Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup with Bacon and Hash Browns

Ingredients

• 1/4 pound bacon, chopped
• 1 pound split peas, rinsed
• 1/3 (20 ounce) package frozen southern-style hash brown potatoes (such as Ore Ida)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 carrots, peeled and diced
• 3 ribs celery, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes, or more to taste (optional)
• 8 cups chicken broth

Directions

Place bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Drain on paper towels.

Place bacon, split peas, hash brown potatoes, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and chicken broth in a slow cooker; stir to combine.

Cook on Low for 8 hours (or High for 6 hours).