Instant Pot Split Pea and Ham Soup (Made With Bacon Ends)

If there’s one dish that embodies comfort food at its finest, it’s split pea soup. Rich, hearty, and packed with flavor, this dish warms the soul, especially on chilly days.

While traditional recipes often call for ham, using bacon ends can add a delightful smoky flavor that elevates this classic dish to new heights.

With the Instant Pot, you can have this heartwarming soup ready in no time.

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What Are Bacon Ends

Bacon ends also known as bacon pieces, are the leftover bits of bacon that come from the end of the bacon slab. They can be small to large irregular pieces, which are considered too small or too fatty to be sliced into uniform strips.

While some may view these pieces as scraps or waste, they can be used in many delicious ways. Like with this Instant Pot Split Pea and Ham Soup.

Often overlooked, these flavorful pieces are typically more affordable than regular bacon but are packed with a robust, smoky flavor due to their high-fat content and the curing process.

Why Use Them

When used in soups and stews, bacon ends can infuse the entire dish with a unique depth, giving it that beloved savory profile.

Because bacon ends have a higher fat content compared to leaner meats, they melt into the soup as it cooks, enriching the broth and enhancing the overall taste.

The smoky notes not only complement the earthiness of the split peas but also balance the dish, making each spoonful a satisfying experience. Like with this Roasted Poblano, Sweet Corn and Sweet Potato Soup.

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By swapping out traditional ham for bacon ends and adding peas and carrots, you’re creating a unique version of split pea soup that will surprise and delight your family and guests.

This Instant Pot Split Pea and Ham Soup is not only a delicious meal, but also a reminder of how simple ingredients can come together to create heartwarming dish. Or bowl of soup.

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Instant Pot Split Pea and Ham Soup

1 pound split peas, rinsed and drained

1-2 cups bacon ends, diced and cooked *See Cook’s Notes

1 yellow onion, diced

2 carrots, diced

2 celery stalks, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 bay leaf

1 teaspoon dried thyme

6 cups chicken broth or stock, find recipe HERE – (can opt for vegetable broth)

1 ½ cups frozen peas and carrots

Salt and pepper to taste

Heavy cream, for garnishing (optional)

Fresh or dried parsley, basil, or cilantro, for garnishing (optional)

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Cook’s Notes

You can use any brand of bacon ends, though we recommend Hempler’s Bacon Ends and Pieces. Hempler’s is a company known for its meats, particularly bacon. 

Hempler’s products are made using high-quality pork and crafted with attention to flavor and texture.

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The bacon ends or pieces are gluten-free and free from MSG, making them a healthy choice for various dishes.

You can find Hempler’s Bacon Ends available for purchase at retailers like Kroger and Albertsons, often sold in 2-pound packages.

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In a non-stick skillet, cook the diced bacon ends until crisp and browned. This step lets the fat render, adding flavor to the soup.

Turn Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, sautéing until they soften and the onions are translucent.

Add minced garlic, bay leaf, thyme, and the cooked bacon ends, stirring to combine well.

Add the split peas and chicken broth. Stir to mix well.

Secure the lid, ensure the vent is in sealing position, and set your Instant Pot to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” for 15 minutes and natural release for 10 minutes, then switch to a quick release for any remaining steam.

Carefully remove the lid. Using a hand immersion blender, blend soup completely until smooth and creamy.

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Alternatively, transfer soup in batches to a blender and blend until smooth and creamy.

Stir in the 1½ cups of frozen peas and carrots to the blended soup. Let them heat through for a few minutes.

Taste soup and season with salt and pepper as needed.

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Ladle the soup into bowls, then garnish with a drizzle of cream and a sprinkle of fresh or dried parsley, basil, or cilantro.

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Know Your Soup

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Soup Is On Everything You Need to Know About This Comfort Classic

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