This Crock Pot Yellow Split Pea Soup is a hearty and savory recipe, which uses yellow split peas and a meaty ham bone. It’s the ultimate comfort food recipe, ready in about 8 hours and 10 minutes.
Crock Pot Yellow Split Pea Soup Ingredients
- 20 ounces dried yellow split peas
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 meaty ham bone or 2 cups leftover ham
- 3 ribs celery, diced
- 2 large carrots, diced
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
How To Make Crock Pot Yellow Split Pea Soup
- Prep the split peas: Rinse yellow split peas under cold water and drain well.
- Add to slow cooker: Combine all ingredients except the parsley in a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Cook the soup: Cover and cook on high for 4–5 hours or on low for 8 hours, until peas are tender.
- Finish and season: Discard the bay leaf. Stir in chopped parsley and season with salt and more pepper to taste.

Recipe Tips
- Do split peas need soaking? No soaking is needed, just rinse them before adding to the crock pot.
- Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken? Yes, it works well for a vegetarian version if you skip the ham.
- How to make it thicker: For a thicker soup, mash some of the peas with a potato masher before serving.
- Can I use green split peas? Yes, green split peas work just as well, though they’ll change the color and flavor slightly.
- What can I substitute for ham bone? Use diced smoked ham or even bacon for a smoky flavor.
What To Serve With Split Pea Soup
This soup is hearty on its own but pairs well with simple sides:
- Crusty bread or cornbread
- A green side salad
- Roasted root vegetables
- Grilled cheese sandwich
- Garlic toast
How To Store Split Pea Soup
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove.
Freeze: Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Split Pea Soup Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 203
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Protein: 15g
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 14mg
- Sodium: 660mg
- Potassium: 604mg
- Fiber: 10g
- Sugar: 4g
- Calcium: 42mg
- Iron: 2mg
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I leave the soup cooking overnight?
Yes, set it on low and make sure there’s enough liquid to prevent drying out.
How do I make it vegetarian?
Skip the ham and use vegetable broth. Add extra veggies or smoked paprika for flavor.
Can I puree the soup?
Yes, use an immersion blender for a smooth texture if preferred.
What if I don’t have a ham bone?
Use diced ham, smoked turkey, or a touch of liquid smoke for flavor.
Can I cook this on the stove instead?
Yes, simmer on low for about 1.5–2 hours until peas are soft.
Try More Recipes:
Crock Pot Yellow Split Pea Soup
Course: SoupsCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy12
servings10
minutes8
hours203
kcalA hearty, classic split pea soup made with yellow split peas and ham slow-cooked to creamy perfection..
Ingredients
20 oz dried yellow split peas
5 cups chicken broth
2 cups water
1 ham bone or 2 cups diced ham
3 ribs celery, diced
2 large carrots, diced
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bay leaf
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Directions
- Rinse split peas and drain well.
- Add all ingredients (except parsley) to a 6qt slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on high for 4–5 hours or low for 8 hours.
- Discard bay leaf, stir in parsley, and adjust seasoning before serving.
