This delightful and healthy Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup is effortlessly simple to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend meal. Serve it alongside a generous slice of crusty bread for an easy, affordable, and deeply satisfying experience that will warm you from the inside out.

Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup: A Timeless Comfort

Even though our Arizona winters might not match the postcard-perfect scenes of snow-dusted cottages and frosty landscapes, the desire for a warm, comforting bowl of soup remains universal. Here in Phoenix, our “winter” often means slightly cooler temperatures amidst the familiar dirt and rocks, but that doesn’t diminish the appeal of a hearty meal.

In our household, soup is a year-round staple, but it truly shines when there’s even a hint of a chill in the air. I’ve been yearning for my signature Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup, hoping for an overcast day or temperatures below 65°F. However, when the craving hit hard on a surprisingly warm 78°F day, I couldn’t resist! The beauty of this slow cooker recipe is that it allows for a delicious, home-cooked meal without heating up the kitchen or worrying about soaring gas bills. It’s truly a win-win, no matter the weather outside.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup

This Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup is celebrated for its incredible ease of preparation, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor. It’s a true “set it and forget it” meal that yields deeply satisfying results. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your meal rotation:

• Effortless Preparation: Simply chop a few vegetables, combine them with split peas, ham (or bacon), and spices in your slow cooker. The slow cooker handles the rest, transforming simple ingredients into a rich, flavorful soup with very little hands-on time.
• Rich & Deeply Flavored: The magic of slow cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully over several hours. The ham bone (if using) imparts a wonderful smoky depth, while the vegetables and peas become incredibly tender, creating a velvety texture that’s pure comfort.
• Nutritional Powerhouse: Split peas are an excellent source of plant-based protein, dietary fiber, and essential minerals like iron and potassium. This soup is a fantastic way to enjoy a wholesome, balanced meal that keeps you feeling full and energized.
• Budget-Friendly & Versatile: Made with inexpensive ingredients, this soup is incredibly economical. It’s also the perfect way to utilize leftover holiday ham, transforming it into a completely new and exciting dish. If you don’t have a ham bone, pre-diced ham or even bacon can be used effectively.
• Customizable: While delicious as is, this recipe is highly adaptable. You can easily adjust the seasonings to your preference or even omit the meat for a vegetarian version.

Essential Ingredients for a Perfect Bowl

The beauty of split pea soup lies in its simple yet robust ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the soup’s characteristic flavor and texture:

• Dry Split Peas: The star of the show! Split peas don’t require pre-soaking, which makes this recipe even easier. Just a quick rinse and drain are all that’s needed. They break down beautifully during slow cooking, creating a naturally thick and creamy base.
• Ham Bone or Diced Ham: A meaty ham bone is traditional and adds an incredible depth of smoky, savory flavor. If a bone isn’t available, two cups of diced ham work wonderfully for convenience, ensuring that signature salty kick. For a vegetarian option, consider smoked paprika and a dash of liquid smoke to mimic the ham’s flavor, alongside vegetable broth.
• Aromatic Vegetables (Mirepoix): A classic trio of large chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped carrots, and chopped celery forms the flavorful foundation of the soup. These vegetables soften and sweeten as they cook, enhancing the overall savory profile.
• Bay Leaf: This unassuming herb adds a subtle, herbaceous note that complements the other ingredients perfectly. Remember to remove it before serving!
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning. Always taste your soup towards the end of cooking and adjust to your preference. Remember that ham can be quite salty, so add salt incrementally.
• Chicken Stock or Water: The liquid base for your soup. Chicken stock will add more depth and richness, while water allows the ham and pea flavors to shine through more distinctly. Use 6-8 cups, adjusting based on your desired consistency.

Tips for Achieving Your Best Split Pea Soup

While this recipe is straightforward, a few tips can help you tailor it to perfection:

• Adjusting Consistency: We enjoy our soup with a more liquid consistency, allowing the peas to dissolve but still offering some body. If you prefer a thicker soup, use less liquid initially (starting with 6 cups) or let the soup finish cooking with the lid off during the last hour or two to allow some liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, you can mash some of the peas against the side of the slow cooker or use an immersion blender for a creamier texture.
• Enhancing Flavors: Don’s be afraid to experiment with additional seasonings. A pinch of dried thyme, rosemary, or parsley can elevate the herbaceous notes. For a brighter flavor, a small splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice stirred in just before serving can cut through the richness beautifully.
• Vegetarian/Vegan Adaptations: To make this soup vegetarian, simply omit the ham bone or diced ham. Instead, use vegetable broth and consider adding smoked paprika or a touch of liquid smoke to replicate a smoky flavor. You can also add plant-based sausage or mushrooms for extra umami.
• Pre-diced Ham Convenience: If you don’t have leftover ham from a roast, the pre-diced ham available in most grocery stores’ meat departments is a fantastic time-saver.

Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal

This Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup is a meal in itself, but a few additions can transform it into an even more delightful experience:

• Crusty Bread: A staple pairing! A warm loaf of crusty bread, sourdough, or even cornbread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of the savory broth.
• Savory Toppings: Elevate your bowl with simple garnishes. Crumbled crispy bacon is a popular choice for extra texture and flavor. Freshly chopped parsley or chives add a pop of color and freshness. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese can also add a creamy, tangy finish.
• Simple Side Salad: A light, fresh green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a lovely contrast to the hearty soup, making for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

No matter how you choose to enjoy it, this Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup is destined to become a beloved comfort food in your home. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, combined with the magic of slow cooking, can create something truly extraordinary. We hope you savor every delicious spoonful!

★★★★☆

4.53 from 246 votes

Servings:
8 servings

Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup

By
Jamie Sherman

This delicious and healthy Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup is a cinch to put together. Serve it with a loaf of crusty bread for an easy, affordable meal.

Prep:
15 mins

Cook:
8 hrs

Total:
8 hrs 15 mins

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Ingredients

• 1 pound dry split peas, rinsed and drained
• 1 meaty ham bone, OR 2 cups ham, diced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 6 – 8 cups chicken stock or water

Instructions

1. Place all of the ingredients in a 5-quart or larger slow cooker. Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours, or until the peas are tender.
2. If using a ham bone, carefully remove it from the slow cooker. Shred any remaining ham into bite-size pieces, then return the shredded ham to the slow cooker and stir to combine. Discard the bone.
3. Taste the soup and season with more salt and pepper, as needed. Remember that the ham can be quite salty, so taste before adding extra salt.
4. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Ladle into bowls and enjoy!

Notes

• Always inspect dry split peas before using them to check for any small rocks or foreign materials.
• For a thicker soup, reduce the amount of liquid to 6 cups, or cook with the lid off for the last hour.
• Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can be stirred in just before serving for added freshness.

Nutrition

Calories: 275kcal,
Carbohydrates: 44g,
Protein: 19g,
Fat: 3g,
Saturated Fat: 1g,
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g,
Monounsaturated Fat: 1g,
Cholesterol: 5mg,
Sodium: 285mg,
Potassium: 852mg,
Fiber: 15g,
Sugar: 9g,
Vitamin A: 2684IU,
Vitamin C: 4mg,
Calcium: 52mg,
Iron: 3mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.