Slow Cooker Baked Potatoes

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My Slow Cooker Baked Potatoes recipe is the easiest way to make the perfect side dish for so many meals. They’re tender and have a fluffy texture just like you get at your favorite steak house!

Overhead view of a baked potato topped with cheddar cheese, sour cream and green onions, which was cooked in a slow cooker.

I don’t mind the traditional way of making baked potatoes in the cold winter months. The oven helps heat the house, which is a nice side benefit.

However, no one wants to turn on the oven on a hot summer day. So, slow cooking is the best way to cook a fluffy baked potato during the warmer months or when you don’t have enough oven space.

It takes minimal effort and you only need a few simple ingredients for the perfect baked potato, so it’s a great way to make an easy side dish for busy nights. I hope your whole family loves your slow cooker potatoes the first time you make them!

Ingredients

  • 4 large russet potatoes
  • 4 teaspoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • Measuring spoon

By the Numbers: How to Make Slow Cooker Baked Potatoes

Follow these simple step-by-step instructions to learn how to make the best baked potatoes in your slow cooker.

Step 1: Scrub Potatoes

Scrub 4 large russet potatoes well and pat them dry with a paper towel. See tips section for information about other sizes and types of potatoes.

4 clean russet potatoes in a slow cooker.

Step 2: Rub Potatoes with Oil and Salt

Rub each clean potato with about a teaspoon of olive oil, making sure they’re completely coated with a light layer of oil. You may not need all the oil. Next coat the potato skins with sea salt, then place potatoes in the slow cooker.

4 baked potatoes rubbed with olive oil in a slow cooker.

Step 3: Slow Cook Baked Potatoes

You’ll want to cook the potatoes on High for 4-5 hours or Low for 7-8 hours. We personally feel we get fluffier potatoes cooking on High, but both methods work.

4 cooked baked potatoes in a slow cooker.

Step 4: Serve Baked Potatoes

Once they’re fork tender, remove the potatoes from the slow cooker and add your favorite topping to serve as a tasty side dish.

Slow cooker baked potato on a white plate, topped with cheese, sour cream and green onions.

Tips for Making the Best Slow Cooker Baked Potatoes

Answers to all of your questions about making the most amazing baked potatoes in your slow cooker, including tips, variations and serving ideas.

No aluminum foil needed

I’ve had a lot of questions about why I don’t wrap my baked potatoes in aluminum foil. There are a few reasons.

  • There’s no need to wrap them in the slow cooker – they cook evenly without it
  • Foil can trap in moisture, creating soggy skin
  • Wrapping potatoes in foil creates a low-oxygen environment, which can encourage the growth of botulinum bacteria

Does the size of the potatoes matter?

Yes, depending on the size of the potatoes, you may have a shorter or longer cooking time to get tender crock pot potatoes.

  • Large potatoes. Follow the directions in this recipe, but check them regularly for tenderness.
  • Medium potatoes. Slow cook on Low for 5-6 hours or High for 3-4 hours.
  • Small potatoes. Slow cook on Low for 4-5 hours or High for 2-3 hours.

Best toppings

The best thing about baked potatoes is the toppings! Just use a steak knife to make a slit lengthwise across the top of the potato, fluff up the insides and add your toppings!

My favorite toppings are butter, sour cream, cheddar cheese and green onions. Another great combo is parmesan cheese, sauteed garlic and fresh parsley.

How to make a baked potato bar

One way to make crock pot baked potatoes into a main course is to set up a baked potato bar with all of your favorite toppings. The whole family will think this easy dinner is a great idea!

Here are some other items to add to your potato bar:

There are so many options for making a fun potato bar for your family. You can even make it a weekly or monthly part of your meal prep planning.

How to crisp skin

If you like crispy skin on your potatoes, simply lay them out on a baking sheet or pan and pop them into the broiler or air fryer for a few minutes after they’re done cooking.

What to serve with baked potatoes?

Need ideas for a delicious main course to serve with your potatoes? Here are some of my favorites:

Does this work with sweet potatoes too?

Yes, you can cook all types of potatoes using this method, including sweet, yukon gold and white potatoes. Cook times will vary based on their size.

Other ways to use baked potatoes

Sometimes I like to make extra potatoes so I can use them for other recipes besides just baked potatoes, such as:

Storage tips

Allow the potatoes to cool to room temperature, then place them in an airtight container or wrap them individually in plastic wrap. Store them in the refrigerator and use within 3-4 days.

More tasty potato recipes

If you want to learn more ways to prepare potato dishes, here are some other recipes to try:

Baked potato topped with cheddar cheese, sour cream and sliced green onions.

Slow Cooker Baked Potatoes Recipe

My slow cooker baked potato recipe is the easy way to make tender potatoes for a delicious side to serve with your favorite main dish.
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Recipe Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 4 large russet potatoes
  • 4 teaspoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt

Equipment

  • Slow cooker
  • Measuring spoon

Instructions

  • Scrub potatoes until the skin is clean, then pat dry.
    4 clean russet potatoes in a slow cooker.
  • Coat each potato with a little bit of olive oil, then rub the oiled potatoes with sea salt.
    4 baked potatoes rubbed with olive oil in a slow cooker.
  • Cook the potatoes on High for 4-5 hours or Low for 7-8 hours.
    4 cooked baked potatoes in a slow cooker.
  • Once cooked, your baked potatoes are ready to serve.
    Slow cooker baked potato on a white plate, topped with cheese, sour cream and green onions.

Nutrition Information Per Serving

Calories: 204kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 592mg | Potassium: 888mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 2IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 2mg

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