I can’t tell you how many cozy nights this Hearty Ham and Split Pea Soup Recipe has saved me. There’s just something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl filled with tender split peas and smoky ham that hits the spot like nothing else. Whether you’re looking to use up some leftover ham or just craving a rich, filling soup, this recipe brings that hearty, satisfying feeling every time.

It’s one of those recipes that’s simple but delivers on flavor and texture, perfect for chilly evenings or when you want a meal that feels like a big, warm hug. I love how it’s both nourishing and easy to customize, so no matter what’s in your pantry, you can make it work. You’ll enjoy the way this Hearty Ham and Split Pea Soup Recipe turns humble ingredients into a star dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients combine beautifully to bring out the soup’s classic, comforting flavors. When shopping, look for a good quality cooked ham and fresh vegetables to give your soup the best foundation.

Butter: Adds richness and helps soften the vegetables without overpowering other flavors.
Celery: Provides a subtle crunch and a fresh garden note that balances the heaviness of the peas and ham.
Onion: The base for depth—the softer and sweeter it gets, the better your soup will taste.
Garlic: Gives a gentle kick and warmth without being too sharp; slice it thin for even flavor release.
Dried split peas: The star ingredient that thickens and flavors your soup naturally; rinse them well to avoid any grit.
Cooked ham: Use a good quality, salty ham to infuse that smoky, meaty goodness.
Bay leaf: Adds a subtle herbal note that rounds out the flavor profile perfectly.
Chicken stock: The foundation liquid—rich and flavorful without overpowering other ingredients.
Water: Used alongside stock to control the soup’s consistency without diluting flavor.
Salt and ground black pepper: For seasoning to taste—go easy at first because your ham and stock already add saltiness.

Variations

I love that this Hearty Ham and Split Pea Soup Recipe is easy to adapt to your tastes or what you have on hand. I often tweak it depending on the season or my pantry, and you should too!

Vegetarian Variation: Skip the ham and use vegetable stock with smoked paprika for a smoky flavor; I’ve tried this for Meatless Mondays, and it’s surprisingly satisfying.
Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce—just enough for a gentle heat that wakes up the flavors.
Extra Veggies: Toss in diced carrots or potatoes for extra texture and nutrients; carrots add a lovely sweetness that balances the saltiness of ham.
Slow Cooker Version: Set it on low in the morning and come home to a fully cooked soup—perfect for busy days.

How to Make Hearty Ham and Split Pea Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté your base with butter and veggies

Start by melting 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s sizzling gently, toss in diced celery and half an onion and sauté until they soften—this usually takes about 5 minutes. Add sliced garlic last because it can burn quickly; let it soften for another minute or so. This step builds a flavorful foundation for your soup, so don’t rush it! You want those veggies tender but not browned.

Step 2: Add split peas, ham, bay leaf, and liquids

Next, stir in your rinsed split peas and diced cooked ham to the pot. I like to give everything a good mix so the ham flavor starts merging with the veggies. Pop in one bay leaf, then pour in 1 quart of chicken stock and 2 ½ cups of water. At this point, the pot will look quite full, but don’t worry—it all comes together as the peas cook down. Bring the soup to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer.

Step 3: Simmer and season carefully

Let your soup simmer gently for about an hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The split peas will become tender and start dissolving, thickening the soup naturally. Taste your soup partway through to adjust salt and pepper—remember, ham and stock carry salt, so add seasoning carefully. If the soup gets too thick, just stir in a splash of water or more stock.

How to Serve Hearty Ham and Split Pea Soup Recipe

Hearty Ham and Split Pea Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I love topping my bowl with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme—that pop of green brightens up the earthy colors and adds fresh flavor. Sometimes I’ll add a dollop of sour cream for a bit of creaminess that pairs beautifully with the smoky ham. Believe me, the little touches make this soup feel extra special!

Side Dishes

A thick slice of crusty bread or buttery cornbread is my go-to side here. Both soak up every bit of that flavorful broth perfectly. You could also pair the soup with a simple green salad to lighten the meal up a bit, especially if you make an extra hearty batch.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving this soup in rustic bread bowls—that’s always a crowd-pleaser and makes the meal feel extra cozy. Another favorite is layering it with a sprinkle of grated sharp cheddar cheese and broiling for a minute or two to melt the cheese on top. It’s comfort food turned gourmet, and your guests will love it!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always transfer leftovers to airtight containers and keep them in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as the ham and peas continue mingling. Just be sure to reheat gently since thick soups can stick or dry out if you’re not careful.

Freezing

This Hearty Ham and Split Pea Soup Recipe freezes beautifully. I portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, label with the date, and it keeps well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming it slowly on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally so it heats evenly without scorching. If the soup thickens too much while reheating, just add a splash of water or stock and stir it in — that gets the perfect consistency back every time.

FAQs

Can I use green split peas instead of yellow split peas?

Absolutely! Both green and yellow split peas work well in this soup and will give you a similar texture and flavor. Green split peas tend to hold their shape slightly more, so your soup may be a little chunkier if you prefer that.
Do I need to soak the split peas before cooking?

No need to soak split peas—they cook relatively quickly compared to other dried legumes. Just give them a good rinse under cold water to remove any dust or debris before adding to your soup.
How do I make this recipe if I don’t have cooked ham?

If you don’t have cooked ham on hand, smoked sausage or bacon can add similar smoky flavors. Just cook those first and add them in place of ham. Alternatively, you can make it vegetarian by skipping any meat and adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke for depth.

Final Thoughts

This Hearty Ham and Split Pea Soup Recipe has become a go-to for me whenever I want something deeply comforting that’s easy to throw together but feels like it took hours of love. It’s like the kind of meal that fills your belly and your heart. Give it a try—you’ll find it’s one of those reliable, tasty soups you keep coming back to, and maybe even sharing with friends like I do!