Cooking potatoes in a crock pot is a brilliant way to achieve perfectly baked potatoes with minimal effort. This method ensures they are cooked evenly and come out tender and flavorful every time. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or just need an easy side dish, these crock pot baked potatoes are sure to be a hit. Let’s dive into the details and make these deliciously simple baked potatoes.

 

I remember the first time I tried making potatoes in a crock pot; it was a game-changer. The hands-off cooking approach was perfect for a busy day, and the results were outstanding. The potatoes were perfectly cooked, and the convenience of simply wrapping them in foil and letting the crock pot do the work was fantastic. Let’s get started on this easy and satisfying recipe.

Ingredients

• 6 large baking potatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons salt
• Toppings of choice: butter, sour cream, chopped onion, bacon pieces, shredded cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Wash and Dry: Start by thoroughly washing the potatoes to remove any dirt. Dry them completely with paper towels to ensure they are fully dry before wrapping.

Wrap in Foil: Place each potato on a large piece of aluminum foil. Rub each potato with about 1 teaspoon of olive oil, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Sprinkle each potato with 1 teaspoon of salt, covering all sides. Prick each potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during cooking. Wrap the foil tightly around each potato so they are completely enclosed.

Step 2: Cook in the Crock Pot

Arrange in Crock Pot: Place the wrapped potatoes in a large slow cooker, arranging them so they fit snugly but not too tightly. This helps ensure even cooking.

Set and Cook: Cover the crock pot with its lid and set it to cook on High for 5 hours. The slow, consistent heat will cook the potatoes to perfection.

Step 3: Finish and Serve

Remove and Unwrap: After 5 hours, carefully remove the potatoes from the crock pot. Be cautious as they will be hot. Avoid using the “keep warm” function as it can overcook the potatoes, making them too soft.

Serve: Open the foil and cut each potato in half. Add your desired toppings, such as butter, sour cream, chopped onion, bacon pieces, and shredded cheese. The toppings can be customized to suit your taste preferences, making each potato a unique treat.

Tips and Variations

• Potato Size: Ensure the potatoes are of similar size for even cooking. If they vary in size, smaller potatoes might cook faster.
• Additional Seasonings: Experiment with adding other seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or herbs to the olive oil and salt mixture for extra flavor.
• Cheese: Try different cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or blue cheese for a different twist.
• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian-friendly version, top with steamed broccoli, sautéed mushrooms, or a mix of veggies and cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I cook these potatoes on Low instead of High? A: Yes, you can cook them on Low for 8-10 hours if you prefer. This is ideal if you want to start them in the morning and have them ready by dinner time.

Q: What if I don’t have olive oil? A: You can use other oils like canola or vegetable oil. Olive oil is preferred for its flavor, but other oils will work just as well.

Q: Can I add the toppings before cooking? A: It’s best to add the toppings after cooking. This allows you to serve the potatoes hot and ensures that toppings like cheese melt properly, and other toppings remain fresh and crisp.

Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftover potatoes in the refrigerator, wrapped in foil or in an airtight container, for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

 

 

These crock pot baked potatoes are an effortless and delicious way to prepare a classic side dish. The slow cooker does all the work, resulting in perfectly cooked potatoes that are ready to be topped with your favorite ingredients. Enjoy the convenience and flavor of this simple recipe, and happy cooking!