Creamy Split Pea and Ham Soup
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What people love about this soup
Homemade Creamy Split Pea and Ham Soup is hearty, filling, nutritious—and sooo much better than anything that comes from a can.
Great recipe. Came out delicious. We had a spiral ham the other night and what better way to use the left overs, but for some soup. Five stars.
Kari
Reader
My addiciton to creamy soups started when I was just 3 years old. I’ve never recovered.
How many of you grew up eating canned split pea soup like me? It’s a warm childhood memory for me; my dad loved it, and now so do I!
I always ate it with a little milk poured in to cool it down and make it CREAMIER. I had some leftover ham from Christmas this year, and I knew just what to do with it– whip up a batch of Creamy Split Pea and Ham soup from scratch. You talk about “Mmmm Mmmm Good”!
Why is Creamy Split Pea and Ham soup so delicious?
- Rich, homemade flavor that’s so much better than canned soup — truly comfort in a bowl.
- Hearty and filling, packed with protein from ham and fiber from split peas.
- Uses everyday pantry ingredients (split peas, onions, carrots, broth) that are affordable and easy to find.
- Perfect for using leftover ham or a ham bone — makes the most of holiday extras.
- Vegetable-rich with carrots and onions adding sweetness and nutrition.
What Are Split Peas?
Split peas are a type of field pea grown specifically to be dried and split along their natural seam. Because they’re split, they cook faster and don’t need to be pre-soaked. They soften beautifully as they cook, creating that naturally creamy texture we all love in classic split pea soup. According to The Kitchn:
“Split peas are high in protein and fiber and low in fat. There is no need to soak split peas before cooking, and they turn very creamy when cooked through.”
That means this comfort food recipe is simple and approachable for everyone! Happy cooking!
Take care, and God bless,
Emily
How This Creamy Split Pea and Ham Soup Comes Together
To make this classic soup, start by sautéing diced onion, carrot, and celery until the vegetables are soft and fragrant. Add garlic, herbs, and smoked ham (or a ham hock for even deeper flavor). Pour in chicken broth and a one-pound bag of dried split peas, then let everything simmer until the peas are perfectly tender.
For that signature creamy texture, blend a few ladles of soup with heavy cream, then stir it back into the pot. The result is a rich, comforting, creamy pea soup that tastes like it’s been simmering all day.
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Great for Beginners
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Great mid-range option
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An Investment That Lasts Forever
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Our Rating:
3.0
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Our Rating:
5.0
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$78.75
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$273.70
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$479.95
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💡 Slow Cooker Option:
This soup adapts beautifully to the slow cooker. Simply add all ingredients (except the cream) and cook on low for 6–8 hours. Blend a portion at the end and stir in the cream before serving.
Does split pea soup have a lot of fiber?
Yes! Split pea soup is naturally high in fiber thanks to the split peas themselves. Fiber helps keep you full longer and supports digestive health, making this a satisfying and nourishing soup that truly sticks with you.
Is Split Pea soup healthy?
Absolutely. Split pea soup is packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and vitamins from the vegetables. While this version includes smoked ham for flavor, it’s still a well-balanced and hearty meal. You can easily make a vegetarian version by skipping the ham and using vegetable broth—the soup will still be creamy, comforting, and delicious.
A Perfect Use for Leftover Smoked Ham
This soup is one of the best ways to use leftover smoked ham. If you have a ham hock or a ham bone with meat attached, even better. Add it whole to the pot while the soup simmers to infuse the broth with rich, smoky flavor. Once the soup is done, remove the bone, dice the meat, and stir it back in.
What goes with split pea soup?
This comfort food classic pairs beautifully with:
- Crusty bread or dinner rolls
- A loaf of my Quick Crusty Dinner Bread
- A simple green salad
- Crackers or buttery toast
And don’t forget the garnish—crispy bacon bits or freshly cracked black pepper take this soup over the top.
Once you taste homemade Creamy Split Pea and Ham Soup, the canned version won’t even come close. This is cozy, classic comfort in a bowl, and I hope you’ll give it a try. If you do, please leave a comment and rating below—I’d love to hear what you think!
Print
Creamy Split Pea and Ham Soup
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 10 1 cup servings 1x
Description
Real, homemade split pea soup is hearty, filling and nutritious and sooo much better than anything condensed in a can.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 medium onion, minced
- 3 carrots, peeled and minced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced or pressed
- 1/4 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 pound diced ham
- 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 pound dried split peas, checked for pebbles
- 1 cup water
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Add onion and carrots and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often. Stir in garlic, sage and oregano and cook for 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
- Stir in the ham, brown sugar, chicken broth, water, dried peas and bay leaf. Bring to a gentle boil, then cover and turn the heat to low. Simmer covered for 40-50 minute, or until the peas are very soft. Turn off the heat and remove the bay leaf.
- Off heat, stir in the heavy cream. Ladle about two or three cups of soup into a blender and puree. (Alternatively, us a hand blender for a few seconds in the soup.) Pour puree back into soup and stir to combine. Garnish individual servings with a spoonful of crumbled bacon.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 392
- Sugar: 5.4 g
- Sodium: 1189 mg
- Fat: 18.6 g
- Saturated Fat: 8.4 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 12.8 g
- Protein: 23.9 g
- Cholesterol: 66 mg
Great recipe. Came out delicious. We had a spiral ham the other night and what better way to use the left overs, but for some soup. I did have the ham hock so I threw that in there while it was simmering. It came out so good. The kids liked it too and they are picky!!!
Wonderful comment Kari! I’m sure adding the ham hock must have been delicious. Now I’m thinking I’ll make a batch of this soup tonight for dinner myself . Thanks so much for sharing!
I have always made my soup this way ( not with the cream) but I always dice anout 3 potatoes and put them in as well.
That sounds like a wonderfully hearty soup with the addition of potatoes. Great idea :0)