Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup

Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup is a hearty, nourishing classic made with tender split peas, vegetables, and savory ham. Slowly simmered to perfection, it develops a thick, creamy texture and deep, comforting flavor. This easy slow cooker recipe is perfect for cozy dinners, meal prep, and using leftover ham.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup is the definition of comfort food made simple. The slow cooker gently breaks down the split peas into a thick, creamy soup without any need for constant stirring.

Smoky ham adds rich, savory depth, while carrots, celery, and onions create a naturally sweet and flavorful base. It’s a budget-friendly recipe that uses simple pantry ingredients but delivers restaurant-quality comfort.

Perfect for cold days, busy weeknights, or post-holiday meals, this soup is both filling and nutritious. It also stores and reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or freezing for later.

Yield: 8 servings

Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup

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Creamy slow cooker split pea soup with ham, vegetables, and herbs for a hearty, comforting, and nutritious meal.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 10 hours

Additional Time 10 minutes

Total Time 10 hours 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried split peas, rinsed
• 1 meaty ham bone or 2 cups diced ham
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste
• Optional: fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Begin by rinsing the split peas under cold water, removing any debris or damaged peas.
2. Prepare all vegetables by dicing the onion, slicing the carrots, and chopping the celery. Mince the garlic.
3. Place the rinsed split peas into the bottom of the slow cooker.
4. Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and garlic over the peas, distributing evenly.
5. Add the ham bone or diced ham on top of the vegetables for maximum flavor infusion.
6. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring all ingredients are fully submerged.
7. Add bay leaves, thyme, and black pepper. Stir gently to combine.
8. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 5 to 6 hours until peas are soft and soup is thick.
9. Remove the ham bone, shred any meat, and return it to the soup. Discard bones and bay leaves.
10. Stir well, adjust seasoning with salt, and serve hot. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Soup thickens naturally as it cools.

Ham bone gives the richest flavor but is optional.

No need for cream—split peas create natural creaminess.

Great for freezing and meal prep.

Flavors deepen and improve the next day.

Adjust consistency with broth as needed.

Nutrition Information

Yield

8

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 130Total Fat 3gSaturated Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 2gCholesterol 18mgSodium 966mgCarbohydrates 17gFiber 6gSugar 4gProtein 11g

The recipes and nutritional information on Crock Pot Meal are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• Rinse split peas thoroughly before cooking.
• Soaking is optional but can reduce cooking time slightly.
• Use a ham bone for extra flavor and richness.
• Stir occasionally if possible for even cooking.
• Add more broth if soup becomes too thick.
• Mash peas lightly for a creamier texture.
• Remove ham bone before serving and shred meat.
• Season at the end to avoid over-salting.
• Add fresh herbs before serving for brightness.
• Soup thickens significantly as it cools.

Ingredients Notes

Split peas are the base of this soup, breaking down during slow cooking to create a naturally creamy texture without the need for cream. Ham adds a smoky, savory depth that enhances the overall flavor profile, especially when a ham bone is used for extra richness.

Onion, carrots, and celery form the classic aromatic base, providing sweetness and balance. Garlic adds warmth and depth, while bay leaves and thyme bring subtle herbal notes that round out the soup.

Chicken broth forms the cooking liquid, helping all ingredients meld together into a thick, comforting dish.

Variations and Substitutions

Smoked turkey can replace ham for a lighter version with similar flavor. For a vegetarian option, omit the meat and use vegetable broth, adding smoked paprika for depth. Yellow split peas can be used instead of green for a slightly milder taste.

Potatoes can be added for extra thickness and heartiness. Fresh spinach or kale can be stirred in near the end for added nutrition.

Cumin or curry powder can be added for a spiced variation. For a smoother soup, blend part or all of the finished mixture. Croutons or crispy bacon make excellent toppings.

Storage Options

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freeze for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat on stovetop or microwave with a splash of broth.
• Soup will thicken when stored; add liquid when reheating.

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Until you can read,Slow Cooker Spicy Baked Beans