Split peas from a good source cook evenly and won't leave a chalky center. The flavor comes from a smoky ham hock or a few slices of bacon dropped in at the very start, so the smoke works its way through the whole pot rather than resting on the surface.
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep15 min
Cook75 min
Makes6 servings
CuisineAmerican
Cost$$
Gluten-freeDairy-free
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for6servings
Green split peas
Fresher dried peas break down fully; old ones stay gritty no matter how long you cook them.
Render and softenIf using bacon, render it first, then cook the diced onion, carrot, and celery in the fat until soft, 8 minutes.
Simmer the peasAdd the rinsed split peas, the broth, and the ham hock. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered 60 minutes, stirring now and then so the bottom doesn't catch.
Pull the hockWhen the peas have collapsed into a thick puree, lift out the hock, shred any meat off it, and stir the meat back in.
SeasonSalt to taste at the end, since the ham already brought salt. Loosen with a splash of broth if it's thicker than you want.
Can you make Split Pea Soup in an air fryer? — Yes, with an insert
Not on its own — an air fryer can’t hold a pool of liquid. You can simmer it in an oven-safe dish or a silicone insert made to fit the basket, but the broth won’t reduce or brown the way it does on the stove, and that insert comes out scorching, so use oven mitts. For real depth, a pot on the stove wins.
Can you freeze Split Pea Soup? — Yes
Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.
Can you make Split Pea Soup ahead of time? — Yes
Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.
Is Split Pea Soup gluten-free? — Yes
Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.
Is Split Pea Soup vegan? — No
No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.
Community Notes
Cooked it? Changed something that worked? Leave a note for the next person — first-name basis, no account.
Open data. Every maker on this site is published as a free dataset under CC BY 4.0 — use it in anything, commercial or not, as long as you credit 5best2buy. Browse the datasets →