Flavorful Crockpot Split Pea Soup

I accidentally made the best crockpot split pea soup ever! I say accidentally, because I wanted to use up leftover ham and incorporate the ham bone, so I threw together a soup and it ended up being so good. Even my husband and son who don’t like split pea soup loved it! Below I’ll show you exactly how I did it, and how you can make it with or without the ham bone, and with or without a slow cooker.

Super Flavorful Crockpot Split Pea Soup

If you’re looking for a flavorful, hearty soup recipe, this is the one. Plus, it’s super easy and budget-friendly (even more so if you’re using leftover ham). Below I’ll share my recipe for slow-cooker split pea soup, and also an option to cook it on a stovetop. I do recommend the crockpot though, because the longer cook time allows the soup to develop more flavor.

If you have a meaty ham bone leftover from a spiral ham, it makes this delicious soup even more flavorful. If you don’t, you can still make this soup (I might just add more ham to infuse more ham flavor).

What You’ll Need to Make Split Pea Soup in the Crockpot

This slow cooker recipe is a great way to use up leftover ham from a holiday meal. Your whole family will love it and it makes an easy, delicious dinner. Win, win. Get the full recipe with measurements and instructions in the recipe card below. Here is a summary of what you’ll need:

• Ham Bone (optional): Cooking the soup with the ham bone in it makes it so flavorful. You’ll take it out right before you finish the soup.
• Diced ham: I like to dice mine small, but you can cut it larger if you prefer larger bites of ham.
• Yellow onion, chopped: Dice the onion small. It adds loads of flavor, too!
• Carrots, peeled and sliced: I dice my carrots very small, but if you prefer chunkier bites of carrot, just slice them.
• Celery stalks, sliced: I like to dice mine very small. The trinity of onion, celery and carrots adds flavor to the soup.
• Garlic cloves, chopped: I actually used some refrigerated diced garlic in a jar because that’s all I had. If you don’t have either, use dried garlic.
• Dried green split peas: This is a must-have as it’s the base of the soup.
• Chicken stock: You could opt for water, but the chicken stock adds flavor.
• Dried Thyme
• Dried Parsley
• Bay leaf (optional): Again, this adds flavor, but you can skip it if you don’t have it. You’ll take this out before serving.
• Salt and pepper to taste

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How to Make Crock-pot Split Pea Soup with (or without) a Ham Bone

Another reason to love this slow cooker split pea soup recipe is because it is so easy.  The hardest part is just chopping the veggies, which isn’t hard at all. Here are the easy steps:

1. Place the split peas in a colander. Rinse them well.
2. If using a leftover ham bone, add it to the crock pot. I had to bend mine to fit into my crockpot. 

3. Add all remaining ingredients to the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-6 hours.

4. Remove ham bone and bay leaf.
5. If you prefer a thicker soup, use an immersion blender to blend the soup partially before serving.
6. Optional: Top with fresh parsley, oyster crackers, croutons or other toppings (see ideas below).

To Make This Split Pea Soup Recipe without a Crock Pot

If you don’t have a slow cooker or want to speed up the process:

1. Add all ingredients to a large pot. 
2. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the peas “split” open in the pot and are very tender (about an hour and a half). 
3. Remove ham bone and bay leaf.
4. If you want to thicken it, use an immersion blender to partially blend it. If you need to thin it out, add small amounts of water until you reach your desired consistency.

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Tips for The Best Crockpot Split Pea Soup

Here are my tips for making the best homemade soup:

• Slow Cooking Develops More Flavor: Anything you cook “low and slow” is going to develop more flavor.
• Adjust to desired consistency: If you like your soup on the thicker side, use an immersion blender to blend the soup partially to thicken it up. If you prefer a thinner soup, use a small amount of water or chicken broth to thin it out.
• Season well: ​Don’t skimp on the salt and pepper. A good soup is well-seasoned.

What to Serve with Split Pea Soup

I love something crunchy with my soup. Here are some topping/side ideas:

• Oyster Crackers
• Croutons
• Grilled Cheese
• Crusty Bread
• Garlic Bread

Storing Leftover Split Pea Soup

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. Be sure to let the soup cool to room temperature before storing. You can also freeze the soup in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. 

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