Smoky Bacon & Split Pea Crock-Pot Comfort

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Smithfield.

Discover the ultimate easy family dinner idea with our Slow Cooker Bacon Split Pea Soup! Say goodbye to meal prep guesswork and hello to a hearty, flavorful dish. Generously loaded with tender ham and crispy bacon, this soup promises a delicious and comforting experience every time.

The cooler months bring a wonderful opportunity for embracing the ease of slow cooker meals and smart meal prep. There’s something uniquely satisfying about preparing a meal with minimal fuss, especially when it results in comforting leftovers that nourish you through chilly winter days. One of our go-to recipes for this season is undoubtedly our Slow Cooker Bacon Split Pea Soup. It’s not just a warm and inviting dish; it’s also a brilliant way to transform delicious holiday ham remnants into an entirely new family favorite. This recipe epitomizes simplicity, requiring minimal effort for a profoundly hearty and flavorful outcome, making it the perfect antidote to a long, busy day.

Slow Cooker Bacon Split Pea Soup: A Winter Comfort Food Essential

Close-up of Slow Cooker Bacon Split Pea Soup, rich with ham and bacon pieces.

Throughout the holiday season and beyond, two indispensable items consistently grace our kitchen: Smithfield Signature Spiral Sliced Ham and their Thick Cut Bacon. Bacon is a beloved staple in our household, enjoyed several times a week, a testament to its irresistible flavor. During the holidays, Smithfield ham becomes the centerpiece of countless gatherings, leaving us with a delightful abundance of leftovers. This always inspires me to devise creative and delicious ways to repurpose every last morsel. No festive table, in our opinion, is complete without the impressive presence of a Smithfield Signature Spiral Sliced Ham. Many people are surprised by how incredibly easy it is to prepare; simply pop it in the oven at 275 degrees for about 10-12 minutes per pound, then evenly brush on the savory glaze, and your magnificent ham is ready. Smithfield Signature Spiral Sliced Ham isn’t just delectable and effortless; it’s remarkably versatile and convenient. Serve it proudly as the star of your dinner, and then effortlessly incorporate any leftover slices into tantalizing appetizers, robust sandwiches, or even your favorite brunch recipes the following morning. Its adaptability truly makes it a kitchen hero.

A bowl of Slow Cooker Bacon Split Pea Soup garnished with fresh parsley.

Split Pea Soup holds a special place among my all-time favorite comfort foods. Over the years, we’ve explored various recipes, but the slow cooker version consistently emerges as the most frequently made and cherished. What truly elevated this classic for us was the inspired decision to incorporate crispy bacon alongside the tender ham. Oh, what a revelation it was! The smoky, salty notes of the bacon perfectly complement the rich, earthy flavors of the peas and the savory depth of the ham, creating an unparalleled taste experience. I rarely find myself going back for a second helping of anything, but this soup, with its irresistible combination of flavors and textures, consistently calls me back for more.

Elevate Your Meal Prep with Slow Cooker Bacon Split Pea Soup

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Bacon Split Pea Soup on a wooden board.

Imagine serving this incredibly flavorful Split Pea Soup alongside a lavish spread of other inventive bacon recipes at your very own ‘Bacon Bar’! How utterly amazing does that sound for your next gathering? This hearty soup would pair absolutely perfectly with a side of warm, fluffy bacon cheddar biscuits – a truly delightful combination. The holidays are the quintessential time for connecting with cherished friends and family. I believe it would be an absolutely spectacular gesture to treat them to something truly special this year with your very own, mouth-watering take on a holiday feast. Did you know that Smithfield has pioneered a fresh and delicious twist on entertaining this season that you can effortlessly recreate at home – the innovative “Bacon Bar”? It’s a concept designed to delight and impress, offering a unique culinary experience for your guests.

A creative Smithfield Bacon Bar setup with various bacon dishes and condiments.

For even more inspiring recipe ideas dedicated to utilizing your leftover ham, be sure to explore Smithfield’s comprehensive website, specifically their “How About Ham” section. It’s packed with an array of awesome ham recipes, along with helpful guides like “Give Holiday Leftovers a Delicious Makeover” and “Preparing & Carving a Smithfield Spiral Sliced Ham.” The Smithfield Bacon Bar elevates entertaining to an entirely new level, offering a collection of easy-to-make, undeniably delicious bacon recipes. You can creatively mix things up with diverse Smithfield bacon varieties, such as Peppered Brown Sugar, Sea Salt Caramel, and Caramelized Bourbon Bacon. Pair these exquisite bacons with warm, flakey biscuits, an assortment of sweet jams, and various other delightful accompaniments. WOW, that entire concept sounds absolutely incredible and promises a memorable culinary experience for your guests! Party hosts can easily visit Smithfield.com/BaconBar for convenient printable labels, creative décor ideas, and a wealth of recipe inspiration to truly personalize their Bacon Bar setup.

Smithfield bacon varieties displayed with fresh ingredients for a Bacon Bar.

Slow Cooker Bacon Split Pea Soup: The Recipe

Ready to create this comforting and satisfying Slow Cooker Bacon Split Pea Soup? This recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimum effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend meal. The combination of tender split peas, savory ham, and the irresistible crunch of bacon creates a culinary experience that will quickly become a cherished family favorite. Follow these simple steps to bring this delightful soup to your table.

A rustic bowl of Slow Cooker Bacon Split Pea Soup ready to be served.

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Slow Cooker Bacon Split Pea Soup

Servings: 10 cups
A simple slow cooker split pea soup recipe loaded with savory ham and crispy bacon for a hearty, comforting meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients

  

  • 2 cartons of chicken broth (32 oz each)
  • 1 bag of split peas
  • 1/4 cup of water
  • 3-4 cups chopped ham
  • 2 cups chopped baby carrots
  • 1 can of evaporated milk
  • Spices; salt (pepper, garlic powder, season salt, minced onions – season to taste)
  • 1 package thick cut bacon – cooked well & roughly chopped

Instructions

  • In a medium-sized bowl, combine the split peas with water, ensuring the water level is about 1 inch above the peas.
  • Allow the peas to soak overnight to soften.
  • Using a large slow cooker, add the soaked peas, chicken broth, and the small amount of fresh water.
  • Now, incorporate the chopped carrots, ham, evaporated milk, and your chosen spices (salt, pepper, garlic powder, season salt, minced onions) seasoning to your personal taste.
  • Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for approximately 4 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking and distribution of flavors.
  • Upon serving, generously garnish each bowl with freshly cooked, roughly chopped bacon to add a delightful crunch and extra burst of flavor.

Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate. Please double-check with your own dietary calculator for the best accuracy. We at Yummi Haus cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site.

Love this recipe?Follow @KleinworthCo for even more tasty recipes!

 

Slow Cooker Bacon Split Pea Soup in a bowl with a spoon, ready to eat.

For even more fantastic Bacon Bar ideas – be sure to check out these awesome recipes that will impress any guest!

Collage of Bacon Bar Recipes, including a

Bacon Bar Recipes: Unleash Your Creativity with Bacon

If you whip up this delicious recipe, please share your creation! Leave a link in the comments or tag me on Instagram @KleinworthCo

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Smithfield.

Looking for more effortless family dinner ideas to simplify your busy schedule?

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Crispy 20 Minute Potato Wedges

Grilled Chicken & Bacon Pizza with Garlic Cream Sauce, an amazing homemade pizza recipe. Better than any frozen, take & bake or delivery. WOW! AMAZING! Don't miss my tip for quick & easy prep time too!

Gourmet Grilled Chicken & Bacon Pizza with Garlic Cream Sauce

Decadent Bacon Bourbon Caramel Cheesecake, a unique dessert.

Indulgent Bacon Bourbon Caramel Cheesecake

And for even more incredible bacon-centric culinary inspiration, explore these fantastic ideas from fellow bloggers:
Delicious Bacon Wrapped Cheese Bombs from Crunchy Creamy Sweet
Sweet and Spicy Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders from Plain Chicken

 

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