Honeybaked Ham Split Pea Soup Recipe

If you’re someone who looks forward to indulging in hearty, comforting meals, Honeybaked Ham Split Pea Soup is the perfect dish to add to your repertoire. It’s rich, flavorful, and a great way to use up that leftover ham from your holiday meals or weekend feasts. This soup is a beautiful marriage of smoky ham, tender peas, and a medley of aromatic vegetables, all cooked together in a savory broth. It’s a dish that will warm your soul and fill your kitchen with an irresistible, savory aroma.

Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner, a casual get-together, or even a quick weeknight meal, this recipe is easy to follow, loaded with nutrition, and highly satisfying. With each spoonful, you get the perfect balance of savory ham and earthy split peas, all while getting cozy with a bowl of delicious, homemade soup.

Let’s dive into the details and break it all down for you!

Ingredients Needed

Here’s a comprehensive list of the ingredients you’ll need to make this flavor-packed soup. You’ll find that the items are simple, but together, they create a dish that’s full of depth and comfort.

1 lb split peas – Split peas are the base of the soup and provide the creamy texture when cooked. Yellow or green peas work well, but yellow tends to give a slightly milder taste.
1 large Honeybaked ham bone (or 2 cups of chopped Honeybaked ham) – The ham bone adds that signature smoky flavor, while chopped ham gives the soup a heartiness.
1 medium onion, diced – A classic soup base ingredient, onions add a layer of sweetness and depth.
2 medium carrots, diced – Carrots lend a bit of natural sweetness and color to the soup.
3 celery stalks, diced – Celery brings an herbal, slightly peppery flavor that complements the other ingredients.
4 garlic cloves, minced – Garlic is a key player in adding savory richness and enhancing all the other flavors.
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth – A good broth will make all the difference in the flavor profile. Chicken broth offers a balanced, rich backdrop for the peas and ham.
2 bay leaves – These little leaves might seem simple, but they add a subtle herbal note that rounds out the flavor.
1 tsp dried thyme – Thyme adds an earthy, slightly minty depth.
Salt and pepper to taste – Essential to balance all the flavors and give the soup its perfect seasoning.
1-2 tbsp olive oil – Used to sauté the vegetables and add a little extra richness.

Cooking Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking! This soup is relatively simple to prepare, but it does require some patience to allow all the flavors to meld together. Here’s how to do it:

Prepare the peas: Rinse your split peas under cold water to remove any dust or debris. Set them aside.
Sauté the vegetables: In a large stockpot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
Add the ham and broth: If you’re using a ham bone, add it to the pot. Otherwise, toss in your chopped Honeybaked ham. Pour in the chicken broth, making sure the ham and veggies are submerged. Add the bay leaves and dried thyme.
Simmer: Stir in the split peas, then bring the soup to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer, uncovered, for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the peas have broken down and the soup is thick and creamy.
Adjust seasoning: Taste the soup as it cooks and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. If the soup gets too thick, you can add a little extra broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Serve: Once the soup has reached the perfect thickness and flavor, remove the ham bone (if used) and discard the bay leaves. Shred any leftover ham from the bone and stir it back into the soup. Serve the soup hot with a side of crusty bread or crackers.

Ingredient Insights

Here’s a little deeper look at some of the key ingredients and what they bring to the table:

Split peas: Split peas are packed with protein and fiber, making them an excellent choice for a filling, nutritious meal. As they cook, they break down and thicken the soup, creating that rich, creamy texture.
Honeybaked ham: The star of the show, Honeybaked ham is known for its sweet and smoky flavor. The ham’s sugar glaze and rich seasoning infuse the soup with layers of flavor, making each spoonful more indulgent.
Carrots and celery: These vegetables add not only flavor but also nutritional value. Carrots bring a boost of vitamin A, while celery contributes fiber and essential minerals.
Chicken broth: Using a low-sodium version allows you to control the salt levels while still providing a savory base for the soup.

Expert Tips

To ensure your Honeybaked Ham Split Pea Soup turns out perfectly every time, here are some expert tips:

Let the soup simmer: Don’t rush the process. Allowing the soup to simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours lets the flavors fully develop and the peas to break down, resulting in a rich, creamy texture.
Skim the foam: As the soup simmers, you may notice foam rising to the top. Skim this off with a spoon to keep the broth clear.
Use leftover ham: If you’ve got leftover Honeybaked ham, this is the ideal recipe to use it in! The smoky, sweet flavor of the ham adds a depth of taste that’s unmatched by fresh ham.
Add a little acid: A squeeze of lemon or a splash of vinegar just before serving can help brighten up the flavors and balance the richness of the soup.

Recipe Variations

If you’re looking to switch things up or have specific dietary preferences, here are a few variations you can try:

Vegetarian version: If you prefer a vegetarian or vegan version, you can skip the ham and instead use smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic that smoky flavor. You could also add in some extra vegetables like potatoes or mushrooms to keep the soup hearty.
Spicy twist: For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the soup while sautéing the vegetables. The spiciness will contrast beautifully with the smoky ham and creamy peas.
Creamy version: For an even richer soup, you can add a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk toward the end of the cooking process to create a luscious, velvety texture.
Herb-infused: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or oregano for a slightly different flavor profile. Fresh herbs can be added in the last 10 minutes of cooking for an aromatic punch.

Final Words

Honeybaked Ham Split Pea Soup is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting experience. The combination of smoky ham, tender peas, and a variety of vegetables makes it one of those soups you can’t stop craving, especially when the weather turns chilly. It’s filling, packed with nutrients, and full of flavor.

This soup is versatile, easy to make, and even better the next day, so don’t hesitate to make a big batch to enjoy throughout the week. Whether you’re making it with leftovers or preparing it from scratch, it’s a dish that guarantees satisfaction in every bite.

Honeybaked Ham Split Pea Soup Recipe