Name: Creamy Split Pea Soup with Ham Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 20 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 medium onion, diced; 3 carrots, diced; 3 ribs of celery, diced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 1 pound dried split peas, rinsed; ½ teaspoon dried thyme; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 bay leaf; 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 3 to 4 cups water; 1 meaty ham bone; 1 cup diced ham (from ham bone or added separately); Finely chopped fresh parsley

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 55 reviews

If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that warms you from the inside out, you’ve got to try my Creamy Split Pea Soup with Ham Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, packed with savory ham and velvety peas that melt in your mouth. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become your go-to soup during soup season – and I’m here to guide you through every step, so your soup turns out perfect every single time.

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple, wholesome ingredients: Using dried split peas and a meaty ham bone makes this soup deeply flavorful without any fancy tricks.
Creamy texture without cream: The peas naturally break down during cooking, creating a silky, hearty soup that feels indulgent but is wholesome.
Flexible and forgiving: You can tweak the thickness, salt, and mix-ins easily while cooking to suit your personal taste.
Perfect for meal prep: This soup reheats beautifully, keeping its comforting flavor day after day.

Creamy Split Pea Soup with Ham, hearty split pea soup, ham and pea soup, comfort food recipes, easy ham split pea soup - A large white pot filled with thick green split pea soup, showing small orange carrot pieces and light brown bits spread throughout the smooth, slightly chunky soup. A silver ladle is dipped into the soup on the right side. Around the pot, there are small white bowls with black pepper and chopped green herbs, and a white marbled surface underneath. Some green parsley leaves appear in the upper part of the image, and a white cloth with black stripes is visible on the left. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

I love how the ingredients in this Creamy Split Pea Soup with Ham Recipe come together to build layers of flavor and texture. The trio of onions, carrots, and celery gives you that classic soup foundation, while the ham bone infuses a smoky richness that homespun recipes are known for.

Creamy Split Pea Soup with Ham, hearty split pea soup, ham and pea soup, comfort food recipes, easy ham split pea soup - Flat lay of extra-virgin olive oil in a small white ceramic bowl, one medium peeled and diced onion, three fresh peeled and diced carrots, three crisp celery ribs diced, two whole garlic cloves unpeeled, a small white ceramic bowl of dried green split peas, a few dried thyme sprigs, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse kosher salt, a small white ceramic bowl of freshly ground black pepper, one fresh bay leaf, a meaty ham bone with some ham meat attached, a small white ceramic bowl of low-sodium chicken broth, a small white ceramic bowl of clear water, about one cup of diced fresh ham, and a small pile of finely chopped fresh parsley, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Extra-virgin olive oil: Provides a gentle fruity base without overpowering the soup’s natural flavors.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth after a quick sauté, softening into the broth for a cozy taste.
Carrots: Bring subtle sweetness and a hint of earthiness that balance the savory ham.
Celery: Adds a fresh, slightly crunchy contrast when sautéed, rounding out the classic mirepoix.
Garlic: Spices things up with aromatic warmth, cooking briefly to avoid bitterness.
Dried split peas: The star ingredient that thickens the soup naturally with creamy body once cooked.
Dried thyme: Herbs like thyme add subtle earthiness that enhances the savory flavors.
Kosher salt & black pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the best in every ingredient.
Bay leaf: Adds a delicate background aroma while simmering.
Meaty ham bone: My secret weapon—this adds incredible smoky depth and enough ham meat to stir back in later.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the soup rich and flavorful while letting you control saltiness.
Water: Helps achieve your ideal soup consistency and dilutes as needed.
Diced ham: Taken from the bone or added separately, it adds tender chunks of meaty goodness.
Fresh parsley (for garnish): A bright note that lifts the heavy flavors just before serving.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I find that this Creamy Split Pea Soup with Ham Recipe is wonderfully versatile. Depending on what I have on hand or my mood, I like to switch things up a little. Feel free to make it your own—you’ll enjoy making it your signature soup.

Vegetarian twist: Swap the ham bone and diced ham for smoked paprika and sautéed mushrooms—I did this once for a friend and it was surprisingly satisfying.
Extra veggies: Sometimes I add diced potatoes or parsnips for bulk and a few extra textures.
Herb changes: Thyme is classic, but rosemary or a bay leaf combo can add a new dimension.
Spice it up: A pinch of cayenne or smoked chipotle powder adds warmth without stealing the show.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Split Pea Soup with Ham Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies to Build Flavor

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and let them soften and get just a bit of color—about 3 to 4 minutes. This step is key because it develops the base flavor of your soup. Then toss in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute, stirring so it doesn’t burn. The aroma at this point will convince you this soup’s going to be amazing.

Step 2: Add Peas, Seasonings, and Liquid

Next, stir in your rinsed split peas along with thyme, salt, and pepper. Add the bay leaf, ham bone, chicken broth, and three cups of water. Now bring the whole pot to a boil before lowering to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 50 to 60 minutes. Keep an eye on it and give it an occasional stir to prevent sticking at the bottom. This slow simmer is when the magic happens—the peas soften and start breaking down, thicken the soup naturally, and the ham bone works its smoky charm.

Step 3: Remove Ham Bone and Finish Cooking

Once the soup has thickened and the peas are tender, use tongs to fish out the ham bone and place it on a cutting board. Pick off the remaining meat—usually about a cup—and dice it up. Stir the ham back into the soup, then simmer uncovered for another 5 to 15 minutes until it reaches your desired thickness. If it’s too thick, don’t hesitate to pour in another splash of water. The soup will continue to thicken slightly as it cools, so a bit looser is better at this stage.

Step 4: Garnish & Serve

Finally, pull out and discard the bay leaf. Ladle your creamy, savory soup into bowls, sprinkle on fresh chopped parsley, and grind a little extra black pepper on top. Serve it hot and enjoy that cozy, homemade goodness.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Split Pea Soup with Ham Recipe

Don’t rush the simmer: Let the soup slowly bubble to get that creamy texture—the peas need time to break down fully.
Adjust salt last: Since ham bones and broth can vary in saltiness, taste near the end and add salt as needed.
Use low-sodium broth: This gives you more control over seasoning so it never turns out too salty.
Stir occasionally: Prevent the peas from sticking and burning by stirring gently now and then during cooking.

How to Serve Creamy Split Pea Soup with Ham Recipe

Creamy Split Pea Soup with Ham, hearty split pea soup, ham and pea soup, comfort food recipes, easy ham split pea soup - The image shows a white bowl filled with thick yellow-green soup that has small pieces of orange carrot and light pink chunks of meat inside. The soup is topped with small green herb bits and black pepper. Another bowl of the same soup is behind it, slightly out of focus. To the right side, there are two small white bowls, one filled with chopped green herbs and the other with coarse salt and pepper. A silver spoon rests beside the front bowl on a white cloth with black stripes, all placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

When serving, I always top my creamy split pea soup with finely chopped fresh parsley. It adds a little freshness and a splash of bright green against the golden soup. Sometimes I toss on a swirl of good olive oil or a dash of cracked black pepper for extra oomph. And if you’re feeling fun, crumbled crispy bacon bits or a few crunchy croutons work beautifully.

Side Dishes

I love pairing this soup with crusty bread, like a rustic baguette or sourdough. The crunchy bread is perfect for soaking up every last bite. A simple green salad on the side adds some brightness and freshness to balance the hearty soup. Sometimes I’ll serve roasted root vegetables alongside for a cozy, full-on comfort meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this soup in mini bread bowls—just hollowed-out sourdough rolls—which always impress guests and make the meal feel a little fancy. Another idea is layering it in clear glass mugs with a sprinkle of grated sharp cheddar and chopped green onions on top for a colorful, casual presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your soup, you can store leftovers in airtight containers in your fridge for up to 4 days. I like to use glass containers so I can see how much is left. When storing, keep in mind the soup thickens, so you might want to loosen it with a splash of water or broth when reheating.

Freezing

This Creamy Split Pea Soup with Ham Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags for quick meals later. I label and date mine, and it stays delicious for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge for the best texture.

Reheating

When reheating, I gently warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s too thick, I add a little water or broth to get it back to that perfect creamy consistency. Microwaving works fine too—just heat in short bursts and stir in between to keep it even.

FAQs

Can I use green split peas instead of yellow in this Creamy Split Pea Soup with Ham Recipe?

Absolutely! Both green and yellow split peas work well in this recipe. Green peas tend to have a slightly earthier flavor and may take a few minutes longer to soften, but you’ll still get a creamy, delicious soup.
Do I need to soak the split peas before cooking?

Nope, one of the best parts about split peas is that they cook relatively quickly and don’t require pre-soaking like other dried legumes. Just rinse them well before adding to your soup.
What can I use if I don’t have a ham bone?

If you don’t have a ham bone, you can use diced ham or smoked sausage for flavor. While the bone adds a deeper smoky richness, good-quality diced ham will still make your soup tasty and satisfying.
How thick should my Creamy Split Pea Soup with Ham Recipe be?

The soup should be thick enough to coat a spoon but still ladle-able. Remember it thickens more as it cools, so if it looks a bit runny at the end of cooking, that’s perfect—it’ll firm up nicely.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Split Pea Soup with Ham Recipe holds a special place in my heart—it’s the kind of meal that brings back memories of cozy family nights and slow Sundays in the kitchen. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do and find it bursting with that just-like-mom’s soup comfort. Give it a try soon, and I bet it’ll become your cherished classic, too!