Hey y’all! If you’re searching for a soul-warming meal, this Split Pea Soup with Ham is about to become your new go-to favorite. Packed with tender split peas, smoky ham, and fragrant veggies, it’s the ultimate comfort food—great for cozy weeknights, meal prep, or using up leftover holiday ham. The result? A satisfyingly thick, savory soup that’s sure to fill your kitchen with crave-worthy aromas. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This

Super Hearty: Thick, filling, and loaded with protein, it keeps you full for hours.
Great for Leftovers: Fantastic way to use up leftover ham or ham bone.
Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples and fresh veggies come together in one pot.
Freezer-Friendly: This soup stores beautifully—perfect for make-ahead meals.
Bursting with Flavor: The smoky ham and aromatic seasonings create an unforgettable taste.

Ingredients

2 cups dried green split peas, rinsed
1 meaty ham bone or 2 cups diced cooked ham
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, diced
2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Salt, to taste
Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

Prep the Vegetables: Dice onion, carrots, and celery. Rinse the split peas under cold water and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics: In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened.
Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, just until fragrant.
Combine Ingredients: Add split peas, ham bone (or diced ham), chicken broth, bay leaf, thyme, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer for 1 to 1½ hours, stirring occasionally, until peas are tender and the soup is thickened.
Finish and Adjust: If using a ham bone, remove it and cut off any remaining meat, then return the meat to the pot. Taste and season with salt as needed. Remove the bay leaf.
Serve: Ladle hot soup into bowls, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and enjoy!

Notes

For an extra creamy texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup before serving.
If the soup gets too thick, simply stir in a bit more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
For a vegetarian version, omit the ham and use smoked paprika for flavor.

Variations

Vegetarian Split Pea Soup: Omit ham and use vegetable broth; add a dash of liquid smoke or smoked paprika for depth.
Spicy Pea Soup: Stir in 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a kick.
Chunky & Rustic: Add diced potatoes or leave some veggies in larger chunks for extra texture.

Required Equipment

Large Dutch oven or soup pot
Chef’s knife and cutting board
Ladle
Wooden spoon
Immersion blender (optional)

Storage Instructions

Refrigerate: Store cooled soup in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Place cooled soup in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen if needed.

Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations

Serve with crusty bread, warm biscuits, or a classic grilled cheese for a cozy meal.
Top with a dollop of sour cream or extra diced ham for added richness.
Add a side salad with a zesty vinaigrette to brighten up the meal.

Pro Tips

Stir the soup occasionally during simmering to prevent sticking at the bottom of the pot.
Let the soup rest for 10 minutes after cooking; flavors will meld and the texture thickens.
Taste and adjust salt at the end—ham can be salty, so it’s best to season last.

FAQ

Can I make Split Pea Soup with Ham in a slow cooker?: Absolutely! Add all ingredients to your slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours or until peas are tender.
Do I need to soak split peas beforehand?: No soaking is necessary—just give them a good rinse before adding to the pot.
What can I use instead of ham?: You can substitute smoked turkey, bacon, or go meatless and use smoked paprika for flavor.