Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup is the perfect way to use up leftover ham and transform it into a hearty soup that is perfect for lunch or dinner. The soup slow cooks for 8 hours, resulting in a velvety broth chocked full of vegetables and ham.
Split pea soup. You either love it or hate it. I grew up hating it. My mom would make it a few times each year, and try to persuade me to try her families recipe for that thick green split pea soup. Of course, me being a young bratty child I always refused. It wasn’t until I was in college that I finally gave the soup a try, and found out that I loved it. I think the green murky color is what turns-off most people. In the the food blogger/ food photography world we like to call this soup “ugly food”. It is hard to photograph and convey how delicious this soup really does taste.
My recipe is a combination of both mothers ingredients plus put my own spin on it. You know I love veggies. So why not add lots to the pot. I also did something daring. I put a few parsnips in the slow cooker. Before making this soup I never even cooked or consumed parsnips. But I knew it was a root vegetable, and I figured this Split Pea Soup was the perfect dish to use it in.
Both mothers let their soups simmer on the stove top for hours on end. I don’t have that kind of time. Instead, I made my split pea soup in the slow cooker. If I remember to start it early enough this is the way I will make it. However, if I forget then I will make my Instant Pot Split Pea Soup version! Both turn out delicious each and every time.
Dawn Boutilier says
This is all going into the pot now but I have a question. The directions state in step 1 and 3 to add the diced ham. Which is your suggestion? Thank you, I know it will be delicious!
Katie says
Hi Dawn, oh goodness. Typo on my behalf. I suggest placing the diced ham in once the soup is cooked so it doesn’t dry out. You can do either but that’s just my preference! Good luck and thank you for catching that mistake! 😉
Stacy P says
This is an AMAZING recipe! So delicious! I absolutely love the yummy flavors! The hardiness of the potatoes as they break down towards the end of cooking. The slightly sweeter taste of the parsnip added a nice touch. I used a spiral ham and 3 cups of low sodium chicken broth and 3 cups of water. Will definitely be making this again!!
Katie says
Stacy, thanks so much for leaving a review and that you loved it so much!
Kathy says
This split pea soup is a winner! The best one I’ve made. Used the left over ham bone from our Xmas ham. I did’t have any parsnips so I omitted that and it still was great.
Thanks for the recipe.
Katie says
Kathy, thanks for taking the time to leave a 5 star comment! Parsnips are definitely optional. So happy you loved this recipe.
Deb says
Super easy & delicious. This will be my go to recipe from now on for split pea soup!
Katie says
Deb, this makes me so incredibly happy to read! I love making my split pea soup in the slow cooker!
Hillary says
My family loves this! Thank you!
Katie says
Hillary I’m so glad they love it! 🙂 I’m making a ham tomorrow and will be using my ham bone and leftover ham to make this and freeze for when my baby arrives!
Kate says
STUPID QUESTION ALERT!!!
The bag of split peas…….am I right to assume it’s a bag of DRIED peas!?
Katie says
Hi Kate–yes! It’s a bag of dried peas. So sorry–I’ll add that in the recipe. Not a stupid question 😉
Nutmeg Nanny says
It’s so funny how your taste changes over time, I love split pea soup now too 🙂 this looks great!
ashley - baker by nature says
I have such a soft spot for split pea soup! Perfect to welcome the still chilly days of Spring!
Katie says
Ashley, I do now, too!
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
This looks so good! I just might have to develop a vegetarian version :).
Katie says
Just omit the ham… I’m sure it will tastes just as good (maybe add a little more season salt/pepper)!
dixya@food, pleasure, and health says
love this – however, I do not add ham to it. such a comforting, nutritious dish
Katie says
Oh I bet it tastes just as good without ham!
Stephanie @ Girl Versus Dough says
I loOOoooOOOVve split pea soup! Seriously love. Even better in the slow cooker!
Katie says
Thanks Stephanie!
Paula@SweetPea says
This looks delicious! We love split pea soup and I haven’t made it in a long while. My mom made a ham for Easter and is freezing the leftovers for me. When I get them, I’m making this for sure.
Katie says
Awesome Paula!
Ashley Bee (Quarter Life Crisis Cuisine) says
I love split pea soup, but never make it because it seems too hard. But in a slow cooker, EVERYTHING is easy!
Katie says
Ashley–I was the same way! Just throw it all in the slow cooker and let it do all the work for you!
Lauren @ Climbing Grier Mountain says
Confession: I have never made split pea soup before. GASP! Now, with this recipe there’s no excuse!
Katie says
Lauren–it wasn’t until last when I finally made split pea! Go and make it!