My Crockpot Split Pea Soup with Bacon is pure comfort food. A perfectly full meal, packed with smoky flavor, tender vegetables, and rich ham in a flavorful broth. Slow cooked to perfection, this soup is a great way to use up leftover ham and bacon to create a warm, nourishing meal. Perfect for cold nights, meal prep or a busy weeknight, this slow cooker split pea soup recipe is both satisfying and easy to make.
This Crockpot recipe for split pea soup is a flavorful, comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for cooler months but can be made any time of year. Whether served fresh or stored for later, it’s a go-to recipe for a cozy, satisfying dish!
Jump to:
- Why You Will Love This Crockpot Recipe for Split Pea Soup
- Ingredients
- Substitutions and Variations
- How to Make Crockpot Split Pea Soup with Bacon
- More Recipes You Will Love
- How to Store Crockpot Recipe for Split Pea Soup
- What to Serve with Crockpot Split Pea Soup with Bacon
- Top Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Split Pea Soup with Bacon
- More Recipes You Will Love
- Crockpot Split Pea Soup with Bacon Recipe
Slow cooking allows us to make easy, comforting recipes the whole family will love. If you do too, you need to check out our Slow Cooker Velveeta Mac and Cheese, Sweet and Sour Meatballs in a Crock Pot, Slow Cooker Brisket, BBQ Pulled Pork with Root Beer and our Stovetop Chili.
Why You Will Love This Crockpot Recipe for Split Pea Soup
- Hands-Off Cooking: Let the slow cooker do the work while flavors meld together beautifully.
- Smoky & Savory: Bacon and ham add a rich, smoky depth to the soup.
- Great for Meal Prep: Makes a big batch that stores well for easy meals.
- Nutritious & Filling: Packed with protein, fiber, and veggies for a wholesome dish.
- Uses Pantry Staples: Simple ingredients make this an easy go-to recipe.
Ingredients
Take note of the ingredients below before making a quick trip to the grocery store for this homemade soup.
See the recipe card below for the exact quantities of each ingredient.
- Dried Yellow Split Peas: The base for this soup.
- Low-Sodium Chicken Stock: A way to control the salt content and ensure the peas breakdown.
- Bacon: A crunchy texture and salty addition to the soup.
- Leftover Ham: Extra protein and a subtle texture.
- Celery: A crunchy vegetable to adds a light earthy bitterness that complements other vegetables.
- Carrots: Adds additional texture while offering a sweet flavor.
- Yellow Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness.
- Garlic Cloves: Enhances the overall taste of the soup.
- Bay Leaves: Adds depth. I use dried but you can use fresh bay leaves.
- Dried Thyme: A subtle flavor enhancer to the broth and the overall soup.
- Ground Black Pepper: Provides a light spiciness.
- Dried Parsley: Adds extra flavor to the soup.
- Kosher Salt: Intensifies all the soups vegetables and herbs.
For this recipe, you'll want to have on hand a slow cooker, measuring cups and spoons and a spatula.
Substitutions and Variations
Love this recipe crockpot recipe for split pea soup but want to make it your own? Here are some ideas for inspiration.
- Pea Variety: Use green split peas instead of yellow for a more traditional flavor.
- Broth Options: Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth to make it vegetarian (omit bacon and ham).
- Meat Alternatives: Mix up the type of meat used, you can try smoked turkey or sausage, turkey bacon, or Canadian bacon.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the meat for a vegetarian option. Some additional vegetables you can add are bell pepper, green beans, or corn.
- Herb Substitutes: Fresh thyme and parsley can replace dried herbs for a fresher taste. Dried herbs are more intense in flavor, be sure to substitute it 3:1 when use fresh herbs.
- Thicker Soup: You can remove half the soup and blend with an immersion blender for a natural creaminess and thicker soup.
- Extra Creaminess: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk for a richer texture.
How to Make Crockpot Split Pea Soup with Bacon
Check out how quick and easy it is to make this Crockpot recipe for split pea soup in just two simple steps.
Rinse dried peas and drain well before adding to the slow cooker base.
Add the remaining ingredients (except the salt) in and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours, depending on cook tenderness desired.
Remove bay leaves, add any remaining salt to taste, and serve warm.
Hint: Using low-sodium broth and adding salt in at the end ensures a proper cook on the peas. Sometimes too much sodium can keep them from softening, so it is best to add extra salt at the end to taste.
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How to Store Crockpot Recipe for Split Pea Soup
This is a great recipe to use for meal prepping, here are some ways to help store leftover soup.
- Refrigerator: Once cooled, place in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Freezer: This soup freezes well, place in an airtight, freezer-safe container and it can last up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop for best results, but intermittently in the microwave works too! You may need to add some additional broth or water.
- Make Ahead: Chopping up all the vegetables in advance can save you time a day or two before making the soup. Just store in the fridge until ready to pop in the slow cooker.
What to Serve with Crockpot Split Pea Soup with Bacon
- Crusty Bread: A warm, crispy baguette or sourdough is perfect for dipping.
- Side Salad: A fresh green salad balances the heartiness of the soup.
- Garlic Bread: Buttery and flavorful, great for soaking up the broth.
- Roasted Vegetables: A simple side of roasted Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes or glazed carrots complement the flavors.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A melty, cheesy sandwich pairs perfectly with this soup.
- Crackers or Cornbread: Adds a crunchy or soft, buttery contrast. Try our homemade cornbread without buttermilk.
Top Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you make the best Crockpot split pea soup.
- Rinse & Drain Peas: Helps remove excess starch and prevents cloudiness in the soup.
- Don’t Overcook the Bacon: Cook until crispy before adding for the best texture and flavor.
- Stir Occasionally: If possible, give the soup a stir once or twice to ensure even cooking.
- Adjust Thickness: If the soup is too thick, add extra broth to reach your desired consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Split Pea Soup with Bacon
If you have questions about Crockpot split pea soup with bacon, maybe we can answer some!
Omit the bacon and ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add any extra chopped veggies of your choice.
We have found that cooking low and slow gives this soup the best texture and gives the peas plenty of time to soften.
Definitely! You can add potatoes, parsnips, or even spinach to make the soup heartier. Just make sure to chop them into small pieces so they cook evenly.
The split peas should be tender and break apart when stirred. The ham and bacon should also be well-incorporated and flavorful. Taste the soup for seasoning and adjust if needed.
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Crockpot Split Pea Soup with Bacon Recipe
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Measuring Spoons and Cups
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 16 ounces dried yellow peas 1 pound
- 6 cups chicken broth low sodium
- 1 pound bacon cooked and chopped
- 2 ½ cups leftover ham chopped (12 ounces)
- 4 celery ribs diced
- 4 large carrots diced
- 1 large yellow onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ tablespoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Rinse dried peas and drain well before adding to the slow cooker base.
- Add the remaining ingredients (except the salt) in and cook on LOW for 6 – 7 hours, depending on cook tenderness desired.
- Remove bay leaves, add any remaining salt to taste, and serve warm.
Notes
- Using low-sodium broth and adding salt in at the end ensures a proper cook on the peas. Sometimes too much sodium can keep them from softening, so it is best to add extra salt at the end to taste.
- Rinsing and draining peas, helps remove excess starch and prevents cloudiness in the soup.
- Cook until crispy before adding for the best texture and flavor, the soup broth will soften it some.
- If possible, give the soup a stir once or twice to ensure even cooking.
- If the soup is too thick, add extra broth to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition
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Eva Filer says
This soup has so much flavor and texture! Great any time of year, and easy to make in the slow cooker.
Abi says
Perfect for soup season! Saving the recipe, thanks for sharing 🙂
Eva Filer says
Oh that is great to hear 🙂 Thank you.