Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup: Comfort Food Made Simple

Let your crock pot work its magic to blend savory ham and veggies into a wholesome meal.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 10, 2025

Let your crock pot work its magic to blend savory ham and veggies into a wholesome meal.

Few dishes match the heartwarming simplicity and rich flavor of split pea soup, especially when prepared in a slow cooker. This classic recipe, loaded with ham, carrots, onions, and flavorful herbs, is easy to make, nutritious, and ideal for chilly evenings or busy weekdays. By letting your slow cooker do the heavy lifting, you’ll enjoy deep flavors and a thick, creamy texture with minimal effort.

Why Make Split Pea Soup in a Slow Cooker?

Using a slow cooker for split pea soup offers several advantages:

Effortless preparation: All ingredients go directly into the slow cooker, eliminating the need for pre-sauteing or soaking the peas beforehand.
Deepened flavors: The slow cooking process allows peas to break down and blend harmoniously with vegetables, ham, and herbs.
Hands-off cooking: Simple assembly means you can set it, forget it, and return to a perfectly cooked meal.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup

Ingredient	Amount	Description
Dried split green peas	1 – 1.5 lbs	Rinsed and picked over for debris. Forms the base of the soup.
Onion	1/2 – 1 medium	Chopped for sweetness and depth.
Carrots	3–5 medium	Peeled and diced; add color and flavor.
Celery	2–3 stalks	Sliced for aromatic backbone.
Garlic	2–6 cloves	Chopped for savory richness.
Ham	8 oz – 2 cups diced or bone/hock	Cooked ham, ham hock, or a hambone for flavor.
Chicken stock/broth	4-6 cups (or water)	Adds body and depth.
Fresh herbs	Thyme, parsley, bay leaf	Tied in a bundle for easy removal.
Salt & pepper	To taste	Adjust after cooking.

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Peas
Place split peas in a colander, rinse thoroughly, and check for stones or debris.
Step 2: Assemble Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Add peas, chopped onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and cubed ham (or ham bone) to the slow cooker. Pour in chicken stock and about 1.5 cups water for proper consistency.
Step 3: Add Herbs
Bundle thyme, parsley, and bay leaf with kitchen twine and nestle into the mixture.
Step 4: Cook
Cover and cook on high for 4–5 hours or low for 8–10 hours, until peas are tender and begin to break down, thickening the soup. Mash some peas with a potato masher if a smoother texture is desired.
Step 5: Season & Serve
Remove herb bundle and bay leaf. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Spoon into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley.

Tips for Best Results

No soaking required: Split peas cook evenly in the slow cooker, so soaking is unnecessary.
Extra broth for longer cook times: Add 1/2 cup extra liquid if using longer cooking times to avoid excessive thickening.
Meat options: Use leftover ham, bacon, ham hocks, or a hambone for smoky flavor. Vegetarians can omit the meat or replace with liquid smoke for added flavor.
Texture: Mash peas midway or at the end for a creamier soup, or blend a portion for an ultra-smooth consistency.
Add potatoes: For extra heartiness, add diced potatoes with carrots about 40 minutes before serving.
Fresh herbs: Use fresh thyme and parsley for bright flavor. Dry herbs can replace fresh in a pinch.

Serving Suggestions

Split pea soup is delicious when served hot with:

Crusty bread
Crackers
Chopped fresh parsley as garnish
Side salad for balance
Grated cheese or a dollop of sour cream for extra richness

Variations and Substitutions

Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken stock with vegetable broth and use liquid smoke instead of ham for smoky depth.
Extra Veggies: Add leeks, parsnips, or potatoes for more complexity.
Low Sodium Option: Opt for low-sodium broth and add salt only at the end if needed.
Leftovers: Use leftover diced ham, ham hock, or bacon in any combination for richer flavor.
Herbs: Try rosemary, sage, or dill for a twist on tradition.

Nutritional Benefits

Split pea soup is a highly nutritious meal, offering:

Protein: From ham and peas
Fiber: Peas are rich in dietary fiber for digestive health
Vitamins & minerals: Carrots and celery contribute potassium and vitamin A
Low fat: Especially if made with lean ham and broth

Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup Recipe Card

Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time	Servings
15 minutes	4–10 hours	4–10 hours 15 mins	6–8

History and Popularity of Split Pea Soup

Split pea soup is a staple in many cultures:

Traditional origins: With roots in European and American home cooking, it evolved from simple ingredients often available during cold months.
Award-winning flavor: Many cooks consider classic split pea soup recipes the pinnacle of comfort food, often passed down through generations.
Easy adaptation: Modern slow cookers make this traditional dish more accessible and stress-free to prepare.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Do I need to soak split peas before cooking?

A: No, soaking is not necessary for slow cooker split pea soup. Simply rinse and add directly to the slow cooker.

Q: What kind of ham should I use?

A: You can use diced cooked ham, a ham bone, ham hock, or even bacon for added flavor. Leftover ham works wonderfully and adds depth to the broth.

Q: How do I achieve a creamy texture?

A: Mash some of the peas during or after cooking with a potato masher, or blend a portion of the soup for ultra-smooth results.

Q: Can I make this soup vegetarian?

A: Yes. Replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the ham. Add a teaspoon of liquid smoke for a subtle smoky undertone.

Q: How do I store leftovers?

A: Cool the soup completely, then refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Freeze for longer storage. The soup will thicken upon cooling; add broth or water when reheating.

Q: Why tie herbs together?

A: Bundling herbs makes them easy to remove after cooking, avoiding stray leaves and stems in your final soup.

Q: What if my soup is too thick?

A: Stir in extra broth or a splash of water until you reach your desired consistency.

More Cozy Slow Cooker Soup Ideas

Slow Cooker Taco Soup
Slow Cooker White Bean Soup
Crock Pot Ham & Potato Soup
Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup
Slow Cooker Cabbage Soup

Expert Tips and Tricks

Layer flavors: For deeper flavor, sauté onions, carrots, and celery briefly before adding to the slow cooker (optional).
Garnish generously: Fresh herbs, croutons, or shredded cheese enhance presentation and taste.
Cook time flexibility: If you need a shorter cook time, use the high setting; otherwise, go low and slow for maximum melded flavors.
Test for doneness: The peas should be tender, and the soup thickened when ready to serve.

Conclusion: Classic Comfort in a Bowl

Making slow cooker split pea soup is easier than ever, thanks to modern appliances and timeless techniques. By combining wholesome peas, vegetables, flavorful ham, and fresh herbs, you’ll create a cozy dinner that warms both body and soul.

Whether you follow the traditional method or explore new additions and vegetarian alternatives, this classic dish remains a favorite for its rich taste, nutritional value, and sheer comfort.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

Read full bio of medha deb