Instant Pot Split Pea Soup with Ham is the kind of meal that brings pure comfort with every spoonful. It’s warm, hearty, smoky, and deeply flavorful—yet incredibly simple to make thanks to the Instant Pot. What once took hours on the stovetop now comes together in about an hour, with zero fuss and maximum flavor. The split peas break down into a velvety, creamy texture, the vegetables become perfectly tender, and the ham bone or diced ham infuses the entire pot with savory richness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons this Instant Pot Split Pea Soup becomes a staple:
- Ready in about an hour instead of all-day simmering.
- Creamy texture without adding cream—split peas naturally thicken beautifully.
- Great use for leftover ham or a ham bone.
- One-pot meal with simple ingredients and easy cleanup.
- Nutritious and hearty with protein, fiber, and vegetables.
- Freezer-friendly for meal prep or future dinners.
- Customizable—swap broth, add herbs, adjust thickness, or make it vegetarian.
If you love cozy, rustic soups that taste homemade with minimal effort, this recipe delivers every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Soup Ingredients
3 tablespoons butter
1 onion, diced
2 ribs celery, diced
2 carrots, diced
1 ham bone, smoked ham hock, or 6 oz diced deli ham
1 lb dry split peas, sorted and rinsed
6 cups low-sodium chicken stock/broth
(or veggie stock, water, or a mix)
2 bay leaves
Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Let’s Get Started
1. Sauté the Vegetables
Turn your Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Melt the butter, then add diced onion, celery, and carrots. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
2. Add the Ham and Split Peas
Place the ham bone, ham hock, or diced ham into the pot. Add the rinsed split peas on top.
3. Add Liquid and Seasonings
Pour in the 6 cups of broth (or your chosen liquid). Add bay leaves and a pinch of black pepper. Wait to add salt—some ham and broth brands are already salty.
4. Pressure Cook
Cancel sauté mode. Seal the Instant Pot lid and set to Manual High Pressure for 15 minutes.
5. Natural Release
Allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for 15–20 minutes. This helps the peas soften completely and prevents splattering.
6. Remove Ham Bone
Open the lid, remove the ham bone/hock, and shred any meat remaining on it. Return the ham pieces to the pot.
7. Taste and Adjust
Stir well—the soup will thicken as it sits. Add salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve
Ladle into bowls, garnish with parsley, and enjoy!
Servings and Pairing
This soup serves 6 hearty bowls, perfect for dinner or lunches throughout the week.
Great pairing ideas:
- Crusty sourdough or French bread
- Cornbread or cheddar biscuits
- Green salad
- Grilled cheese
- Roasted vegetables
It’s also filling enough to enjoy on its own as a complete meal.
Variations
- Vegetarian Version:
Use vegetable broth and skip the ham. Add smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. - Thicker Soup:
Simmer on sauté mode after cooking until thickened. - Thinner Soup:
Stir in extra broth or water until desired consistency is reached. - Extra Veggies:
Add potatoes, leeks, spinach, or kale after cooking. - Spicy Twist:
Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño. - Herb Boost:
Add thyme, rosemary, or bay leaf.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator:
Store in airtight containers for 4–5 days. Soup thickens as it chills—just add broth when reheating. - Freezer:
Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. - Reheating:
Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding extra liquid as needed.
FAQs
Can I make this without an Instant Pot?
Yes—simmer on the stovetop for 1½–2 hours until peas are soft.
Do split peas need to be soaked?
No, they cook perfectly in the Instant Pot without soaking.
Why is my soup too thick?
Add broth or water and stir until creamy again.
Can I use leftover ham?
Absolutely—this is one of the best ways to use it.
Can I freeze it?
Yes! It freezes beautifully and reheats well.
Final Thoughts
Instant Pot Split Pea Soup with Ham is everything you want in a cozy, comforting bowl of soup—rich, creamy, hearty, and incredibly flavorful. The Instant Pot transforms simple ingredients into a deeply satisfying meal with almost no effort. Whether you’re making it with a leftover ham bone or diced deli ham, this soup is warm, nostalgic, and absolutely delicious every time.
Print
Instant Pot Split Pea Soup with Ham
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Instant Pot Split Pea Soup with Ham is creamy, hearty, and full of rich smoky flavor. Made with simple ingredients and ready in about an hour, it’s the perfect comfort meal for cold nights or easy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Soup Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 ribs celery, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 ham bone, smoked ham hock, or 6 oz diced deli ham
- 1 lb dry split peas, sorted and rinsed
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken stock, veggie stock, water, or a combination
- 2 bay leaves
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables
Turn the Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Melt the butter, then add the onion, celery, and carrots. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. - Add Peas and Ham
Place the ham bone, ham hock, or diced ham into the pot. Add the rinsed split peas. - Add Liquids and Seasonings
Pour in the broth (or your preferred liquid). Add bay leaves and black pepper. Do not add salt yet. - Pressure Cook
Cancel sauté mode. Lock the lid and set the Instant Pot to Manual High Pressure for 15 minutes. - Natural Release
Allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 15–20 minutes. This prevents sputtering and helps peas fully soften. - Finish and Season
Remove the ham bone/hock, shred any meat, and return it to the pot. Discard the bay leaves. Stir well. Add salt and pepper to taste. - Serve
Ladle into bowls and top with fresh parsley if desired. The soup will thicken as it cools.
Notes
- If the soup thickens too much, add extra broth or water when reheating.
- Using a ham bone or hock gives the richest flavor, but diced ham works too.
- For a vegetarian version, skip the ham and use vegetable broth.
- To make it extra creamy, blend a cup of the soup and stir it back in.
- Add smoked paprika or crushed red pepper for a smoky or spicy kick.
- Store leftovers in single-serve containers for quick meals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes