SLOW COOKER BAKED POTATOES

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Potatoes:

Start by scrubbing the potatoes thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat them dry with a paper towel. If you prefer a crispy skin, you can rub each potato with olive oil or butter, which helps the skin crisp up as it cooks. Then, sprinkle the potatoes with kosher salt for added flavor.

2. Arrange Potatoes in the Slow Cooker:

Place the prepared potatoes directly into the slow cooker. If you’re cooking multiple potatoes, stack them gently in layers. There’s no need to wrap them in foil, though you can if you prefer an even crispier skin.

3. Cook on Low or High:

Set your slow cooker to low for 7-8 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours. The cooking time will vary based on the size of the potatoes and the heat of your slow cooker. The potatoes are done when they can be easily pierced with a fork and feel soft when gently squeezed. If you’re cooking larger potatoes, you might need to extend the cooking time by 30 minutes to an hour.

4. Check for Doneness:

Once the potatoes are tender, carefully remove them from the slow cooker. You can test doneness by poking them with a fork or skewer. If it goes in easily, they are ready to serve!

5. Serve and Top to Your Liking:

Slice open the potatoes and fluff the insides with a fork. Add your favorite toppings—sour cream, shredded cheese, crispy bacon bits, green onions, butter, or whatever else your heart desires. For a fun twist, try topping them with chili, pulled pork, or even a dollop of guacamole!

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Baked Potatoes

• Choose the Right Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for baking because of their starchy texture, which makes the inside fluffy and soft. You can also use Yukon gold potatoes for a slightly creamier texture, but russets are the most commonly recommended for baking.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Slow Cooker: If you’re cooking a lot of potatoes, make sure there’s enough space for air to circulate around them. Overcrowding can result in uneven cooking.
• Crispy Skin Option: If you love crispy skin, after the slow cooking process, place the potatoes under the broiler for 5-10 minutes to give the skins an extra crisp. Be sure to watch closely to prevent burning.
• No Need to Pierce the Potatoes: Unlike oven-baked potatoes, you don’t need to pierce the skin with a fork before cooking in the slow cooker. The slow cooker creates a moist environment, so you can skip that step.
• Add Flavor: For an added boost of flavor, you can place a couple of garlic cloves, a sprig of rosemary, or thyme in the slow cooker with the potatoes. These will infuse the potatoes with a subtle, delicious fragrance.
• Use Leftovers: Leftover baked potatoes are perfect for breakfast the next day. Simply slice them and sauté them in a pan with some butter for crispy potato hash or use them as a base for potato skins.

Variations on Toppings

• Loaded Baked Potatoes: Pile on all your favorite toppings for the ultimate comfort food—shredded cheese, crispy bacon, green onions, sour cream, and even a drizzle of ranch dressing.
• Chili Baked Potatoes: Top your baked potatoes with a generous helping of chili, melted cheese, and a dollop of sour cream for a filling and hearty meal.
• Breakfast Baked Potatoes: For a breakfast twist, top your baked potato with scrambled eggs, cheese, and crumbled breakfast sausage or bacon.
• Vegetarian Baked Potatoes: Pile on sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers, and top with cheese for a savory, vegetarian-friendly option.

Why Slow Cooker Baked Potatoes Are a Must-Try

If you love the comfort and simplicity of baked potatoes but don’t want to be tied to the oven, then Slow Cooker Baked Potatoes are your new best friend. The slow cooking process allows the potatoes to cook evenly and retain their moisture, resulting in soft, creamy insides and a perfectly crisp skin. With minimal prep time and zero need for constant attention, you can focus on other parts of your meal while the slow cooker works its magic.

These baked potatoes are the perfect side dish for almost any meal—whether you’re pairing them with a juicy steak, grilled chicken, or just enjoying them with your favorite toppings. And if you’re serving a crowd, the slow cooker makes it easy to cook multiple potatoes at once, making this a go-to recipe for family dinners, potlucks, or even holiday feasts.

Conclusion: The Ultimate Hands-Off Comfort Food

Slow Cooker Baked Potatoes are the ultimate hands-off side dish. They’re easy to prepare, can be made in large batches, and are a hit at any table. Whether you prefer them simple with butter or loaded with toppings, these potatoes are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, with the slow cooker doing most of the work, you can spend more time enjoying your meal and less time in the kitchen. Try these next time you want the perfect baked potato without the effort!