A timeless split pea soup recipe is one of those comforting meals every home cook should keep in their back pocket. This classic dish is simple to prepare, budget-friendly, and deeply satisfying, turning humble pantry ingredients into a thick, flavorful bowl through slow, gentle cooking.
This split pea soup recipe made with ham delivers everything you want from a homemade meal: rich texture, savory depth, and a cozy, old-fashioned flavor that feels just right for cold winter evenings or make-ahead lunches. Whether you simmer it on the stove, let it cook slowly in the Crockpot, or prepare it quickly in the Instant Pot, this comforting soup adapts beautifully to different kitchens and schedules.
Why This Split Pea Soup Recipe Is a Must-Make
Classic split pea soup has stood the test of time for good reason. It’s nourishing, filling, and easy to make using everyday ingredients. Unlike cream-based soups, this pea soup recipe gets its naturally creamy texture from slow-cooked split peas no dairy required.
Home cooks return to this split pea soup recipe again and again because it’s:
- Naturally thick and hearty
- Packed with protein and fiber
- Made with affordable, everyday ingredients
- Excellent for leftovers and freezing
- Reliable on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or under pressure
The addition of a meaty ham bone transforms simple split peas into a deeply flavorful split pea and ham soup that tastes like it simmered all day.
What Is Split Pea Soup?
At its core, split pea soup is made using dried green split peas that soften and gradually break down as they cook, creating a thick, stew-like consistency. Traditionally, the soup is built with onion, celery, garlic, herbs, and ham for smoky depth and savory balance.
Unlike many dried legumes, split peas don’t require soaking, which makes this split pea soup recipe especially convenient for busy kitchens and beginner cooks alike.
Ingredients for Classic Split Pea Soup with Ham
This comforting split pea soup recipe relies on simple, accessible ingredients that build bold flavor over time:
- Olive oil
- Yellow onion
- Celery
- Garlic
- Unsalted chicken broth
- Water
- Dried split peas
- Bay leaves
- Fresh or dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper
- Meaty ham bone or ham shanks
- Carrots
- Fresh parsley (optional garnish)
Optional additions like diced potatoes can make this split pea soup with ham even heartier without changing its traditional appeal.
How to Make Split Pea Soup (Stovetop Method)
The stovetop version of this split pea soup recipe gives you full control over texture and seasoning while allowing the flavors to develop slowly.
- Sauté onion and celery in olive oil until softened
- Add garlic and cook briefly until fragrant
- Stir in broth, water, split peas, herbs, and seasoning
- Add the ham bone and bring the soup to a boil
- Reduce heat and simmer until peas and ham are tender
- Remove the ham, shred the meat, and return it to the pot
- Add carrots and continue simmering until thickened
As the soup cooks, the peas break down naturally, creating the signature thick and comforting texture that defines great split pea soup.
Texture Tips for the Perfect Bowl
- Prefer extra-thick soup? Simmer uncovered for the final 30 minutes
- Want a smoother consistency? Stir more frequently as the peas soften
- Too thick after resting? Add a splash of broth or water when reheating
Like most hearty soups, this split pea soup recipe thickens significantly as it cools making leftovers even better the next day.
Crockpot Split Pea Soup Method
The slow cooker is ideal for hands-off comfort food.
- Reduce water to 2 cups
- Add all ingredients (except parsley) to the slow cooker
- Cook on LOW for 7–8 hours
- Shred the ham and return it to the soup before serving
This Crockpot method produces a rich, satisfying split pea soup with ham that’s perfect for busy days.
Instant Pot Split Pea Soup Method
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Split Pea Soup Recipe: A Classic, Hearty Soup That Never Fails
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
- This classic split pea soup recipe is hearty, comforting, and packed with rich flavor. Made with ham, carrots, onions, and split peas, it’s perfect for cold days and easy meal prep.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb dried green split peas
- 4 cups unsalted chicken broth
- 3 cups water
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 meaty ham bone or 2 ham hocks
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot. Sauté onion and celery until soft.
- Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
- Stir in split peas, broth, water, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Add ham bone, bring to a boil, then reduce heat.
- Simmer 1.5–2 hours, stirring occasionally, until peas are tender.
- Remove ham bone, shred meat, discard bone, and return meat to pot.
- Add carrots, simmer 20 more minutes or until carrots are soft.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with parsley if desired.
Notes
- No soaking required for split peas.
- Soup thickens as it cools add broth to loosen if reheating.
- Freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Soups
- Method: Stovetop / Crockpot / Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 730mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 16g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
For faster results, this split pea soup recipe works beautifully in the Instant Pot.
- Use the sauté setting to cook the aromatics
- Add remaining ingredients with reduced liquid
- Pressure cook on High for 15 minutes
- Allow natural release, then shred and return the ham to the pot
You’ll end up with a deeply comforting split pea and ham soup in a fraction of the time.
Storage & Freezing Tips
One of the best things about this split pea soup recipe is how well it stores.
- Refrigerator: Up to 4 days in an airtight container
- Freezer: Up to 3 months
- Reheating: Add broth or water to loosen the texture as needed
This makes it an excellent option for meal prep and freezer-friendly dinners.
Nutritional Benefits of Split Pea Soup
Beyond comfort, this classic soup offers impressive nutrition.
- High in plant-based fiber
- Excellent source of protein
- Naturally low in fat
- No added cream
- Filling and satisfying
It’s one of those rare comfort foods where a well-made split pea soup recipe feels indulgent while still being nourishing.
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FAQs About This Split Pea Soup Recipe
1. Do I need to soak the split peas before cooking?
Nope! That’s one of the best things about this split pea soup recipe. Unlike many dried beans, split peas don’t require soaking. They break down beautifully during cooking, saving you both time and effort.
2. Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely. Just skip the ham bone and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can still get deep flavor by increasing the garlic, adding a dash of smoked paprika, or stirring in a splash of soy sauce or miso for umami. Check out our vegetarian soup collection for more ideas.
3. What if I don’t have a ham bone?
No problem. Use diced ham, ham hocks, smoked turkey legs, or even bacon for a similar savory depth. If none of those are available, just add extra seasoning and a little olive oil. This split pea soup recipe is very forgiving.
4. How do I know when the soup is done?
The peas should be completely soft and starting to dissolve, giving the soup a creamy texture. This usually takes about 1.5 to 2 hours on the stove, 15 minutes in an Instant Pot, or 7–8 hours in a slow cooker on LOW.
Final Thoughts
This split pea soup recipe is everything a classic soup should be simple, hearty, dependable, and deeply comforting. With flexible cooking methods and rich, slow-simmered flavor, it earns a permanent place in any meal rotation.
Whether you’re craving a traditional split pea and ham soup, planning cozy weeknight dinners, or stocking your freezer with reliable comfort food, this recipe delivers every time without fancy ingredients or complicated steps.