leftover ham

Easy Split Pea Soup — Classic Comfort Ham is what I make when the fridge looks a little sad, it is chilly outside, and I want dinner to basically take care of me for once. You know those nights when you need something filling, but you also do not want a complicated plan or a pile of dishes. This soup is my cozy fix because it is simple, thick, and tastes even better the next day. Plus it is a smart way to use up leftover ham without feeling like you are eating the same meal again. If you have ever wanted an old school, comforting soup that is forgiving and budget friendly, you are in the right place.

What are Split Peas?

Split peas are just dried peas that have been peeled and split in half. They are usually green or yellow, and for this recipe I almost always use green because that classic flavor and color feels like childhood comfort in a bowl.

The best part is they do not need soaking like a lot of other dried beans. You rinse them, pick out any little pebbles (it happens), and they cook down into this creamy, thick texture that makes the soup feel rich even though there is no cream in it.

Split peas are also one of those pantry ingredients that are quietly amazing. They are affordable, last forever in the cabinet, and make a big pot of soup that tastes like you worked harder than you did. If you are in a soup mood lately, you might also like this cozy, simple easy miso soup for a totally different, lighter comfort vibe.

Making Split Pea Soup with Ham

This is the part where your kitchen starts smelling like something really good is happening. Easy Split Pea Soup — Classic Comfort Ham is not fussy, but there are a few little moves that make it taste like it simmered all day.

Ingredients I actually use

I am keeping this realistic and flexible. If you are missing one veggie, do not stress.

• Split peas, rinsed well
• Ham (leftover ham, ham steak, or a ham bone with meat on it)
• Onion, diced
• Carrots, diced
• Celery, diced
• Garlic, minced (optional but I always do it)
• Chicken broth or water (broth gives you more flavor)
• Bay leaf
• Salt and pepper

How I make it on the stove

I start with a big pot. I toss in onion, carrot, and celery with a little oil and let them soften for about 5 to 7 minutes. Nothing fancy, just enough to wake up the flavor. Then I stir in garlic for about 30 seconds so it does not burn.

Next goes the rinsed split peas, broth, bay leaf, and the ham. If I have a ham bone, that goes in too because it adds a deeper, smoky flavor that feels like magic with basically zero effort.

I bring it up to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat and let it cook uncovered for about 60 to 90 minutes. I stir every so often so nothing sticks. The peas will break down and thicken the pot on their own. If it gets thicker than you like, just add a splash more broth or water.

Once the peas are soft, I pull out the ham bone (if using), chop any good meat, and stir it back in. Then I taste and adjust salt and pepper. Go easy on salt at first because ham can be salty.

This is one of those meals that feels even better when you eat it in sweatpants. If you like hearty soup nights, this easy Tuscan white bean soup is another favorite for cozy bowls without extra work.

“I made this with leftover holiday ham and my whole family went back for seconds. The soup thickened perfectly and tasted even better the next day.”

Tips and Variations

Once you make Easy Split Pea Soup — Classic Comfort Ham one time, you will start adjusting it to your mood and what is in your fridge. Here are the tips I actually use.

Do not rush the simmer. The texture gets better when it has time to soften and come together. A hard boil can make it stick or cook unevenly.

If it tastes flat, add a little brightness. A tiny splash of lemon juice or a dash of vinegar at the end can make the whole pot taste more alive. Not enough to taste sour, just enough to lift it.

Want it smoother? You can mash it with a potato masher right in the pot. If you have an immersion blender, a few quick pulses makes it extra creamy. I usually leave it a little chunky because I like the bite of carrots and ham.

No ham bone? Totally fine. Use diced ham or even a smoked ham hock if you like that deeper smoky flavor. Just remember to taste before adding much salt.

Add extra veggies if you want. Diced potatoes, chopped spinach, or even corn can work. This soup is forgiving.

And if you ever want to switch from soup to something with a little spicy kick, this easy pumpkin chili is a fun one pot change of pace.

How to Make it in the Crockpot

If you want dinner to cook while you live your life, the slow cooker method is perfect. I do this when I know I will be busy, or when I just want that all day cozy smell in the house.

Here is the easy plan. Add rinsed split peas, diced onion, carrots, celery, broth, bay leaf, and ham to the crockpot. If you have a ham bone, add it. Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours.

Near the end, pull out the ham bone, shred the meat, and stir it back in. Taste and adjust seasoning. If the soup is thicker than you like, stir in a bit more broth. If it is thinner than you like, leave the lid off for the last 20 to 30 minutes so it reduces a little.

One little tip from experience: if your slow cooker runs hot, check it earlier than you think. Split peas can go from perfect to glued-to-the-bottom if it is too aggressive.

Also, if you are meal prepping for different times of day, I keep easy breakfasts on rotation too. This easy acai bowl is my quick, cold contrast to all the warm soup meals.

What to Serve with Split Pea Soup?

Easy Split Pea Soup — Classic Comfort Ham is filling on its own, but I love serving it with something on the side so it feels like a full, cozy dinner.

• Crusty bread or toast for dipping
• Buttery crackers when you want something simple
• A basic green salad with a tangy dressing to balance the richness
• Grilled cheese if you want full comfort mode
• Pickles or something briny on the side, surprisingly good with ham

If you have kids coming in hungry after school, this soup is also a great “real food” option to have ready. And if you need more ideas for hungry afternoons, I saved a bunch here: easy after school snack ideas.

Common Questions

Do I need to soak split peas first?

Nope. Just rinse them well and check for tiny debris. They cook down nicely without soaking.

Why is my soup too thick?

Split peas keep absorbing liquid as they sit. Just stir in more broth or water until it is the texture you like.

Can I freeze it?

Yes. Let it cool, portion it into containers, and freeze. When you reheat, add a splash of broth because it will thicken a lot.

What if I do not have a ham bone?

Use diced cooked ham, ham steak, or even a smoked ham hock. You will still get that savory flavor that makes this soup so comforting.

How long will it keep in the fridge?

Usually 4 days in a sealed container. The flavor gets better on day two, which is one of my favorite things about it.

One last cozy push to try it

If you have been craving something simple and comforting, Easy Split Pea Soup — Classic Comfort Ham is honestly a great place to start. It is budget friendly, it uses basic pantry ingredients, and it gives you leftovers you will actually look forward to. If you want to compare approaches, I have also bookmarked Split Pea Soup with Ham – Striped Spatula and Ham and Split Pea Soup Recipe — A Great Soup – Allrecipes because it is always helpful to see a couple versions. Make a pot this week, stash some in the freezer, and future you is going to be very grateful on a busy night.