Crock Pot Baked Potatoes

• 4-6 medium russet potatoes (or your preferred type of potato)
• Olive oil or butter (for rubbing)
• Kosher salt (for seasoning the skins)
• Optional toppings: butter, sour cream, chives, shredded cheese, bacon bits, or any of your favorites

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Potatoes:

Start by scrubbing your russet potatoes under cool running water to remove any dirt. You want to make sure the skins are clean because you’ll be eating them, and they’ll add delicious texture to the dish.

Once the potatoes are cleaned, pat them dry with a paper towel.

2. Rub with Oil and Season:

For crispy, flavorful skin, rub each potato with a small amount of olive oil or softened butter. This helps to create that perfect crispy texture when cooked. After you’ve coated the potatoes in oil or butter, sprinkle them generously with kosher salt. The salt will help season the skin, enhancing the flavor and providing that classic baked potato crunch.

3. Arrange the Potatoes in the Crock Pot:

Place the seasoned potatoes directly into the slow cooker. You don’t need to wrap them in foil, as the slow cooker will create the perfect environment for them to bake in their own skin. If you’re using a larger Crock Pot, you may be able to fit up to 6 medium potatoes at once. Just make sure they fit comfortably without being overly stacked.

4. Cook the Potatoes:

Cover the Crock Pot with the lid and set it to low heat. Allow the potatoes to cook for 7-8 hours on low, or about 4-5 hours on high heat. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your potatoes and the temperature of your slow cooker.

You’ll know the potatoes are done when a fork or knife easily slides into the center without resistance. If you’re cooking larger potatoes, you might need to add a little extra time.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

Once the potatoes are cooked through, remove them from the slow cooker. Be careful as they will be hot. You can serve them whole or slice them open, fluffing the insides with a fork.

Top them with your favorite toppings, such as butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, chives, bacon bits, or cheese sauce. The possibilities are endless, and this recipe can easily be adapted to your tastes.

Tips for the Best Crock Pot Baked Potatoes:

• Even cooking: To ensure the potatoes cook evenly, try to choose potatoes that are similar in size. If your Crock Pot is large enough, make sure to arrange them in a single layer, without overcrowding them. This will allow for the most even cooking.
• Crispy skin: If you prefer even crispier skin, you can finish the potatoes off in the oven for a few minutes. After cooking in the Crock Pot, place the potatoes on a baking sheet and pop them under the broiler for about 3-5 minutes, until the skin becomes extra crispy.
• Toppings: The beauty of baked potatoes is how versatile they are. You can top them with classic butter and sour cream, or get creative with shredded cheese, chili, chopped green onions, shredded chicken, or even pulled pork.
• No need to wrap: Unlike traditional oven-baked potatoes, there’s no need to wrap your potatoes in foil when cooking them in the Crock Pot. The slow cooking process allows the potatoes to steam inside their skins, so they remain soft and fluffy.
• For a smoky flavor: Add a touch of smoked paprika or garlic powder to the oil or butter when rubbing the potatoes. This will infuse the skins with a smoky, savory flavor.
• If you’re cooking in advance: You can prep the potatoes in the morning, and they’ll be ready by dinnertime. Simply set the Crock Pot on low in the morning, and they’ll be perfectly baked by the time you’re ready to serve them.

Why Crock Pot Baked Potatoes Are a Game Changer:

There’s something so satisfying about a perfectly baked potato. With this Crock Pot Baked Potato recipe, you get all of the wonderful benefits of traditional baked potatoes, but without having to babysit them in the oven. The slow cooking process ensures that each potato is evenly cooked, tender on the inside, and with a satisfying, crispy skin. Plus, there’s no need to heat up your oven or spend too much time monitoring the potatoes.

Crock Pot baked potatoes are the perfect side dish for busy weeknights, holiday dinners, or any occasion where you need a simple yet flavorful addition to your meal. And with endless topping options, they’re a fun way to customize a dish that everyone will love.

Next time you’re craving a classic baked potato, don’t bother with the oven—just let your Crock Pot do the work for you. You’ll have a delicious, effortless side dish ready with minimal effort, and the best part is that you can focus on the main course while your potatoes cook to perfection!

Conclusion:

If you’re looking for a hassle-free, delicious side dish, Crock Pot Baked Potatoes are a must-try. The slow cooker does all the hard work, producing potatoes that are perfectly tender and full of flavor. Whether you’re serving them as a side to a steak dinner, topping them with chili for a hearty meal, or just enjoying them with some butter and sour cream, these baked potatoes are always a hit.