There’s something incredibly comforting about a perfectly baked potato, and when you make Crock Pot Baked Potatoes, it’s not just easy, it’s a meal that feels like home. Using a slow cooker to bake potatoes allows for hands-off cooking, which is perfect for busy days. The result? Fluffy potatoes with a crispy skin that can easily become the star of your meal or a delightful side dish.
Ingredients
Scale:
4 medium to large russet potatoes (clean and scr믭)
2 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter or avocado oil)
1 teaspoon salt (sea salt or kosher salt)
½ teaspoon pepper (freshly cracked black pepper)
4 tablespoons butter (optional, for serving)
½ cup sour cream (optional, for serving)
1 cup shredded cheese (optional, for serving)
¼ cup chives or green onions, chopped (optional, for serving)
Instructions
Start by washing your russet potatoes thoroughly under cool running water. Scrub them gently to remove any dirt, then pat dry with paper towels to ensure they bake evenly.
Use a fork to poke several holes in each potato. This allows steam to escape and prevents them from bursting while cooking in the slow cooker, ensuring a perfectly baked inside.
Rub the potatoes with olive oil, ensuring they are evenly coated. This will help achieve a crispy skin that contrasts wonderfully with the fluffy interior.
Sprinkle salt and pepper generously over the potatoes for added flavor. Feel free to experiment with garlic powder or onion powder for an additional flavor layer.
Place the potatoes directly in the slow cooker. You can stack them if needed, but try to keep them in a single layer if possible to allow for even cooking.
Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 7 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. The potatoes are done when they are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork. Cooking times may vary depending on the size of the potatoes, so adjust as needed.
Once cooked, carefully remove the potatoes from the slow cooker using tongs. Let them cool slightly before slicing them open to avoid burns.
Fluff the insides with a fork and add your favorite toppings, such as butter, sour cream, cheese, or chives. The combinations are endless, making it a customizable dish for everyone.
