Old-School Split Pea Soup with a Ham Bone (Big Flavor, No Fuss)

Old-School Split Pea Soup with a Ham Bone screams nostalgia. When cold weather hits and there’s a leftover ham bone in the fridge, this soup is the obvious move. Split peas slowly break down into a thick, creamy base while the ham bone infuses the pot with deep, smoky flavor. It’s simple, satisfying, and practical, the kind of soup you’ll make again and again, every winter.

Why Split Pea Soup Is a Winter Staple

Split pea soup works in cold months because it’s naturally hearty, thickens as it simmers, and gets better with time. The smoked ham bone adds richness without fuss, making it a budget-friendly, filling option that’s perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd.

How the Ham Bone Makes All the Difference (and Smart Swaps)

A smoked ham bone is the secret behind this soup’s incredible flavor because the smokiness builds flavor from the start. However if you don’t have a ham bone, you can swap it with ham hocks, chopped ham or bacon, or smoked turkey. This Instant Pot White Bean Soup Ham and Collards is another easy weeknight soup with ham.

Best Vegetables for Split Pea Soup

Onion, carrots, and celery are classic for a reason, they balance the smoky ham and naturally sweeten the soup.

Other tasty tweaks:

• Potatoes for extra body
• Spinach or green peas for color
• Red pepper flakes or jalapeño for heat

Here’s a list of our most delicious gluten-free winter soups to inspire your next pot of soup.

Nutrition & Net Carbs in Split Pea Soup

Split peas are high in fiber and plant-based protein, which keeps you full and naturally thickens the soup. One cup of cooked split peas has only about 16 grams of net carbs, lower than lentils, black beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, and chickpeas. This isn’t a low-carb soup, but it’s a balanced, hearty option, especially when paired with protein from the ham.

If it is low-carb soup you are looking for try this Low Carb Zuppa Toscana, or our ultimate Healthy Low-Carb Bok Choy Soup.

Flavor Boosters & Optional Add-Ins

The soup shines on its own, but a few extras take it further:

• Extra chopped ham or crispy bacon
• A dollop of yogurt or sour cream
• Hot sauce
• Green onions or chives
• Fresh peas
• Gluten-free Croutons or seeds such as pumpkin for crunch

What to Serve with Split Pea Soup and Ham

Split pea soup with ham is rich, thick, and deeply savory, so the best sides are hearty breads or rolls. These are obvious choice, because they are ideal for dipping and soaking up every last bit of that smoky broth. 

A gluten-free crusty roll for soups and stews adds the right amount of chew, while Gluten-free Italian bread brings a hearty, slightly dense texture that pairs beautifully with split pea soup. However, the best gluten-free bread as a side is gluten-free German potato bread, it complements the soup’s creamy consistency and turns a simple bowl into a complete meal.

Storage & Freezing Split Pea Soup

This soup reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day.

• Fridge: up to 4 days
• Freezer: up to 3 months (thaw overnight, reheat gently)

Add a splash of broth or water when reheating if it’s too thick.

Let’s connect

Meet Kristina. Passionate about creating delicious, innovative gluten free recipes, and author of two gluten free cookbooks, “Entertaining The Gluten Free Way” and “Small Bites The Gluten Free Way”.

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Kristina x