Remember those nights when Mom would throw potatoes in the oven hours before dinner, and the whole house would smell like warm, earthy goodness? This crock pot baked potatoes recipe brings back all that nostalgia, but it’s even *easier*. Seriously, you almost can’t mess this up. It’s kind of like the lazy person’s version of roasting a chicken – set it and forget it, with delicious results that’ll please the whole family. If you’re like me and constantly searching for ways to simplify weeknight dinners without sacrificing flavor, then you’ve gotta try these slow cooker baked potatoes. Trust me, once you taste how fluffy and tender they turn out, you’ll never bake them in the oven again!

What is a crock pot baked potato?

Think of it as your favorite baked potato, but cooked low and slow in a crock pot or slow cooker. What’s essentially taking the traditional oven-baked method and simplifying it? How do potatoes cook in the crock pot for hours? Soft and fluffy inside. The skin also gets this amazing slightly chewy texture that’s just addictive. What are some of the best ways to cook a meal in the crock pot? Home to perfectly cooked baked potatoes ready to be loaded with all your favorite toppings. Is it really that simple?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Okay, where do I even begin? There are so many reasons to adore this crock pot baked potatoes recipe, but let me highlight a few key ones:

Flavor Explosion:Forget dry, bland baked potatoes. The slow cooking process intensifies the potato’s natural sweetness and creates this incredible flavor. Is there a creamy texture inside Every bite is a burst of flavor.
EffortlessIs this recipe easy to make? No need to preheat the oven, no need for wrapping each potato individually, and no complicated steps. Is it a lifesaver on busy weeknights?
Budget-Friendly: Potatoes are one of the most affordable ingredients out there. This recipe is a fantastic way to stretch your grocery budget without sacrificing taste or satisfaction. Plus, leftovers are just as delicious!
Versatility Galor The possibilities are endless when it comes to toppings. From classic butter and sour cream to chili, cheese, bacon, or even pulled pork, you can customize these baked potatoes to suit any craving. My personal favorite? A dollop of greek yogurt with some fresh chives, it is a healthy alternative that adds great flavor.

What I love most about this is how incredibly hands-off it is. I can throw the potatoes in the crock pot in the morning before I head out to work, and when I come home, dinner is practically ready. No more stressing about oven temperatures or babysitting the potatoes. This is also great for potlucks. Everyone loves a good baked potato bar!

How to Make Crock Pot Baked Potatoes

Quick Overview

Making crock pot baked potatoes is ridiculously simple. All you need to do is wash and scrub your potatoes, poke them a few times with a fork, and place them in your slow cooker. You don’t even need to add any water! Cook them on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, and you’ll end up with the most tender, flavorful baked potatoes you’ve ever had. I promise, it’s almost impossible to mess up.

Ingredients

For the Potatoes:

4-6 medium russet potatoes: I prefer Russets because they get super fluffy inside, but you can use Yukon Gold or red potatoes if you prefer a waxier texture.
1 tablespoon olive oil (optional): This helps the skin get a little crispier, but it’s not essential.
Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings are all you need to enhance the potatoes’ natural flavor.

For Toppings (Endless Possibil

Butter
Sour cream or Greek yogurt.
Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, etc.):
Bacon bits
Chopped chives or green onions.
Chili
Pulled pork
Salsa
Guacamole
The list goes on!

What is the step-

Step 1: Prep the Potatoes

Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly. Use a fork to pierce each potato several times. How do I prevent a crock pot from exploding?

Step 2: Season (Optional)

If you want a little extra flavor, drizzle the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Rub the seasonings into the skin.

Step 3: Place in Crock Pot

Place the potatoes in the crock pot. You don’t need to add any water or liquid. Just arrange them in a single layer if possible. If you’re cooking a larger batch, you can stack them, but they might take a bit longer to cook.

Step 4: Cook

Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The potatoes are done when they are easily pierced with a fork.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Carefully remove the potatoes from the crock pot. Slice them open and load them up with your favorite toppings. Dig in and enjoy!

What should I serve it with?

Crock pot baked potatoes are incredibly versatile and can be served as a side dish or main course. What are some ideas for a new website?

As a Side Dish: What are some ofPair them with grilled chicken or fish. What are some good side dishes to serve with a salad?
As a Main Course:What are some good vegetarian toppings for these burgers? What is the most satisfying
For a Crowd:What are some ideas for a baked potato bar? This is perfect for parties, potlucks, or game night.

My family loves when I serve them with a big bowl of chili during the winter. What is the ultimate comfort food? What is the taste of baked potatoes with butter, salt and pepper? What are some of the best classics?

What are some of the best ways to make a Crock Pot Baked Potatoes?

Here are some tips to help you achieve baked potato perfection:

How do you choose the right potatoes? Russet potatoes are the best choice for fluffy baked potatoes. Yukon Gold potatoes will be creamier.
Don’t skip the fork: What is theHow do you pierce potatoes with a fork?
Season Generously: Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper. It really enhances the flavor of the potatoes.
Consider Adding a Rack: If you want to prevent the bottoms of the potatoes from getting soggy, place them on a trivet or a ball of aluminum foil inside the crock pot.
Don’t Overcook: Overcooked potatoes can become mushy. Check for doneness after 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high.
Get Creative with Toppings: The possibilities are endless! Experiment with different combinations to find your favorites.

I’ve learned that adding a little garlic powder to the potatoes before cooking gives them a fantastic savory flavor. Also, if you’re short on time, you can speed up the cooking process by using smaller potatoes. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Here’s how to store and reheat your leftover crock pot baked potatoes:

Refrigerator Storage: Let the potatoes cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for 3-4 days.
Freezer Instructions: Wrap the cooled potatoes individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: You can reheat baked potatoes in the microwave, oven, or air fryer. For best results, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

I always like to reheat my baked potatoes in the air fryer. It gives them a nice crispy skin! If you’re planning to freeze your baked potatoes, I recommend leaving off the toppings until after reheating. This will help maintain the best texture and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add water to the crock pot?

No, you don’t need to add any water to the crock pot. The potatoes will cook in their own steam. Adding water can make them soggy.

Can I use aluminum foil to wrap the potatoes?

You can, but it’s not necessary. Wrapping the potatoes in foil will help them cook a little faster, but they will also steam more and may not get as crispy on the outside.

Can I cook sweet potatoes in the crock pot using this method?

Yes, you can! The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size of the sweet potatoes, but the basic method is the same.

What if my potatoes are still hard after the recommended cooking time?

Continue cooking them for another hour or two on low until they are easily pierced with a fork. Cooking times can vary depending on the size and type of potatoes, as well as the specific crock pot.

Can I add garlic or herbs to the crock pot for extra flavor?

Absolutely! You can add a few cloves of garlic or some sprigs of rosemary or thyme to the crock pot along with the potatoes. Just be sure to remove them before serving.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – the easiest, most foolproof method for making perfectly baked potatoes every single time. This recipe has become a staple in our house, and I know it will in yours too. The combination of incredible flavor, effortless simplicity, and endless versatility makes it a winner every time. If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my other slow cooker recipes for more easy and delicious meal ideas. Happy cooking!

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