Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup is a hearty, comforting classic that’s perfect for cold days or simple weeknight meals. With minimal prep and the magic of slow cooking, this soup develops deep flavor from split peas, tender vegetables, and smoky ham. It’s budget-friendly, nourishing, and great for meal prep or freezing.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

dried green split peas
ham bone or diced ham
carrots
celery
onion
garlic
bay leaves
thyme
salt
pepper
chicken broth or vegetable broth
water

directions

Rinse and sort the split peas to remove any debris.

Place the split peas, ham bone (or diced ham), chopped carrots, celery, onion, and garlic into the slow cooker.

Add bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper.

Pour in the chicken broth and enough water to cover the ingredients (about 7-8 cups total liquid).

Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until peas are tender and soup has thickened.

Remove the ham bone, shred any meat off it, and return the meat to the soup.

Stir the soup well and adjust seasoning if needed.

Discard bay leaves before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 7-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high
Total time: about 8 hours and 15 minutes

Variations

Use smoked turkey leg instead of ham for a different flavor.
Add diced potatoes for extra heartiness.
For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use vegetable broth.
Add a dash of smoked paprika for extra depth.
Blend part of the soup for a creamier texture.

storage/reheating

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of broth or water if it becomes too thick.

FAQs

Can I use yellow split peas instead of green?
Yes, the taste is slightly different, but they work just as well.

Do I need to soak the split peas first?
No soaking is necessary—just rinse them before adding to the slow cooker.

Can I use a ham hock instead of a ham bone?
Yes, a ham hock adds great smoky flavor.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes, cook on high pressure for about 15-18 minutes, then allow natural release.

Why is my soup too thick?
Split peas naturally thicken the soup. Add more broth or water to thin it out as needed.

What goes well with split pea soup?
Crusty bread, cornbread, or a side salad pair wonderfully with this soup.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely, it reheats well and the flavor deepens after a day.

Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your broth and ham are gluten-free.

Can I omit garlic or onions?
Yes, for dietary reasons you can skip them or replace with alternatives.

How do I make the soup smoother?
Use an immersion blender to partially or fully blend the soup to your desired consistency.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup is the ultimate comfort food—easy to make, deeply satisfying, and full of savory goodness. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or stocking your freezer, this soup is a timeless, wholesome dish you’ll return to again and again.