Ham Bone Split Pea Soup Slow Cooker Recipe

Ham bone split pea soup is one of those cozy, comfort food classics that gets better with each passing spoonful. It’s the kind of dish that fills your home with irresistible, hearty aromas as it slowly simmers. And while it’s a classic winter dish, there’s really no wrong time to enjoy it. The smoky, rich flavor of ham paired with the tender earthiness of split peas creates a perfect balance that’s both satisfying and nutritious.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Plus, when you make it in a slow cooker, you’re in for an easy, hands-off cooking experience, which means more time for you to relax or go about your day.

This recipe isn’t just about following steps. It’s about letting the ingredients meld together over time, creating something that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Whether you’re using up leftovers from a holiday ham or starting with a fresh bone, this soup delivers comfort and flavor in every spoonful.

Ham Bone Split Pea Soup Slow Cooker Recipe

Ingredients Needed

Before we dive into the cooking instructions, let’s take a quick look at what you’ll need to create this delectable soup. The ingredients are simple, but their combination is what makes this recipe so special:

• 1 leftover ham bone (or about 2-3 cups of diced ham)

  • The real star of the show! This will infuse your soup with that smoky, savory flavor that everyone loves.

• 2 cups dried split peas (green or yellow, whichever you prefer)

  • These peas will break down as they cook, giving the soup its thick, velvety texture.

• 1 large onion, chopped

  • Adds sweetness and depth to the broth.

• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced

  • A fragrant, aromatic base that brings warmth and umami.

• 3 large carrots, peeled and diced

  • For color, sweetness, and a slight crunch when cooked.

• 2 stalks celery, diced

  • A classic soup ingredient that adds texture and a subtle, fresh flavor.

• 6 cups chicken broth (or water for a lighter option)

  • This is your liquid base, adding moisture and richness to the soup.

• 1 Bay Leaf

  • A small addition that adds a touch of herbal complexity.

• 1 Teaspoon Dried Thyme

  • A fragrant herb that pairs beautifully with ham.

• 1 Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper

  • For just the right amount of seasoning.

• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

  • You’ll want to adjust this depending on the saltiness of your ham.

Cooking Instructions

Now that we have everything prepped and ready, here’s how to get this soup into your slow cooker.

1. Prep The Ham And Veggies

   • If you’re using a leftover ham bone, make sure it’s mostly free of large bits of meat. But leave some for flavor! Cut any remaining meat off the bone into chunks. For fresh ham, dice it into bite-sized pieces. Chop your onions, garlic, carrots, and celery to a rough chop. You want them to cook down, so they don’t need to be finely diced.

2. Load The Slow Cooker

   • Place the ham bone (or diced ham) into the slow cooker first. Follow with the split peas, vegetables (onion, garlic, carrots, and celery), thyme, bay leaf, and pepper. Pour in your chicken broth (or water) to cover everything. You can add a pinch of salt now, but I recommend holding off on the full amount until you taste the finished soup, as the ham can add plenty of saltiness on its own.

3. Set The Slow Cooker

   • Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 7-8 hours. If you’re in a rush, you can cook it on high for about 4 hours, but low and slow is definitely the way to go for the best results.

4. Stir And Adjust

   • After the cooking time is up, give the soup a good stir. If the ham bone is still in there, remove it, take off any remaining meat, and add it back to the soup. Taste for seasoning and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed. You can also add a bit of water or broth if the soup is too thick for your liking.

5. Serve And Enjoy

   • Ladle the soup into bowls and serve it hot. It’s great with a side of crusty bread or a sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs on top.

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this soup has a specific role to play, contributing to both flavor and texture. Here’s a little breakdown of why each one is important:

• Ham Bone: The flavor base of this soup, the ham bone is key to achieving that rich, smoky depth. As the bone cooks, the meat and marrow release all their flavors into the broth.
• Split Peas: These little legumes are not just there for texture. They absorb the flavors of the broth and the ham, breaking down into a creamy base that thickens the soup beautifully.
• Carrots and Celery: The classic “mirepoix” (onion, carrot, celery) adds a natural sweetness and fragrance that balances out the richness of the ham.
• Chicken Broth: The liquid base for the soup, chicken broth imparts savory goodness, but you could also use vegetable broth for a more neutral option.
• Bay Leaf and Thyme: These herbs bring an earthy, aromatic flavor to the mix, which makes the soup feel more complex than it might appear at first glance.

Expert Tips

• Use leftover ham for an even more flavorful soup. If you’ve recently roasted a ham, it’s the perfect time to use the bone and scraps for this soup. The ham’s fat adds extra richness.
• Add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice just before serving to brighten up the flavors. A little acid will lift the heaviness of the soup and make the flavors pop.
• Blend a portion of the soup to get a smoother consistency. You can use an immersion blender directly in the slow cooker or transfer some soup to a regular blender. This creates a nice creamy texture while still leaving chunks of ham and veggies intact.
• Make ahead and freeze: This soup freezes exceptionally well. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer bags or airtight containers. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stove or in the microwave.

Recipe Variations

There are plenty of ways to tweak this recipe to suit your tastes or dietary preferences:

• Vegetarian Version: Omit the ham bone and use vegetable broth. Add smoked paprika or liquid smoke to replicate the smoky flavor.
• Add Greens: Throw in a handful of spinach, kale, or Swiss chard during the last 30 minutes of cooking for an extra layer of nutrition and color.
• Spicy Ham Split Pea Soup: Add a diced jalapeño or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to give the soup a little kick.
• Potato Version: Add diced potatoes for a heartier, starchier option. Potatoes will also thicken the soup and add a creamy texture.

Final Words

Making ham bone split pea soup in the slow cooker is like giving your ingredients the time they deserve to truly come together. The slow simmer ensures that each flavor blends and develops fully, which is why the soup tastes like it’s been simmering for hours (even if you’re just letting it do its thing while you go about your day). It’s a warm, nourishing bowl of comfort that has that homemade touch-without the fuss.