot water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
• Stir Occasionally: Stir the soup every few hours to ensure the peas don’t stick to the bottom of the crockpot.
• Adjust Seasoning at the End: Wait until the end to add salt, as the ham can be quite salty.

Recipe Variations for Crockpot Split Pea & Ham Soup

Here are 10 variations you can try for Crockpot Split Pea & Ham Soup:

1. Vegetarian Version: Omit the ham and use vegetable broth, adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a similar smoky flavor.
2. Add Potatoes: Dice potatoes into small cubes and add them to the crockpot for an even heartier soup.
3. Use Bacon: Substitute ham with turkey bacon for a leaner, smoky flavor.
4. Spiced Up: Add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for a spicy kick.
5. Coconut Milk Creaminess: Stir in coconut milk at the end for a creamy, dairy-free variation.
6. Herb-Infused: Add fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs for a fragrant twist.
7. With Barley: Add pearl barley for extra texture and nutritional value.
8. Cheesy Upgrade: Stir in shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese for a cheesy version.
9. With Kale or Spinach: Add chopped greens like kale or spinach in the last 30 minutes for a nutrient boost.
10. Lentil Mix: Mix in red or brown lentils for an additional texture variation.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Special Equipment for Crockpot Split Pea & Ham Soup

Here’s a list of helpful equipment for making Crockpot Split Pea & Ham Soup:

1. Slow Cooker: A 6-quart slow cooker is ideal for this recipe.
2. Ladle: For serving the soup neatly into bowls.
3. Chopping Board: Essential for dicing vegetables and prepping ingredients.
4. Sharp Knife: To easily dice the vegetables and trim the ham.
5. Colander: For rinsing the split peas thoroughly.
6. Wooden Spoon: For stirring the soup occasionally.
7. Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurement of liquids and seasonings.
8. Soup Bowls: Serve in wide, deep bowls for the best presentation.
9. Storage Containers: For storing leftovers in the fridge or freezer.
10. Grater: If adding cheese as a garnish, a grater is useful for freshly grated toppings.

FAQ Section for Crockpot Split Pea & Ham Soup

1. Can I use canned peas instead of dried?
   No, dried split peas are necessary for the right texture and flavor development.
2. Can I skip the ham bone?
   Yes, but using a ham bone adds depth and richness to the broth. Substitute with diced ham or turkey bacon if needed.
3. How do I make this soup creamier?
   Blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender for a smoother consistency while keeping some texture.
4. Can I use water instead of chicken broth?
   Yes, but chicken broth provides more flavor. If using water, consider adding extra seasoning.
5. What if my soup is too thick?
   Stir in hot water or broth, a little at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.

Print

Conclusion

Crockpot Split Pea & Ham Soup is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s as comforting as it is easy to prepare. The combination of tender split peas, smoky ham, and a rich broth creates a satisfying meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings. With the convenience of the crockpot, you can set it and forget it, allowing the ingredients to meld together into a deliciously thick and nourishing soup. Whether you’re serving it as a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this soup is a go-to favorite.

This recipe is highly customizable, allowing you to add extra vegetables, herbs, or spices to suit your taste. The slow-cooked ham adds depth and richness to the soup, while the split peas break down to create a velvety texture. Serve it with a side of crusty bread for a complete and filling meal that everyone will enjoy.

I’d love to hear how your Crockpot Split Pea & Ham Soup turns out! Snap a photo and tag me on Instagram or leave a comment below to share your experience. I can’t wait to see how you make this comforting dish your own!