Chilly temperatures call for rustic soups and stews. This classic Slow Cooker Split Pea and Ham Soup is just the ticket and a great way to use up holiday ham!

As we roll into the new year I wanted to share a delicious, comfort food soup that’s a snap in the slow cooker: Slow Cooker Split Pea and Ham Soup. It’s a perfect way to use up holiday ham AND the ham bone. The ingredients are simple and whole, AND the soup so much flavor!
We had made Orange-Bourbon Glazed Bone-In Spiral Cut Ham over the holidays and I had forgotten about the ham bone which we’d put in a second refrigerator I rarely check. My husband migrated it up the kitchen refrigerator one day before we were headed out for the latest Star Wars move (did you see it? What did you think?). I put all the ingredients into the slow cooker and was so glad I did! By the time we got home everyone was famished and what we had planned for dinner was a few hours away.

This sort of soup is really where slow cooker recipes shine. They slowly develop flavors over a longer period of time needing no involvement from you. The classic basis for soup is onion, carrot and celery and they form such a delicious broth. When stirred after cooking the split peas melt into a thick creamy texture. It’s the type of soup that takes the chill off the day!

If you want to make this and don’t happen to have a ham bone laying around, ham hocks may be substituted. Use 2-3 ham hocks which are easily found through the butcher at your favorite super market if they aren’t already packaged in the meat section or freezer.
To get that chunky ham that is so good in soup you can request from the deli department to get ham slices that are ¼-inch or ½-inch thick and then cut them into nice cube before making the soup. This is definitely the type of soup you’ll want to make all winter long!

For those preferring a more traditional cooking method, this Split Pea Soup with Red Wine and Ham is another family favorite and is cooked on the stove top.

This classic comfort soup is made even easier by preparing it in a slow cooker. Hours of simmering create a rich depth of flavor in this Slow Cooker Split Pea and Ham Soup recipe with no effort from you!
If you love your Instant Pot this Instant Pot Ham recipe is a great way to whip up some ham when you want it.
Recipe

Slow Cooker Split Pea and Ham Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 medium Yellow Onion , chopped
- 2 stalks medium-large Celery , rinsed and chopped
- 3 large Carrots , scrubbed and chopped
- 1 Ham Bone (or 2 ham hocks)
- 1 pound dried Split Peas
- 8 cups Low Sodium Chicken Stock
- 2 Bay Leaves
- Kosher Salt and Ground Black Pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 cup chopped ham (if there is not meat on the ham bone)
Instructions
- Add the vegetables to the insert of a 6 quart slow cooker.
- Add the split peas and place the ham bone on top.
- Pour in the chicken stock and add the bay leaves. Cook on LOW for 8 hours.
- Remove any meat from the ham bone and add back to the soup before serving. Salt and pepper to taste. Additional ham may be added if desired.
Catherine Sargent says
This soup looks so yummy! My mom used to make this when we were kids. I can’t wait to make some for my son and husband, they have never had it.
reesa says
this is my favorite meal to make after a holiday to use up my ham leftovers!
Toni Dash says
Yay! I love it too. In fact I have one more serving in the refrigerator. I think I better go eat it now!
Little Miss Kate says
Looks like a great soup to warm up with on a chilly day! I love making soup on the winter time.
Jeanette says
I was raised on Split Pea Soup! I love it! I have not made any in years, but this reminds me to make it again! YUM!
Kecia says
I have never had split pea soup. It sounds delicious with the ham in it!
Rachel @ {i love} my disorganized life says
I love slow cooker recipes! And I just happen to have some leftover ham. YAY!
Toni Dash says
I hoped the timing of this recipe might catch the end of the holiday ham for many people!
Kristen Chidsey says
My daugther absolutely adores split pea soup. I will have to make this for her!
Jen Rattie says
Yay! I love using my slow cooker. It saves so much time, and it saves me from the hassle of old school cooking. I can’t wait to make this. Split pea and ham is one of my favorite soups.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
I can’t wait to make this! I make split pea and ham soup every so often in the crock pot, but I’ve been using the same recipe for years. Time to change it up!
Rosey says
Split Pea is one of my top-three favorites. It def. helps take the chill off the bones!