Best Split Pea Soup Recipe for Fall Nights in 2025

When the weather cools down and the days get shorter, nothing feels more comforting than a big bowl of homemade soup. One recipe that always warms the heart (and the belly) is a classic split pea soup.

This dish isn’t just delicious, it’s nostalgic, nourishing, and surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’ve got a leftover ham bone from the holidays or you’re simply craving a hearty bowl of comfort food, split pea soup is a go-to recipe that will never disappoint.

In this post, we’ll walk through step-by-step how to make the best split pea soup at home. You’ll learn the traditional method, smart substitutions, storage tips, and even a few creative variations.

By the end, you’ll have everything you need to whip up a soup that’s as cozy as your favorite blanket.

Why Split Pea Soup Deserves a Place in Your Kitchen

When it comes to cozy, satisfying meals that nourish both body and soul, split pea soup ranks high on the list of must-have recipes.

It’s not just a simple soup; it’s a dish with history, versatility, and incredible flavor potential. Here’s why it deserves a permanent spot in your meal rotation:

1. Comfort in Every Spoon

The creamy texture and smoky flavor of split pea soup are pure nostalgia for many. The slow simmer of divided peas with vegetables and a ham bone fills your home with aromas that remind you of holiday meals, family dinners, and cozy evenings by the fire. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a hug in a bowl.

2. Budget-Friendly Goodness

A pound of dried split peas costs just a few dollars, yet yields a large pot of soup that can feed the entire family. Add a leftover ham bone from Christmas or Easter, and you’ve instantly transformed inexpensive ingredients into something rich and hearty.

3. Nutrition-Packed Meal

Split peas are loaded with plant-based protein, fiber, iron, and B vitamins. Paired with vegetables like carrots, onions, and celery, you get a meal that’s as healthy as it is comforting. This makes it a great choice if you want a dish that’s both wholesome and filling.

4. Flexible and Adaptable

No ham bone? No problem. You can make this recipe with diced ham, pancetta, turkey, or even go completely vegetarian by using vegetable broth and smoked paprika. Whether you’re cooking for meat lovers, vegetarians, or picky eaters, you can easily adapt the flavors.

The Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients you can find at any grocery store. Yet when combined, they transform into a soup that tastes like it came straight from a restaurant.

Here’s a clear ingredient list for easy reference:

Optional garnishes: fresh parsley, thyme sprigs, or extra cracked black pepper for serving.

How to Cook the Best Split Pea Soup Recipe

Cooking split pea soup may sound simple, but the magic lies in layering flavors step by step. By following this process, you’ll transform a bag of dried peas into a creamy, smoky, and soul-warming bowl of comfort food.

Let’s walk through each stage in detail.

Step 1: Start With a Flavorful Base

Every unforgettable soup begins with its foundation, and for split pea soup, that base is the classic mirepoix, a mix of onion, carrots, and celery.

Why it matters: Mirepoix is the flavor backbone of countless soups and stews. These three vegetables create a savory-sweet undertone that perfectly complements the peas. Without it, the soup would taste flat and one-dimensional.

What to do:

• Dice 2 carrots, 2 celery stalks, and 1 medium onion into small, even pieces. The size matters; you want small enough pieces to soften quickly, but large enough to provide some texture in the final dish.
• Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or stockpot over medium-high heat.
• Add the diced vegetables and sauté for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant.
• Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for one more minute.

Pro Tip: If you love extra depth, try sautéing the vegetables until they start to caramelize lightly. The hint of sweetness balances the earthy peas beautifully.

By the end of this step, your kitchen will smell incredible, and you’ll already know you’re off to a great start.

Step 2: Rinse and Add Your Split Peas

Split peas may look clean in the bag, but they should always be rinsed before cooking.

Why rinse? Rinsing removes dust, starch, or the occasional debris that can sneak into dried legumes. It also prevents them from clumping too much when they hit the hot pot.

How to do it right:

• Measure out 1 pound (about 2 cups) of dried split peas.
• Place them in a colander and run cold water over them, picking through to remove any tiny stones or bad peas.
• Drain well.

Adding them to the pot: Once rinsed, add the split peas directly into your sautéed vegetables. Stir them in so they’re coated with the oil and aromatics.

Season now, not later: Add ½ teaspoon dried thyme, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper at this stage. Seasoning early allows the flavors to meld as the peas cook.

Pro Tip: Don’t rinse your peas too far in advance. If they sit wet, they tend to clump. If they do clump in the pot, break them apart with your spoon.

This step lays the groundwork for the soup’s signature texture. The peas will gradually soften, break down, and create that thick, hearty consistency that split pea soup is known for.

Step 3: The Magic of the Ham Bone

This is where the recipe goes from good to restaurant-worthy.

Why a ham bone? When simmered, a ham bone releases smoky, salty flavors that infuse the broth. The marrow and any leftover meat enrich the soup, giving it body and depth that’s hard to achieve otherwise.

What kind of ham bone works best?

• Meaty ham bone (ideal): You’ll get both flavor and tender chunks of ham to stir back in.
• Bare ham bone: Even if most of the meat is gone, the bone itself still flavors the soup beautifully.
• Alternatives:
  • Ham hock (smoky, rich flavor)
  • Store-bought diced ham steaks
  • Pancetta cubes
  • Smoked turkey legs (for a twist)
  • Vegetarian? Skip the bone entirely and lean on herbs and spices.

How to use it: Nestle the ham bone into the pot with the peas and veggies. Don’t worry if it doesn’t submerge completely; as the liquid is added, it will sink and flavor everything.

Pro Tip: If your ham bone still has meat on it, that’s perfect, you’ll remove and dice that meat later to stir back into the soup.

This single ingredient is what elevates split pea soup from a plain legume dish to a comfort classic.

Step 4: Add Liquids and Simmer

Now it’s time to bring everything together into a rich broth.

Liquids to add:

• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 3 cups water

Why low-sodium broth? Ham bones can be salty, so it’s best to start with low-sodium broth. You can always add more salt later, but you can’t take it away once it’s there.

How to simmer:

• Pour the liquids into the pot.
• Add 1 bay leaf.
• Stir gently to ensure the peas don’t clump at the bottom.
• Increase the heat to bring the pot to a boil.
• Once boiling, reduce to a gentle simmer.
• Cover the pot with a lid and let it cook for 50–60 minutes.

Stir occasionally: Peas love to stick to the bottom if left alone. Stir every 10–15 minutes to prevent scorching.

Watch the texture: Over the hour, you’ll notice the peas softening and eventually breaking down into a creamy, thick soup. This is the magic transformation.

Pro Tip: If you like a smoother soup, you can help the process along by lightly mashing some peas against the pot’s side with a spoon while stirring.

This slow simmer is where the flavors truly develop, blending the smokiness of the ham bone with the earthy sweetness of the peas and vegetables.

Step 5: Remove the Ham Bone and Add the Meat

After about an hour, your peas should be tender, your broth should be rich, and your ham bone will have done its job.

• How to remove the bone:
  1. Use tongs to lift the bone from the pot carefully.
  2. Place it on a cutting board and let it cool slightly.
• What to do next:
  • Slice off any remaining meat from the bone.
  • Chop it into bite-sized pieces.
  • Stir the diced ham back into the soup.
• How much ham to add?
  About 1 cup of diced ham is ideal. But don’t stress—if you have more, the soup will just be heartier. If you have less, it’ll still taste amazing.
• No meat left?
  Add extra diced ham from a ham steak, or even sauté some pancetta or bacon separately and stir it in.

This step gives your soup a delicious meaty bite in every spoonful.

Step 6: Adjust and Finish

At this point, your soup is nearly ready. All that’s left are the finishing touches.

• Remove the bay leaf: Always fish it out before serving; no one enjoys biting into that surprise.
• Taste test: This is your chance to adjust the flavors.
  • Too salty? Add a splash of water or a squeeze of lemon juice to balance.
  • Too bland? Sprinkle in more salt, pepper, or herbs.
• Adjust thickness:
  • If the soup is too thick, stir in a cup of water or broth until it reaches the desired consistency.
  • If the soup is too thin, simmer uncovered for 5–10 minutes to reduce.
• Optional garnish: A sprinkle of chopped parsley or thyme and freshly cracked black pepper adds a bright finishing touch.
• Meal prep note: When refrigerated, split pea soup thickens into almost a solid block. Don’t worry! Just add broth or water as you reheat, and it will loosen back into creamy goodness.

By the end of this step, you’ll have a pot of perfect split pea soup—creamy, smoky, hearty, and comforting.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Split Pea Soup

Even though split pea soup is a simple recipe, a few innovative techniques can take it from “good” to unforgettable. Here are some tips to ensure your soup comes out perfect every single time:

1. Adjusting Thickness

• Too thick? Split peas naturally thicken as they cook and break down. If your soup resembles a stew or solid mash, add more water or broth a little at a time until it reaches your desired consistency. Stir well before serving.
• Too thin? Leave the pot uncovered and let it simmer for 5–10 extra minutes. The excess liquid will evaporate, and the peas will continue to break down, thickening the soup naturally.

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re reheating leftovers, always plan to add liquid since chilled split pea soup thickens a lot in the fridge.

2. Make It Vegetarian (or Vegan)

If you don’t have a ham bone or prefer to skip meat, you can still enjoy a flavor-packed vegetarian version. Here’s how:

• Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Add ½ teaspoon smoked paprika or liquid smoke for that rich, smoky depth usually provided by ham.
• Boost umami with a splash of soy sauce, miso paste, or nutritional yeast.

3. Meal Prep Friendly

Split pea soup is a superstar when it comes to meal prepping:

• Storage: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Expect it to be thick like mashed potatoes. Add broth or water, stir, and gently reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Variations You’ll Love

One of the best things about split pea soup is its versatility. With just a minor tweak here and there, you can create an entirely new flavor profile.

💡 Pro Tip: Try pairing two variations together, for example, a creamy + spicy version with coconut milk and red pepper flakes for a warming winter twist.

Final Thoughts

Split pea soup is one of those timeless recipes that never goes out of style. With just a bag of dried peas, some humble vegetables, and (if you have it) a leftover ham bone, you can create a dish that’s hearty, nourishing, and full of comfort.

It’s budget-friendly, meal prep-friendly, and endlessly adaptable, whether you prefer it vegetarian, creamy, spicy, or smoky. Best of all, it’s the kind of soup that tastes even better the next day, making it a true staple for busy families and cozy nights in.

So grab those split peas, fire up your pot, and let this classic recipe warm your kitchen and your heart.

You Might Also Like

If you enjoyed this Split Pea Soup Recipe, here are a few more comforting soups you’ll love:

• 🥦 Healthy Cauliflower Soup Recipe for Millennials – A creamy, cheesy, and wholesome soup perfect for busy weeknights.
• 🍲 15-Min Egg Drop Soup Recipe Perfect for Fall Nights – A quick and cozy Asian-inspired soup ready in just minutes.
• 🥩 Easy Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe for Families – A hearty, one-pot meal packed with fresh veggies and tender beef.

Ella Foster

Ella Foster, co-founder of FoodBears.com, is a skilled writer whose love for cooking fuels her creative work. Her passion for experimenting in the kitchen brings authentic flavor and culinary inspiration to every piece she crafts for the platform.