Slow Cooker Split Pea soup is a warm, hearty dish that brings comfort to chilly evenings. This recipe combines dried split peas with bacon and fresh vegetables, creating a thick, smoky, and creamy soup that is simple to prepare. With just a few pantry staples, you can create a delightful meal that fills your home with an inviting aroma. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious soup!

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Split Pea

This amazing Slow Cooker Split Pea recipe is not only easy, but it also has numerous benefits. Here are just a few reasons why you’ll adore it:

Effortless preparation—just dump and simmer.
Rich in protein, making it a filling meal.
Gluten-free, perfect for various dietary needs.
Can be made vegetarian by omitting bacon.
Budget-friendly with inexpensive ingredients.
Full of flavor thanks to the smoky paprika and thyme.
Your slow cooker does all the work, freeing up your time.
Healthy and nutritious, packed with fiber from split peas.

This recipe also highlights the benefits of slow cooked split peas, creating a dish that is not only comforting but also good for you!

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Split Pea

Gather these items:

1 pound dried split peas (rinsed and sorted)
6 slices thick-cut bacon (chopped, reserve half for topping)
1 small onion (diced)
2 carrots (peeled and diced)
2 stalks celery (diced)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups water
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)

How to Make Slow Cooker Split Pea Step-by-Step

Step 1: Cook chopped bacon in a skillet on medium heat until crisp. Remove half the bacon to paper towels to drain (for topping). Add the rest, along with about one tablespoon of the drippings, to the slow cooker.
Step 2: Add split peas to the bottom of the slow cooker. Top with the vegetables, garlic powder, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, thyme, and bay leaf. Pour in chicken broth, water, and vinegar.
Step 3: Cover and cook on Low for 8 hours or on High for 4–5 hours, stirring once or twice, until the peas are soft and the soup is thick.
Step 4: Remove bay leaf. Stir and taste for seasoning. Serve topped with the reserved crispy bacon and extra cracked pepper.

Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup: 5 Steps to Cozy Comfort - Slow Cooker Split Pea - main visual representation

Pro Tips for the Perfect Slow Cooker Split Pea

Keep these in mind:

Always rinse and sort your split peas to remove any debris.
For a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth.
Adjust seasoning according to your taste; feel free to add more herbs and spices.
The slow cooker method ensures even cooking and enhances flavors.

Best Ways to Serve Slow Cooker Split Pea

Here are some delicious serving suggestions:

Serve with crusty bread or warm rolls for dipping. Learn how to make ciabatta bread.
Top with additional crispy bacon for extra flavor.
Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess.

For a twist, try adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil!

How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Split Pea

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to five days in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply warm in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. This soup also freezes beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep!

Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Split Pea

What’s the secret to perfect Slow Cooker Split Pea?

The key to perfect split pea soup in slow cooker is allowing the peas to cook long enough to become tender. Using high-quality ingredients, like thick-cut bacon and fresh vegetables, also enhances the flavor.

Can I make Slow Cooker Split Pea ahead of time?

Yes! This soup can be made ahead of time. In fact, it often tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Slow Cooker Split Pea?

Make sure to rinse the split peas thoroughly and avoid adding too much liquid initially. If your soup turns out too thick, you can always add more broth or water to achieve your desired consistency.

Variations of Slow Cooker Split Pea You Can Try

Here are some exciting variations to consider:

Substitute ham for bacon for a split pea and ham slow cooker version.
Add diced potatoes for a heartier meal.
For a vegetarian option, use vegetarian slow cooker split pea with vegetable broth.
Try a spicy kick by adding jalapeños or cayenne pepper.

Experimenting with flavors can lead to your own best slow cooker split pea recipe!

Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup: 5 Steps to Cozy Comfort - Slow Cooker Split Pea - additional detail

For more information on the health benefits of split peas, check out this Healthline article.

Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup: 5 Steps to Cozy Comfort

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Author: Michael
Total Time: 495 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Make cozy slow cooker split pea soup with bacon, veggies, and pantry staples. Thick, smoky, and effortlessly creamy.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound dried split peas (rinsed and sorted)
6 slices thick-cut bacon (chopped, reserve half for topping)
1 small onion (diced)
2 carrots (peeled and diced)
2 stalks celery (diced)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups water
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)

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Instructions

Cook chopped bacon in a skillet on medium heat until crisp. Remove half the bacon to paper towels to drain (for topping). Add the rest, along with about one tablespoon of the drippings, to the slow cooker.
Add split peas to the bottom of the slow cooker. Top with the vegetables, garlic powder, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, thyme, and bay leaf. Pour in chicken broth, water, and vinegar.
Cover and cook on Low for 8 hours or on High for 4–5 hours, stirring once or twice, until the peas are soft and the soup is thick.
Remove bay leaf. Stir and taste for seasoning. Serve topped with the reserved crispy bacon and extra cracked pepper.