Cozy Ham and Split Pea Soup
Cozy Ham and Split Pea Soup is the perfect comfort food for chilly nights. I’ve made this many times and know the best way to get the right flavor. The rich, creamy texture and comforting味道 make it a favorite. Try it with a slice of crusty bread. Check out my Russian Potato and Mushroom Soup for another cozy option. Jump to Recipe If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Russian Potato and Mushroom Soup Recipe for Cozy Dinners and One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe.
Why This Cozy Ham and Split Pea Soup Is Pure Comfort
- hearty and comforting
- easy to make
- perfect for cold nights
- makes great leftovers
What You'll Need for Cozy Ham and Split Pea Soup
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- 1 pound ham hocks or smoked ham
- 1 cup dried split peas
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Optional: Crushed crackers
- Optional: Chopped green onions
- Optional: Fresh parsley
- Optional: Sour cream
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Ham hocks: Use smoked ham hocks for the best flavor. If unavailable, use smoked ham slices.
- Split peas: Rinse split peas before cooking to remove any dirt or debris.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Lodge Cast Iron Skillet — Provides even heat distribution for better cooking results. → See on Amazon
- Measuring Cups and Spoons — Ensures accurate measurements for better recipe outcomes. → See on Amazon
How to Make Cozy Ham and Split Pea Soup
- Step 1: Rinse the split peas and set them aside.
- Step 2: In a large pot, add the ham hocks, onion, carrots, and celery. Add the split peas, chicken broth, and bay leaf.
- Step 3: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the peas are tender.
- Step 4: Remove the bay leaf and season with salt, pepper, thyme, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne if using.
- Step 5: Let the soup rest for 10 minutes before serving. Add optional toppings as desired.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Cozy Ham and Split Pea Soup
- Cooking technique: Simmer the soup on low heat to avoid scorching and to develop flavor.
- Common mistake and fix: If the soup is too thick, add more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
- Storage: Cool the soup completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Freezing: Freeze the soup in individual servings for easy meals later.
Storing & Reheating Cozy Ham and Split Pea Soup
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Make-ahead tip: Prepare up to 2 days in advance and reheat before serving.
Freezing Cozy Ham and Split Pea Soup
Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through. Microwave: Reheat in a microwave-safe bowl for 2–3 minutes.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: Adding a splash of white wine during cooking can add depth of flavor.
- Best substitution: If you don't have ham hocks, use smoked ham slices or bacon for a different flavor.
- Make-ahead: This soup can be made a day ahead and reheated with great results.
- Scaling: Double or triple the recipe for larger gatherings or meal prep.
- Troubleshooting: If the soup is too salty, add more broth or water to balance the flavor.
Want to level up this recipe?
Lodge Cast Iron Skillet — Provides even heat distribution for better cooking results. → Check price on Amazon
Cozy Ham and Split Pea Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ham hocks or smoked ham
- 1 cup dried split peas
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Optional Toppings
- Crushed crackers
- Chopped green onions
- Fresh parsley
- Sour cream
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse the split peas and set them aside.
- Step 2: In a large pot, add the ham hocks, onion, carrots, and celery. Add the split peas, chicken broth, and bay leaf.
- Step 3: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the peas are tender.
- Step 4: Remove the bay leaf and season with salt, pepper, thyme, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne if using.
- Step 5: Let the soup rest for 10 minutes before serving. Add optional toppings as desired.
Notes
- Chef tip: Adding a splash of white wine during cooking can add depth of flavor.
- Best substitution: If you don't have ham hocks, use smoked ham slices or bacon for a different flavor.
- Make-ahead: This soup can be made a day ahead and reheated with great results.
- Scaling: Double or triple the recipe for larger gatherings or meal prep.
- Troubleshooting: If the soup is too salty, add more broth or water to balance the flavor.
Storage
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in a microwave-safe bowl for 2–3 minutes.
- Make ahead: Prepare up to 2 days in advance and reheat before serving.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 15g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbs: 18g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sat. Fat: 4g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Cozy Ham and Split Pea Soup FAQs
Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time. Let it cool and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
If the soup is too thick, add more broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Stir well to mix in the additional liquid.
Yes, you can freeze this soup. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It will keep for up to 3 months.
Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. Brown the ham hocks first, then add the rest of the ingredients and cook on low for 6–8 hours.
If you don't have ham hocks, you can use smoked ham slices or bacon. For a vegetarian version, skip the ham and use vegetable broth.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Cozy Ham and Split Pea Soup and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
