Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup with Smoked Ham Hocks
Nothing says classic comfort food quite like a warm bowl of homemade split pea soup. This Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup with Smoked Ham Hocks is hearty, smoky, creamy, and incredibly easy to prepare.
The slow cooker does almost all the work. Dried green split peas slowly simmer with yellow onion, smoked ham hocks, chicken broth, and black pepper until the peas break down into a naturally thick and creamy soup. The tender smoky ham is then pulled from the bones and stirred back into the soup for a satisfying finish.
It’s an excellent cold-weather dinner, cozy weekend meal, or make-ahead lunch for the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe uses simple ingredients but delivers deep, comforting flavor. The smoked ham hocks are especially important because they slowly release smoky, savory flavor into the broth while their meat becomes tender.
Green split peas naturally thicken as they cook, so there is no need for heavy cream or a complicated roux. By the end of the cooking time, the soup develops a thick, creamy consistency while still containing plenty of hearty texture.
And because everything cooks in one slow cooker, cleanup is easy.
Ingredients
- 2–3 smoked ham hocks
- 1 lb (16 oz) dry green split peas, rinsed
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 4 cups (32 oz) chicken broth or water
- 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
How to Make Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
1. Add the Split Peas and Onion
Place the rinsed dry green split peas and diced yellow onion into the bottom of the slow cooker insert.
Spread them into an even layer before adding the ham hocks.
2. Add the Smoked Ham Hocks
Nestle the smoked ham hocks directly into the split pea and onion mixture.
Position them so they are partially surrounded by the peas and onions. As they cook, the smoky flavor will gradually infuse the entire soup.
3. Add the Broth and Pepper
Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients and sprinkle with freshly cracked black pepper.
If you prefer, water can be used instead of chicken broth, although broth will provide additional savory flavor.
4. Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours, or on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours.
The split peas should break down into a thick, creamy soup, while the meat on the ham hocks should become tender enough to pull easily from the bones.
5. Shred the Ham
Carefully remove the cooked ham hocks from the slow cooker. Allow them to cool enough to handle safely, then pull the tender smoky meat from the bones.
Discard the bones and any unwanted skin or excess fat.
Shred or chop the ham into bite-sized pieces and stir it back into the soup.
6. Serve Hot
Ladle the thick, hearty split pea soup into bowls and serve piping hot.
A slice of crusty bread or warm cornbread makes the perfect companion for soaking up every last spoonful.
What Makes Split Pea Soup Naturally Creamy?
Unlike many creamy soups, this recipe doesn’t need heavy cream to achieve its thick consistency.
As green split peas cook, they soften and gradually break down into the broth. This creates a naturally creamy texture while still maintaining the hearty character of the peas.
The long slow-cooking process also allows the onion and smoked ham to blend into the soup, creating layers of savory flavor.
Helpful Tips for the Best Results
Rinse the split peas first: Rinsing helps remove dust or debris before they go into the slow cooker.
Don’t forget the ham bones: The smoked ham hocks provide much of the soup’s signature smoky flavor.
Check the consistency: Split pea soup thickens as it cools. If it becomes thicker than you like, stir in a little warm broth or water before serving.
Watch the salt: Smoked ham hocks and chicken broth can already contain quite a bit of salt, so taste the soup before adding any additional salt.
Handle the ham carefully: Ham hocks contain bones and connective tissue. Remove the bones completely before returning the meat to the soup.
How to Serve It
This soup is filling enough to be the centerpiece of a meal.
Serve it with:
- Crusty French bread
- Warm cornbread
- Garlic bread
- Buttery dinner rolls
- A simple green salad
- Roasted vegetables
For extra texture, toasted bread or homemade croutons make a delicious topping.
Easy Leftovers
Split pea soup is particularly convenient for leftovers. Store cooled soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator and reheat gently until piping hot.
The soup may become noticeably thicker after chilling. Simply add a splash of chicken broth or water while reheating and stir until it reaches your preferred consistency.
It can also be portioned and frozen for a convenient future meal.
A Classic Cozy Slow Cooker Soup
Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup with Smoked Ham Hocks is a simple, satisfying recipe that transforms humble ingredients into a deeply flavorful comfort meal. The split peas slowly cook into a naturally creamy soup while the smoked ham hocks add rich, savory, smoky flavor.
With minimal preparation and no complicated techniques, this is the kind of old-fashioned slow-cooker recipe that’s perfect for chilly evenings, family dinners, and easy make-ahead meals.