Easy Slow Cooker Split Pea and Smoked Sausage Soup Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a more vibrant flavor, you can add a pinch of dried thyme or a small amount of freshly cracked black pepper before serving. If you enjoy a bit of heat, a dash of red pepper flakes can be stirred in at the very end to contrast with the earthy sweetness of the peas and the savory notes of the smoked sausage.

If you find the soup is too thick after it has finished cooking, add small amounts of hot water or broth, about a quarter cup at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.

This is especially helpful if you plan on reheating the soup later, as split pea soup tends to thicken significantly as it cools and sits in the refrigerator.

Variations

• Vegetable-heavy variation: Add finely diced celery and leeks along with the carrots to increase the vegetable content and add extra layers of sweetness and depth to the soup base.
• Spicy sausage variation: Substitute the standard smoked sausage with a spicy andouille or Cajun-style smoked sausage to provide a bold, piquant kick that pairs wonderfully with the mild split peas.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave until steaming hot.

Allow the soup to cool to room temperature for no more than two hours before transferring it into airtight containers. Proper cooling is essential to maintain food safety.

Once cooled, store the containers in the refrigerator, where the soup will keep for up to four days. Always ensure the containers are sealed tightly to prevent the soup from absorbing other odors in the fridge.

This soup is an excellent candidate for making ahead, as the flavors often improve after sitting for a day. You can prepare the entire recipe in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

When ready to eat, simply reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. It is a convenient option for meal planning, as it holds its texture and flavor exceptionally well over several days.

Serving ideas

Serve the soup hot in deep bowls, perhaps accompanied by a slice of crusty bread or a simple side salad to provide a textural contrast. The warmth of the soup makes it an ideal main course for a casual dinner. Because it is quite filling on its own, a light side is usually all that is needed to round out the meal.

When serving, consider removing the bay leaves if you haven't already. A small garnish of fresh parsley or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil can add a touch of brightness to the bowl.

Ensure that each serving gets a generous portion of the sliced smoked sausage to balance the creamy texture of the peas with a bit of savory, chewy substance.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Easy Slow Cooker Split Pea and Smoked Sausage Soup

Prep 10 minCook 4 hTotal 4 h 10 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
• 2 cups dried split peas, rinsed
• 2 cups diced carrots
• 2 bay leaves
• 6 cups water

Instructions

1. Place the sliced smoked sausage rounds into the bottom of the slow cooker insert. Add the rinsed split peas and diced carrots on top of the sausage. Distribute the ingredients evenly to ensure consistent cooking throughout the process.
2. Tuck the bay leaves into the mixture of peas and carrots. Pour the water over the ingredients until they are fully submerged. Ensure the bay leaves are nestled near the center to infuse their flavor into the soup as it simmers.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 7 to 8 hours. The soup is finished when the split peas have broken down and the sausage is heated through to at least 160°F (71°C). Remove the bay leaves before serving.

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

380

Protein

22 g

Carbohydrates

45 g

Fat

12 g

Fiber

14 g

Sugar

4.5 g

Sodium

850 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.