There’s nothing better than a warm, hearty soup on a chilly day, right? This Crockpot Split Pea Soup with Ham is pure comfort food, and it’s ridiculously easy to make. Just toss everything into the slow cooker, let it do its thing, and by dinnertime, you’ve got a thick, creamy, and super flavorful soup. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, kid-approved, and packed with protein from the ham and fiber from those green split peas. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep!
What You’ll Need
Ingredients:
- 1 pound green split peas, rinsed and sorted
- 1 meaty ham bone or 2 cups diced cooked ham
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Tools:
- A large crockpot/slow cooker
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Pro Tips
- Rinse the peas well: Give those split peas a quick rinse to remove any dirt or debris.
- No ham bone? No problem: Swap it with diced ham or even smoked sausage for flavor.
- Thicken it up: If the soup feels too thin after cooking, use a potato masher to mash some of the peas.
- Season at the end: Wait to add salt until the soup is done—ham can already be salty.
- For picky eaters: Blend the soup smooth for kids who don’t love chunks.
Substitutions & Variations
- No ham? Use turkey bacon or smoked turkey for a similar flavor.
- Make it vegetarian: Skip the ham and use veggie broth—add a teaspoon of smoked paprika for depth.
- Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick.
Make Ahead Tips
This soup gets even better the next day as the flavors meld together! You can prep everything the night before and refrigerate, then toss it all into the crockpot in the morning.
Instructions
1. Prep the ingredients
Rinse the split peas and chop your veggies.
2. Layer the crockpot
Add the split peas, ham bone (or diced ham), onion, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, and bay leaves to the crockpot.
3. Add the broth
Pour in the broth and give everything a gentle stir.
4. Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours, until the peas are soft and creamy.
5. Finish up
Remove the ham bone, shred any remaining meat, and stir it back into the soup. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
6. Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Leftovers & Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The soup will thicken as it sits—just add a splash of water or broth when reheating. It also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months!
Wrap-Up
This Crockpot Split Pea Soup with Ham is the ultimate cozy meal, perfect for feeding a crowd or stocking up your freezer. It’s comforting, simple, and packed with flavor. Give it a try and let me know how it turned out—drop a comment below! 😊
