Split Pea Soup Freezer Meal Recipe

Picture this: a cold, busy weeknight, and the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen preparing dinner. But wait, there’s a solution! Imagine coming home to the comforting aroma of a steaming bowl of Split Pea Soup, ready to be savored by the whole family. It’s not just a dream; it’s a reality with our Split Pea Soup Freezer Meal recipe.

As fellow parents, we understand the challenges of managing a hectic schedule while still wanting to serve wholesome, homemade meals. That’s why we’re thrilled to share this make-ahead meal that’ll simplify your life.

Our Split Pea Soup Freezer Meal allows you to enjoy a hearty, nutritious soup without the fuss. Here’s how it works: you’ll prepare a big batch of this classic Split Pea Soup ingredients into freezer gallon bags, full of tender green peas, flavorful ham or bacon, and aromatic spices.

Once it’s ready, simply portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, and pop them in the freezer. That’s it! When dinnertime rolls around on those busy days, all you need to do is thaw, cook, and serve. It’s a convenient and delicious solution for any family craving a warm, satisfying meal without the stress of cooking under the crunch of time.

So, say goodbye to dinner dilemmas and hello to easy, homemade comfort food. Our Split Pea Soup Freezer Meal is here to make your evenings a whole lot cozier and more convenient.

Why you’ll love these Freezer Friendly Split Pea Soup?

• Nutrient-packed 
• You can (and should) make it in advance
• Warm and comforting
• Picky Eater Approved
• Balanced Meal
• One-pot

Split Pea Soup Freezer Meal Recipe

Hannah Stewart

Imagine coming home to the comforting aroma of a steaming bowl of Split Pea Soup, ready to be savored by the whole family.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Course Main Course, Soup

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Equipment

• 1 gallon freezer bag
• 1 Slow Cooker

Ingredients

 

US CustomaryMetric

 

1x2x3x

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 1/2 cup carrots
• 1 cup yellow onion
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 cup water
• 4 cup broth
• 16 oz ham steak
• 16 oz dried split peas
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning

Get ingredients with

US CustomaryMetric

Instructions

 

Freezer Prep Directions:

• Prepare a gallon freezer bag, labeling according to your preferred method.
• Add all ingredients, except the broth and water, into labeled gallon freezer bag.
• Seal bag, removing as much air as possible and freeze for up to three months.

Slow Cooker Directions:

• Thaw freezer bag in fridge 12-24 hours before cooking.
• Dump contents of freezer bag into slow cooker then add 2 cups water and 4 cups broth into slow cooker.
• Cook on low 7-8 hours
• Stir, split peas should break apart as you stir (If soup is too thick, add 1/2 cup water and stir until you achieve the desired texture.
• Optional: Garnish with cheese and enjoy!

Instant Pot Directions

1. Dump the contents of the freezer bag into the Instant Pot, add 4 cups broth and 2 cups water.
2. Set to High Pressure for 15 minutes, then allow a 20-minute natural release followed by a quick release. 
3. Stir, split peas should break apart as you stir (If soup is too thick, add 1/2 cup water and stir until you achieve the desired texture.
4. Optional: Garnish with cheese and enjoy!

Dietary Adjustments

Make it Gluten-Free:

 

• Ensure your broth is gluten-free.

 

 

Make it Dairy-Free:

• This recipe is naturally dairy-free.

Freezer Labels

Split Pea Soup Freezer Meal Printable Label

Notes

Notes:

1. If your soup comes out to thick or an unwanted texture then be sure to add water until you reach the desired consistency. 
2. Hambone is optional. It will give you a very deep earthy ham taste which I love but some people are not a fan. If you want less ham but still the flavor skip the bone and just add the ham meat. 
3. Easily made vegetarian using veggie broth and omitting the ham. Still delicious and full of flavor soup. 

Keyword Crockpot Split Pea Soup, freezer meals, Slow cooker soup, Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup

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Equipment Needed to Make-Ahead Split Pea Soup Recipe!

• 1 gallon freezer bag
• 1 Slow Cooker

Ingredients for your Split Pea Soup Recipe

• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 1/2 cup Carrots, chopped or shredded
• 1 cup Onion, diced
• 2 tsp Garlic powder
• 2 cup Water
• 4 cup Broth of preference (I use chicken Broth)
• 16 oz Ham Steak, diced into small pieces
• 16 oz Dried split peas
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Thyme
• 1/2 tsp Black pepper
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning

How to Make a Split Pea Soup

Prep/Freezer Directions:

1. Label freezer bag with recipe name, cooking directions and expiration date (today’s date plus three months)
2. Add all ingredients, except the broth and water, into labeled gallon freezer bag.
3. Seal bag, removing as much air as possible and freeze for up to three months.

Cooking directions:

1. Thaw overnight in fridge or in the morning in water (meal may not be 100% thawed but that is ok)
2. Dump contents of freezer bag into slow cooker then add 2 cups water and 4 cups broth into slow cooker.
3. Cook on low 6-8 hours
4. Stir, split peas should break apart as you stir( If soup is too thick, add 1/2 cup water and stir until you achieve desired texture)
5. Optional: If not Dairy-free, garnish with cheese and enjoy!

What to Serve/Pair with your Homemade Split Pea Soup

Sides:

• Garlic Bread
• Mixed Greens Salad
• Cheese and Herb Biscuits

Desserts:

• Lemon Bars
• Apple Crisp
• Chocolate Fondue

Mocktails:

• Watermelon Mint Cooler
• Cranberry Spritzer
• Cucumber Mint Cooler

Popular Substitutions and Additions

Substitutions:

• Vegetarian Split Pea Soup: If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can omit the ham steak and ham bone. Instead, use vegetable broth or water with additional seasonings for flavor. Consider adding smoked paprika for a smoky taste.
• Smoked Turkey Split Pea Soup: Replace the ham with smoked turkey. You can use diced smoked turkey breast or a smoked turkey leg for a different flavor profile.
• Bacon Split Pea Soup: Substitute the ham with cooked and crumbled bacon. Add the bacon bits to the soup for a savory and smoky twist.

Additions:

• Potatoes: Dice and add one or two peeled potatoes for added creaminess and texture. Potatoes will melt into the soup, making it thicker.
• Celery: Include 1-2 stalks of celery, chopped, for extra flavor and a bit of crunch.
• Bay Leaves: Add a couple of bay leaves to infuse more aromatic flavor into the soup. Remember to remove them before serving.

Feel free to mix and match these substitutions and additions to create your customized Split Pea Soup based on your preferences.

How to reheat and store Split Pea Soup after cooking?

Best way to store Quick and Easy Split Pea Soup?

Your dinner is complete, and you have some delicious Split Pea Soup leftovers to savor. No need to worry; we’re here with some clever storage suggestions to ensure your Split Pea Soup remains just as scrumptious tomorrow or the day after.

Start by allowing your Split Pea Soup to cool down to room temperature, but be cautious not to leave it out for more than 2 hours to prevent any potential bacterial growth. Once it has reached the ideal temperature, transfer your meal to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag and pop it into the fridge.

To preserve that mouthwatering flavor, make sure to eliminate as much air as possible. For easy freshness tracking, create a quick label with the preparation date on the container or bag. With these simple steps, your Split Pea Soup leftovers will taste just as heavenly the second time around!

How long will Split Pea Soup leftovers last in the fridge?

With the proper storage process and cooling procedures being followed, your Split Pea leftovers should stay fresh in the fridge for 4-5 days.

Can I freeze Hearty and Healthy Split Pea Soup after cooking?

Absolutely, it’s possible, and here’s the correct method to ensure they remain just as delicious.

Start by allowing your soup to cool completely in the refrigerator after cooking. Once it’s cooled down, divide the leftovers into portion-sized servings that you plan to reheat later. This makes it easier to thaw and reheat only what you need. You can either place each portion in individual freezer bags or use airtight containers.

Carefully ladle the cooled Split Pea Soup into your chosen containers, leaving some space at the top to accommodate expansion as it freezes. If you opt for freezer bags, ensure you remove excess air before sealing to prevent freezer burn.

Don’t forget to label each bag with the date and a brief description for easy identification. Now, place those labeled bags or containers in the freezer. Your Split Pea Soup leftovers will maintain their quality for a generous 2-3 months in the freezer.

If you are planning to make this a raw freezer meal, add all the ingredients into a freezer bag, except the broth and water, then remove as much air as possible, seal and freeze for 3-6 months.

How to reheat Family-friendly Split Pea Soup?

Reheating your Split Pea Soup freezer meal is hassle-free. If your meal was stored in the freezer, start by allowing it to thaw completely. You can choose from three effective thawing methods: overnight in the fridge, submerging the freezer bag in cold water, or using the microwave’s defrost setting for a gradual thaw. Once your meal has thawed thoroughly, you can reheat it using any of these approaches:

• Stovetop Reheating: Heat up a saucepan over medium-low heat, add the thawed Split Pea Soup, and stir occasionally until it’s heated through.
• Microwave Reheating: If you’re in a rush, the microwave is the quickest option. Place the thawed Split Pea Soup on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 1-2 minute intervals, stirring between each interval. 

Quick and Easy Split Pea Soup FAQs

Other Soup Recipes you’ll Love

• The Best Chili you Ever Had!
• Ham and Potato Soup
• White Bean Spinach Soup
• Tuscan Tortellini Soup
• Italian Wedding Soup

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Don’t forget to come back and let me know how your Split Pea Soup turned out!