This Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup recipe is not only delightfully easy to make, but filling and perfect for a winter day. It’s a great meal to plan with holiday ham leftovers.
I didn’t think the kids had noticed, but we have a tradition every time we have a ham for dinner: I make Split Pea Soup a few days later. The tradition started because it was a way to save money and to use up leftovers. A lot of our leftover ham would get used for sandwiches, but there was always plenty to make Split Pea Soup, so after having our holiday hams, Split Pea Soup has always been one of our dinners shortly after.
I actually didn’t think the kids had noticed this tradition. Not really a big deal — I didn’t start it to make memories or impress them. It was started solely for the purpose of being frugal.
This year, we had ham on Christmas Day and I hadn’t really thought about Split Pea Soup. But as it was cooking in the oven, our youngest son (age 14) came into the kitchen and eagerly said “that means we’re having split pea soup this week, right? I love that stuff”. I was surprised that it had left an impression on him, but seriously happy that it did.
The week after Christmas was crazy. And before I knew it, we didn’t have enough ham to make my Split Pea Soup. But a tradition is a tradition and a promise is a promise, so I picked up some ham at the store and made sure that kid got his Split Pea Soup.
The one thing I did differently this time around, was that I made it in a slow cooker. Split Pea Soup isn’t hard to make, but I wanted to make it even more simple and as hands-off as possible. The result is the version you’ll see in this post — it’s VERY easy to make. You’ll just layer the ingredients, pour in chicken broth, and let the slow cooker cook your soup. That’s it.
Here is the full recipe for my Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup — it’s very hearty and filling. Also, according to my son, this is even better the next day.
Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup Recipe
PrintSlow Cooker Split Pea Soup
This Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup recipe is not only delightfully easy to make, but filling and perfect for a winter day. It’s a great meal to plan with holiday ham leftovers.
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pound dry green split peas (picked over, rinsed well, and drained)
- 1 onion (diced)
- 3 carrots (peeled and sliced)
- 2 cloves garlic (finely minced)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 cup diced ham
- 2 leaves bay
- 6 cups chicken broth
Instructions
- In a 4-5 quart slow cooker, layer the the peas, onion, and carrots. Sprinkle evenly with the paprika, salt, and pepper. Top with ham and bay leaves. Pour chicken broth over all ingredients and stir just slightly (no need to thoroughly combine ingredients).
- Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or until peas are very soft and falling apart. Stir soup to combine ingredients. With an immersion blender or potato masher, blend/smash up some of the peas to help thicken the soup. Serve warm with bread, croutons, or crackers.
Keywords: crock pot, ham, carrots, 8 ingredients, easy recipe,
Want even more slow cooker recipes?
Our #12Bloggers theme for this month is Slow Cooker Soups, so everyone in the #12Bloggers group has shared a recipe that fits the theme, with 12 ingredients or less. Check them out — they are such a great way to warm up this winter, while saving you time in the kitchen.
- Crockpot Pork Ramen Soup from BetsyLife
- Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup from Home Cooking Memories
- Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Soup from Cooking on the Front Burner
- Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings from Love Bakes Good Cakes
- Slow cooker Sweet Potato Chili from Million Moments
- Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup from White Lights on Wednesday
- Crock Pot French Onion Soup from A Night Owl
- Beef Stroganoff Soup from Pink Cake Plate
- Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup from I Love My Disorganized Life
- Crock Pot Chicken Noodle Soup from See Vanessa Craft
- Green Chile Pork Stew from Around My Family Table
- Slow Cooker Beef and Vegetable Soup from Big Bear’s Wife
Pam says
January 3, 2019 at 8:54 amYum! My mom used to make this for us. I’ve featured it at Thursday Favorite Things today. Thanks for sharing!
Miz Helen says
December 30, 2018 at 3:26 pmWe love a good Split Pea Soup and your recipe looks wonderful! Thanks so much for sharing your special talent with us at Full Plate Thursday and may you have a safe & prosperous new year!
★★★★★
Helen at the Lazy Gastronome says
December 27, 2018 at 12:48 pmSlow cooker and soup in the same title is a perfect hit! Thanks for sharing at the What’s for Dinner party – have a wonderful weekend!
Chas Greener says
December 26, 2018 at 7:28 amI love things I can cook in my slow cooker, thanks for sharing – I’ll add it to the list.
Leanne @ Healthful Pursuit says
January 9, 2018 at 9:33 amPerfect for the cold weather! Thanks for sharing
★★★★
Of Goats and Greens says
January 8, 2018 at 9:31 amI’d never considered making split pea soup in a slow cooker. Great idea!!!!
Miz Helen says
January 2, 2017 at 1:05 pmWe love Pea Soup and your recipe looks delicious. Thanks so much for sharing your awesome post with us at Full Plate Thursday. Wishing you a fantastic 2017!
Miz Helen
★★★★★
Heidi says
January 1, 2017 at 6:27 pmSlow cooker soups are the best! Thanks for linking up with Funtastic Friday!
Erica Schmidt says
December 28, 2016 at 9:01 pmYum! Love how easy and delicious this soup looks! Pinning for later!
Amy says
December 28, 2016 at 7:07 pmI really like Split Pea Soup. This looks like a great recipe. I can’t wait to try it. Thank you for sharing on What’s Cookin’ Wednesday.
Helen at the Lazy Gastronome says
December 26, 2016 at 9:46 amLooks so good! Thanks for sharing on the What’s for Dinner link up!
Mollie says
January 11, 2016 at 10:18 pmI don’t think I’ve ever made split pea in a crockpot – what a lovely recipe! Thanks for bringing this by to Throwback Thursday! I’ll be pinning to our board and Happy New Years!
Audrey says
January 8, 2016 at 1:48 pmoh yum yum yum! I love split pea soup. Thanks for sharing on the #HomeMattersParty . I hope you will join us again next week.
Marie from The Interior Frugalista says
January 5, 2016 at 6:04 pmOh my, this looks and sounds delicious. I could use a bowl of it right now as the temperatures plummet here in the Canadian Prairies.
Jamie @ Love Bakes Good Cakes says
January 22, 2015 at 10:50 amI haven’t had pea soup in years – my mom used to make it and I have never tried to make it myself! I love that you made this into a slow cooker version! Stumbled, yummed, pinned and sharing to my Facebook. I also stopped by your social media platforms and followed in the places I wasn’t already! So glad to meet you as part of the #12bloggers 🙂