This Slow Cooker Ham & Pea Soup Recipe is an easy to make split pea and ham soup recipe that is rich in flavor but simple to make in the slow cooker. Tender chunks of ham, flavorful split peas in a heartwarming soup that is perfect for dinner or meal prep. This Slow Cooker Split Pea and Ham Soup Recipe soup freezes well for a great make ahead soup!

Ham and Split Pea Soup

I have to be fully honest here I have not always been a fan of split pea soup. For a long time, I had no interest in it, I thought it was bland and lacking flavor. Then I had someone I know work on creating a split pea and ham soup recipe since Tom loves it and now I am in love. I like this recipe even more because I can make spilt pea soup in the crockpot and I do not have to stand at the stove watching it.

I love making this Ham and Split pea soup when I have leftover ham. It can totally be made with ham steaks or chunks of ham but my favorite way is to use leftover ham from a big holiday meal. Then I make a large batch of this ham and pea soup and we enjoy it for dinner and then also put some in the freezer for quick and easy meals later.

What is ham and pea soup?

Ham and pea soup is a healthy and filling soup that is made with ham, split peas, ham broth, and other veggies. This specific recipe cooks the soup in a slow cooker.

What are Split Peas?

Split peas are a field pea that is named for how they are preserved. They are picked, then dried and then sometimes they are split.

Split peas are a member of the legume family just like lentils are however they are a field pea that is dried while lentils are the seeds found in a plant.

What makes Split pea soup green?

The signature green color of spilt pea soup comes from the split peas. They also give it a creamy texture along with an awesome subtle flavor. Split peas are high in nutrients, fiber and protein which also make this slow cooker split pea soup a hearty and healthy soup that is perfect for the chilly winter months.

Do I need to use a ham bone?

If you do not have a ham bone you can still make this split pea soup in a crockpot, you will just add in chunks of ham instead of ham with some meat on the bone still. If you are using a ham bone with meat on it then you will remove the ham meat off the bone and add it to the soup when the soup is done cooking.

What Type of Ham do I use?

You can use the ham bone with ham on it, leftover ham or ham steaks to make this split pea soup crockpot recipe. If you do not have a ham bone you can also use a ham hock instead.

If I’m using Ham stock, do I need to use a ham bone?

Using the ham bone in your pea soup will give you a richer, deeper ham flavor. If you don’t have a ham bone, you can substitute chopped ham but don’t skip the ham stock if possible or substitute it with chicken stock to ensure a richer flavor than water.

What Vegetables are in Split Pea soup?

Split pea soup has split peas along with carrots and celery. You can also add diced onion, potatoes and even frozen mixed veggies if you would like to have more veggies in your soup.

Do I need to wash my split peas before using?

Split Peas should be washed before using to remove any dirt from the peas. It is also a good idea to sort through the peas as sometimes there are small rock particles or dried up peas (more of a lighter yellow color) that should be removed before cooking.

Do I need to soak the split peas?

Split peas do not need to be soaked before using them in soups. They are smaller and softer than other legumes and will therefore cook up quicker and do not need to be soaked.

overhead photo of split pea soup in a bowl

What do You Serve with Ham and Pea soup?

Crusty bread. Any crusty bread that you love makes a great addition to the meal, plus it is so tasty when you dip bread into the soup.

Salad. A simple green salad is perfect also, add your favorite veggies and your favorite dressing and you are done.

If you are looking for specific recipes and ideas for things that go well with Split pea soup, check out some of our favorites.

overhead photo of split pea soup in the slow cooker

How long do you cook Pea and Ham Soup

When making slow cooker ham and pea soup it will take 4-5 hours or 8-10 hours on low.

How do I know when Slow Cooker Split Pea soup is done cooking?

Your soup will be done when the split peas have split open and softened and that will thicken the soup.

How to Store Leftover Split Pea and Ham Soup

Ham and Pea soup can be stored in an air tight container in the fridge or store in the freezer. You can then reheat this soup in the microwave or in a pot on the stove.

How Long Does it Keep?

Split Pea Soup will keep for 3-4 days in the refrigerator or 2-3 months in the freezer.

Can I Freeze It?

Yes! Make the soup and allow it to cool completely. Once cooled pour into an airtight container or a freezer safe zip close bag and store in the freezer. this soup will keep in the freeze for up to 3 months.

When you are going to enjoy this soup after being frozen, make sure you thaw it overnight. You can then reheat this soup in the microwave or in a pot on the stove.

Slow Cooker Split Pea and Ham Soup Ingredients

16 ounces dry Split peas
3 Carrots, sliced
2-3 celery stalks, sliced
Ham bone or 1 cup diced ham
2 gloves of Garlic – minced
1 bay leaf (optional)
8-10 cups Ham stock or water
Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Slow Cooker Split Pea and Ham Soup

Rinse split peas and sort removing any debris or stones.

Place peas, carrots, celery, ham, garlic, and bay leaf in your slow cooker and cover with ham stock. Make sure the peas are submerged at least an inch below water. If using a ham bone, It’s okay if the ham bone sticks out above the water.

Place cover on your slow cooker and cook on high for 4-5 hours or 8-10 hours on low. Your soup will be done when the split peas have split and softened and thickened the soup.

Remove ham bone, let cool slightly and remove ham pieces and add to soup.

Add salt and pepper to taste and sprinkle with fresh parsley.

Easy Soup Recipes