How to Make Hearty Split Pea Soup with Ham in the Crock Pot

When the weather turns cold, this is a great go-to. A warm bowl of split pea soup with ham makes any chilly day feel cozy. This slow cooker recipe is simple, comforting, and full of flavor.

You don’t need anything fancy. Just a few ingredients, a crock pot, and a little time. It’s the kind of soup that feels like home. And the best part? It makes amazing leftovers the next day.

Why You’ll Love This Traditional Pea and Ham Soup

This isn’t just any soup. It’s hearty. It’s satisfying. It’s the great way to use up leftover ham or that ham bone from Sunday dinner.

Split peas break down as they cook, making the broth thick and creamy—no cream needed. You don’t even need an immersion blender, although you can use one if you like it extra smooth. Honestly? Just stirring it breaks down those green split peas perfectly.

Ingredients You’ll Need for this Hearty Soup

Here’s what goes into this easy recipe:
• 2½ quarts of water (or use chicken broth or chicken stock for extra flavor)
• 1 ham hock, ham steak, or chopped ham
• 2½ cups dried green split peas
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3-6 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste (if you throw in bay leaves, make sure to remove them before serving)

I usually go with what I can find at the store and what is on sale. I love a ham steak, but a ham hock or ham bone adds rich flavor and that classic feel of traditional pea and ham soup.

How to Make Split Pea Soup in the Crock Pot

This homemade soup is a little different. You’ll start on the stovetop. It warms the kitchen on chilly days. Well, kind of.

Step 1: Bring 2½ quarts of water to a boil in a saucepan. (You can swap in chicken broth or vegetable broth here. Totally up to you.) Oh, also, 2 1/2 quarts is the same as 10 cups of water. 

Step 2: While the water heats, add everything else to your slow cooker:
• The split peas
• The chopped carrots and onion
• Your ham hock or ham pieces
• A little salt and pepper

Step 3: Carefully pour the boiling water (or broth) over the ingredients in the crock pot. Stir it well.

Step 4: Cover. Cook on high for about 4 hours. That’s it!

As it cooks, the peas will fall apart. The soup will thicken on its own. You’ll start smelling that warm, smoky ham goodness all through the house.

What to Do If You Use a Ham Hock or Ham Bone

Once everything is tender, pull out the ham hock or ham bone. Let it cool for a minute.

Use a fork to remove the meat. Wrap up the leftover ham bone and freeze it. You can use it later to flavor another batch of soup, a pot of beans, or even homemade broth. Just pop it in to a freezer bag, label it, and save it for a cozy meal down the road. Chop the meat into bite-sized pieces and stir it back into the soup.

If you use a ham steak or chopped ham, you can skip this part. It’s already ready to go.

Serving Ideas for Your Pea and Ham Soup

This soup was made for crusty bread. Think a thick slice of sourdough, a warm baguette, or crusty french bread. Yes, please!

You could also top it with a swirl of cream or a dash of black pepper. Totally optional. 

Slow-Cooker Split Pea Soup Leftovers 

Got leftovers? Even better. Leftover soup heats up beautifully. It might even taste better the next day. Put them into an airtight container and heat it up the next day for a perfect meal. This has truly become one of my favorite soups. It is so simple and flavorful. 

Tips and Variations for This Crockpot Split Pea Soup Recipe

• Use chicken stock or vegetable broth instead of water for more depth.
• Want it creamier? Go ahead and use an immersion blender. Just give it a few quick pulses. You can also use less water for a thicker soup. Just adjust the amount of liquid to your preference. 
• Add celery or garlic if you have them on hand.
• Freeze leftovers in individual containers for easy lunches.

This is a pea and ham soup slow cooker lovers will keep coming back to. It’s a split pea soup recipe that sticks to your ribs in the best way. Seriously, it makes for a great meal. Cheap, healthy, easy, and flavorful.

Time to Be a Doer and Make This Split Pea Soup

There you have it. An easy, nourishing pea soup with ham made right in your crock pot. Whether you use a ham bone, a ham steak, or leftover holiday ham, this soup brings comfort to your table.

Let it simmer. Let it fill your kitchen with the smell of slow cooking goodness. Then sit down, breathe deep, and enjoy what you made.