Name: Halloween Split Pea Soup That’s Spooky and Delicious
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 1 ½ cups dried split peas (rinsed); 6 cups vegetable broth; 1 bay leaf; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; Salt & pepper to taste; 1/2 cup diced potatoes (optional for extra creaminess); Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt (for spiderweb effect); Chopped chives (for garnish); Paprika (for dusting)

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When the autumn breeze starts to whisper and the jack-o’-lanterns glow on porches, I crave something warm, hearty, and just a little spooky. That’s where this Halloween Split Pea Soup comes to the rescue!

As a busy mom and home cook, I know how precious time can be—especially during the hustle of Halloween prep. This cozy plant-based Halloween meal is not only simple to toss together, but it’s also creamy, flavorful, and festive enough to charm even the pickiest ghouls. Plus, the spiderweb garnish? It’s a scary-good autumn soup that gets smiles every time!

Why You’ll Love This Halloween Split Pea Soup

This Halloween Split Pea Soup is comfort in a cauldron—quick to make, deeply satisfying, and full of fall flavor. It’s a spooky fall soup recipe that feels like a warm hug after a chilly trick-or-treat night. Whether you’re juggling costumes or carving pumpkins, this creamy vegan Halloween dinner practically cooks itself. Plus, with that fun spiderweb garnish, it’s both festive and frightfully delicious for kids and grown-ups alike.

Ingredients Halloween Split Pea Soup

Before we summon our spooky cauldron to life, let’s talk ingredients. This Halloween Split Pea Soup uses pantry staples with a few festive twists to create a cozy plant-based Halloween meal you’ll want on repeat.

Olive oil – A splash of this helps sauté the veggies and adds a rich, silky base.
Onion – Brings sweetness and depth as it softens and melts into the soup.
Garlic – Adds a bold, fragrant kick that makes the whole kitchen smell amazing.
Carrots – A pop of natural sweetness and bright orange color—perfect for spooky season.
Celery – Brings balance and a classic soup flavor that pairs beautifully with split peas.
Dried split peas – The star of the show! Earthy, protein-packed, and they thicken as they cook.
Vegetable broth – Keeps things vegan while infusing the soup with savory goodness.
Bay leaf – A subtle herbal note that simmers quietly in the background for old-world comfort.
Smoked paprika – Adds a hint of smokiness that deepens the soup’s flavor and gives it that autumn charm.
Salt & pepper – Season to taste and adjust as needed—it’s your cauldron, after all.
Diced potatoes (optional) – For extra creaminess and heartiness; they melt right in as the soup simmers.
Sour cream or Greek yogurt – You’ll use this for that spooky spiderweb garnish. Plant-based versions work great, too!
Chopped chives – A fresh green finish that gives the bowl a pop of color and a mild oniony bite.
Paprika – Just a sprinkle on top for color and a little extra warmth in every bite.

For exact measurements and a printable version of this Halloween comfort food idea, scroll to the bottom of the post. Trust me—you’ll want to keep this one in your fall recipe rotation!

How to Make Halloween Split Pea Soup

Step 1 – Sauté the Veggies

In a large soup pot, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Once it shimmers, toss in your chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery.

Cook them for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything turns soft and fragrant. This is where the magic begins—the base of your spooky fall soup recipe starts to smell like comfort.

Step 2 – Add the Base Ingredients

Now, stir in the dried split peas, vegetable broth, bay leaf, smoked paprika, and potatoes if you’re using them. I like adding the potatoes for that extra creamy vibe—it makes this Halloween comfort food idea feel even more indulgent.

Bring the whole pot to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low.

Step 3 – Simmer to Perfection

Let the soup simmer uncovered for 45–50 minutes. Give it a stir now and then to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom.

As the peas break down, the soup will thicken into a creamy, dreamy texture. Your house will smell like a cozy autumn hug—seriously, it’s the kind of scent that makes neighbors jealous.

Step 4 – Blend for Creaminess (Optional)

Once everything is tender and flavorful, decide how you want the texture. For a rustic, chunky style, leave it as is.

If you’re after that smooth, creamy vegan Halloween dinner feel, use an immersion blender right in the pot. Just be careful—hot soup can splatter like a mischievous witch’s brew!

Step 5 – Create the Spiderweb Garnish

Here comes the spooky fun! Ladle your Halloween Split Pea Soup into bowls.

Drizzle a spiral of sour cream or plant-based yogurt on top. Then, take a toothpick and gently drag from the center outward to create a spiderweb effect. It’s easier than it looks—and the wow factor is real.

Finish with chopped chives and a dusting of paprika for a hauntingly beautiful bowl that’s both scary-good and soul-warming!

Tips for Success

Rinse your split peas thoroughly—they don’t need soaking, but a good rinse helps them cook evenly.
For deeper flavor, sauté your veggies until golden before adding the broth.
Don’t forget to stir occasionally while simmering to prevent sticking or scorching.
Use a large enough pot—split peas expand and thicken more than you’d expect!
The spiderweb garnish works best on smooth soup, so blend if you want that picture-perfect finish.

Equipment Needed

Large soup pot – A sturdy one with a lid helps the soup simmer evenly and safely.
Wooden spoon – Great for stirring without scratching your pot.
Immersion blender – Optional, but perfect for that creamy finish. A countertop blender works too—just blend in batches.
Ladle – Makes serving much easier (and less messy!).
Toothpick or skewer – For crafting that fun spiderweb garnish with spooky precision.

Variations

Spiced-Up Cauldron: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for a fiery kick—perfect for grown-up goblins who like heat.
Herb Lover’s Twist: Stir in fresh thyme or rosemary during the simmer for an earthy, aromatic upgrade to this scary-good autumn soup.
Extra Veggie Boost: Toss in chopped zucchini, sweet potato, or bell peppers for more color, flavor, and nutrients.
Protein Power-Up: Add cooked lentils or chickpeas to make it heartier—great if you’re feeding hungry monsters after trick-or-treating.
Cheesy (But Vegan!): Stir in a spoonful of nutritional yeast or vegan cheese for a savory, cheesy note that’s 100% plant-based.
Gluten-Free Friendly: This soup is naturally gluten-free, but double-check your broth and garnishes to be sure.
Low-Sodium Option: Use homemade or low-sodium broth, and season gradually to taste—it’s still full of flavor without the salt overload.
Chunky vs. Smooth: Leave it unblended for a rustic texture, or blend completely for that silky, creamy vegan Halloween dinner vibe.
Mini Monster Servings: Pour into small cups or mugs for Halloween parties—easier for little hands and still spooky fun with mini webs!

Serving Suggestions

Serve with crusty sourdough or garlic toast for dunking—because every witch needs her broomstick!
Pair with apple cider (hot or chilled) for a sweet autumn contrast to this savory delight.
Top each bowl with roasted pumpkin seeds for crunch and a festive fall twist.
Set the mood with black napkins, tiny cauldrons, or faux cobwebs for a fun Halloween dinner table.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this Halloween Split Pea Soup ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! This Halloween Split Pea Soup actually gets better with time as the flavors deepen overnight. Just let it cool, store it in an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. It’s a perfect make-ahead Halloween comfort food idea when your to-do list is already scary long!

Q: How do I make the spiderweb garnish vegan?

A: It’s super easy to keep the spooky look totally plant-based. Swap out traditional sour cream or Greek yogurt for a vegan alternative—there are plenty of creamy dairy-free options available now. I’ve used cashew-based sour cream with great results. Just make sure it’s thick enough to hold the web shape when drizzled.

Q: Can I freeze this spooky fall soup recipe?

A: Yes, and I do it all the time! Once the soup cools completely, ladle it into freezer-safe containers or bags—just leave a little space at the top for expansion. It’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently. Just hold off on the spiderweb garnish until serving.

Q: What if I don’t have an immersion blender?

A: No worries! You can use a countertop blender instead—just let the soup cool slightly and work in batches. Be careful not to overfill the blender (trust me, I’ve learned that the hard way). Or skip blending entirely if you prefer a chunky, rustic texture. Either way, it’s still a scary-good autumn soup.

Q: Is this a good creamy vegan Halloween dinner for a party?

A: Oh yes, it’s party-perfect! This creamy vegan Halloween dinner is cozy, crowd-pleasing, and easy to serve in mugs or mini bowls. The spiderweb garnish adds a festive touch, and you can even set up a little “decorate your soup” station for guests. It’s a spooky fall soup recipe that screams Halloween fun!

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about cozying up with a bowl of Halloween Split Pea Soup as the wind whistles outside and little goblins knock at your door. It’s more than a meal—it’s a moment of warmth, flavor, and festive fun. Whether you’re feeding your busy family before trick-or-treating or hosting a haunted dinner, this spooky fall soup recipe brings smiles and comfort in every spoonful. I hope it becomes part of your autumn traditions, just like it has in my home. So grab your ladle, summon your inner kitchen witch, and enjoy a scary-good bowl of seasonal joy!

Halloween Split Pea Soup That’s Spooky and Delicious