Dinner

Crockpot Split Pea & Ham Soup

This cozy Crockpot Split Pea & Ham Soup is simple to set and forget. It fills the house with a savory aroma of ham, bay leaf, and slow-cooked peas. The soup turns creamy and thick without fuss, with tender shredded ham folded back in for meaty comfort. It’s a great weeknight meal or a lazy weekend dinner that warms you from the inside out. If you like pairing unexpected flavors, try it alongside a sweet-savory option like balsamic pear pizza for a fun contrast.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6–8 hours (on low)
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes – 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

Approximate per serving:

Calories per serving: 320 kcal
Protein: 22 g
Carbohydrates: 36 g
Fat: 6 g
Fiber: 14 g
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 850 mg

Why Make This Crockpot Split Pea & Ham Soup

This soup is hands-off and highly satisfying. The slow cook brings out deep, smoky-flavor from the ham hock and turns split peas into a silky, thick base. It’s budget-friendly, uses pantry staples, and makes great leftovers. The texture is creamy with tender pea bits and shredded ham. The aroma is earthy and salty with a hint of bay. It’s perfect for chilly days, meal prep, or when you want comfort food without standing over the stove.

How to Make Crockpot Split Pea & Ham Soup

The method is very straightforward: rinse, combine, slow-cook, shred, and finish. Let the crockpot do the heavy lifting. Use low heat for best texture and flavor. Taste near the end and adjust salt and pepper—ham hocks can be salty, so you may need little added salt.

Ingredients:

1 cup split peas
1 ham hock
4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

Rinse the split peas in a fine mesh strainer under cold water until the water runs clear. Chop the onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic. Gather the ham hock, broth, and bay leaf.

Step 2: Mixing

Place the rinsed split peas in the crockpot. Add the ham hock, broth, chopped onion, carrots, celery, minced garlic, and bay leaf. Sprinkle a little salt and pepper — remember you can add more later.

Step 3: Cooking

Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours. Cook until the peas are very tender and the soup has thickened. The longer it cooks, the creamier the texture will be. Stir occasionally if you can.

Step 4: Finishing

Remove the ham hock and set aside to cool slightly. Shred the meat from the bone with two forks and discard any skin, fat, or bone. Stir the shredded ham back into the soup. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

How to Serve Crockpot Split Pea & Ham Soup

Serve hot with crusty bread or simple crackers. A swirl of olive oil or a sprinkle of chopped parsley brightens the dish. Add a crisp green salad for a lighter contrast. For a heartier bowl, serve over toasted sourdough or with a side of roasted root vegetables.

How to Store Crockpot Split Pea & Ham Soup

Refrigerator: Cool completely, transfer to airtight containers, and store for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Leave some headspace—the soup thickens when frozen.
To reheat: Thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen if needed.

Expert Tips for Perfect Crockpot Split Pea & Ham Soup

Rinse peas well: This removes dust and prevents foam during cooking.
Don’t add extra salt at the start: Ham hocks are salty. Taste at the end and adjust.
For creamier texture: Stir the soup with an immersion blender for a few seconds, or mash a cup of the peas against the pot side then stir.
Swap broths: Use low-sodium chicken broth if you want more control over salt.
Skim fat if desired: After chilling, a thin layer of fat may solidify on top—remove it for a lighter soup.
Add acid at the end: A splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice brightens the flavors before serving.

Delicious Variations

Smoky Bacon & Ham: Crisp 4 slices of bacon and stir in at the end for extra smoky depth.
Vegetable Boost: Add diced potatoes or parsnips at the start for a chunkier soup.
Spicy Kick: Stir in 1/4 teaspoon cayenne or a pinch of red pepper flakes near the end.
Creamy Finish: Stir in 1/4 cup cream or coconut milk for richness.
Vegetarian Version: Omit the ham hock and use vegetable broth plus a smoked paprika teaspoon for that smoky note.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do split peas need to be soaked?
A: No. Split peas do not need soaking. Rinse them well and they will cook down during the slow-cook time. Soaking can reduce cook time, but isn’t necessary in the crockpot.

Q: Can I use smoked ham bone or leftover ham instead of a ham hock?
A: Yes. A smoked ham bone or diced leftover ham works. If using pre-cooked ham, add it in the last 30 minutes so it warms through without overcooking.

Q: My soup turned out too thick. How do I fix it?
A: Thin it with extra broth or water a little at a time while reheating until you reach the desired consistency. Adjust salt after thinning.

Q: How can I make the soup less salty?
A: Use low-sodium broth and rinse the ham hock briefly. Cook and taste before adding any extra salt. If already salty, add a peeled potato while reheating; it can absorb some salt (discard the potato before serving).

Q: Can I cook this on high if I’m short on time?
A: Yes. Cook on high for about 3–4 hours, but check peas for tenderness. Cooking on low gives a creamier texture and deeper flavor.

Q: Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
A: Yes. Cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating on the stove.

Q: Can I blend part of the soup for a smoother texture?
A: Absolutely. Pulse with an immersion blender or remove a cup, mash it, then stir back in. This creates a balance of creamy base and whole pea texture.

Conclusion

This Crockpot Split Pea & Ham Soup is a simple, comforting meal that fills your kitchen with rich, savory smells and delivers a creamy, satisfying bowl every time. It’s easy to adapt—swap broths, add vegetables, or finish with cream. For another slow-cooker take and extra tips, see Crockpot Split Pea Soup. Give it a try—set it in the morning and enjoy a warm, hearty dinner with minimal effort.