Welcome to the ultimate guide for crafting the most perfectly fluffy baked potatoes, right in your slow cooker! If you’ve ever dreamt of consistently delicious, tender baked potatoes without the fuss and unpredictability of the oven, then this Crock Pot Baked Potatoes recipe is about to become your new kitchen essential. Forget about hard centers or inconsistent textures; our method guarantees a flawless result every single time. It’s so simple, it almost feels like magic!
Effortless Perfection: The Magic of Slow Cooker Baked Potatoes
There’s a reason why slow cooker baked potatoes are gaining such immense popularity: they are incredibly reliable and require minimal effort. For busy families and home cooks alike, the convenience of a “set it and forget it” meal component is invaluable. This recipe transforms humble russet potatoes into culinary stars with a beautifully fluffy interior and a perfectly seasoned skin, all without heating up your kitchen with an oven.
Many of us have experienced the frustration of baking potatoes in a conventional oven. You meticulously calculate the cooking time, only to find that after an hour, they’re still firm in the middle. This often leads to hasty microwave finishes, which, let’s be honest, never achieve that desired light and airy texture. The slow cooker eliminates this guesswork and inconsistency, offering a steady, gentle heat that thoroughly cooks the potatoes to an ideal tenderness. This consistent cooking environment ensures that every potato comes out evenly cooked, from the center to the edges, providing that creamy, fluffy texture we all crave.
One of the greatest advantages of using your crock pot for baked potatoes is the “hands-off” nature of the process. Once prepped and placed in the slow cooker, you’re free to attend to other tasks, prepare the rest of your meal, or simply relax. This makes them an ideal side dish for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or even meal prepping for the week ahead. No constant checking, no temperature adjustments – just perfectly cooked potatoes ready when you are.
Beyond convenience, the flavor and texture achieved in a slow cooker are truly exceptional. The extended cooking time in a moist environment allows the potato starches to break down beautifully, resulting in an incredibly soft and fluffy interior. The oil and salt rubbed on the skin before cooking not only season the potato but also contribute to a subtly tender and flavorful skin that complements the creamy inside. Once you try this method, you might never go back to traditional oven baking!
“I don’t think I will ever make potatoes the same way again! These came out so light and fluffy!! Excellent recipe!”
– Marjorie
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Slow Cooker Baked Potatoes
Here are some of the most common questions about making baked potatoes in a crock pot, along with expert answers to ensure your success.
For achieving that classic, fluffy baked potato texture, Russet potatoes are undeniably supreme. Their high starch content makes them ideal for absorbing moisture and becoming wonderfully light and airy when cooked. While Russets are our top recommendation, you can experiment with other varieties like Yukon Gold potatoes for a slightly creamier texture. Just be aware that cooking times might vary slightly for different potato types.
The beauty of baked potatoes lies in their versatility, offering a blank canvas for an array of delicious toppings! While classic options like sour cream, crispy bacon pieces, fresh green onions, and shredded cheddar cheese are always a hit, don’t limit yourself! Consider going “full out” by adding a protein, such as savory Shredded Chicken, or transform them into a main course with Taco Potatoes, chili, or steamed broccoli and cheese sauce. Other popular choices include butter, chives, salsa, pulled pork, or even a dollop of guacamole. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative with your favorite flavor combinations!
Most American households find a 5-6 quart crock pot to be the most versatile and popular size, perfectly accommodating 4-6 medium to large potatoes. When baking potatoes, the key is to ensure they fit in a single layer or are stacked minimally to promote even cooking. A round or oval slow cooker will both work, but keep in mind that in a round cooker, potatoes on the bottom or edges may cook slightly faster than those in the center. Adjust the number of potatoes based on the size of your slow cooker to prevent overcrowding and ensure consistent results.
Leftover baked potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. To reheat, you have a couple of excellent options. For a quick and easy reheat, the microwave works well, though it may slightly alter the texture, making it softer. For a crisper skin, especially if you enjoy that slight crunch, we highly recommend reheating them in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or in a conventional oven at 400°F (200°C) until heated through and the skin is re-crisped.
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Baked Potato
Creating the perfect slow cooker baked potato doesn’t require a long list of fancy ingredients. In fact, its beauty lies in its simplicity. With just a few staple items, you can achieve remarkable flavor and texture.
- Russet Potatoes: These are the undisputed champions for baked potatoes. Not only are they typically the most affordable option, but their high starch content and thick skin are perfectly suited for yielding that light, fluffy interior and substantial structure you want in a baked potato. Their texture holds up beautifully to the slow cooking process, preventing them from becoming watery or mushy.
- Olive Oil: A light coating of olive oil serves multiple purposes. It helps the salt adhere to the potato skin, promotes a tender (though not crispy in a slow cooker) and flavorful exterior, and aids in the overall cooking process. While olive oil is our go-to for its flavor and availability, feel free to substitute with avocado oil or any other cooking oil you prefer.
- Kosher Salt: Using a coarse-grained salt like kosher salt is key. Unlike fine table salt, kosher salt adheres better to the oiled skin and provides a burst of flavor with each bite. Its larger crystals also contribute to a slightly more textured skin. Any type of coarse salt, such as sea salt, would work as an excellent alternative.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Fluffy Crock Pot Baked Potatoes
Follow these simple instructions to achieve perfectly cooked, incredibly fluffy baked potatoes with minimal effort. This method is foolproof and delivers consistent results every time.
Step 1: Prepare Your Potatoes for Cooking
Begin by thoroughly scrubbing your russet potatoes under cool running water. It’s essential to remove any dirt or debris, as the skin will be part of the delicious experience. While not strictly necessary, using a colander in the sink can make this process easier. Once clean, pat the potatoes completely dry with a paper towel. Using a fork or a small, sharp knife, carefully poke several holes all around each potato. This allows steam to escape during cooking, preventing the potatoes from bursting and ensuring they cook evenly to that desirable fluffy texture.
Step 2: Season for Optimal Flavor and Tender Skin
With your potatoes prepped, it’s time to add the flavor. Rub all sides of each potato with approximately a teaspoon of olive oil, ensuring a thin, even coating. Immediately after applying the oil, sprinkle and rub about a teaspoon of kosher salt over the entire surface of each potato. The oil helps the salt adhere, while the coarse salt crystals infuse flavor into the skin and contribute to its texture. This simple seasoning is crucial for a delicious baked potato from the outside in. To promote even cooking and prevent the bottoms from scorching, you can create a makeshift rack by rolling up a few pieces of aluminum foil and placing them at the bottom of your slow cooker, or use a dedicated slow cooker rack if you have one. This lifts the potatoes slightly, allowing for better air circulation.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Carefully place the prepared potatoes into your 5-6 quart (or larger, depending on the number of potatoes) slow cooker, ideally on top of the foil rolls or rack. Arrange them so they have a little space between them if possible. Once all potatoes are in, securely place the lid on your slow cooker. Cook on the LOW setting for 8-10 hours, or on the HIGH setting for 4-5 hours. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your potatoes and the specific temperature of your slow cooker. The potatoes are ready when they are fork-tender – meaning a fork can easily slide into the center without resistance.
Step 4: Serve and Customize with Your Favorite Toppings
Once cooked to perfection, carefully remove the hot potatoes from the crock pot using tongs or oven mitts. They will be extremely hot and tender. To serve, slice each potato down the middle lengthwise, gently squeezing the ends to fluff up the interior. This creates a perfect cavity for loading up with your favorite toppings. From classic butter, cheese, and sour cream to more elaborate creations with chili or shredded meats, customize your baked potato exactly how you like it before serving immediately. Enjoy the wonderfully fluffy texture and rich flavor!
Discover More Delicious Recipes
If you loved these Crock Pot Baked Potatoes, you’re in for a treat! Explore more delightful recipes that are perfect for any occasion:
- Southern Fried Potatoes
- Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
- Steakhouse Sweet Potatoes
- Taco Stuffed Potatoes
- Melting Potatoes
- Crunchy Roasted Potatoes
- Crock Pot Swamp Potatoes
- Outback Steakhouse Baked Potatoes
- Crock Pot Salisbury Steak
- Crock Pot Mississippi Pot Roast
- Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken
- Crock Pot Meatloaf
- Crock Pot Swedish Meatballs
Originally published: November 2016
Updated photos & republished: July 2025
Crock Pot Baked Potatoes
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5 minutes
3 hours
3 hours 5 minutes
4
Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
For the potatoes:
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 4 teaspoons olive oil (divided use)
- 4 teaspoons kosher salt (divided use)
Optional toppings:
- butter, cheese, chives, green onions, bacon pieces, sour cream, salt and pepper
Instructions
- Scrub 4 large russet potatoes clean under cool water.
- Using a fork or a small knife, poke holes all around each of the potatoes.
- Rub all sides of the potato with a teaspoon each of olive oil and kosher salt.
- Add a piece of rolled foil into the bottom of a 5-6 quart slow cooker or use a rack if you have one. This helps so the bottoms of the potatoes don’t burn and everything cooks evenly. Place the prepared potatoes into the bottom of the slow cooker on top of the foil or rack.
- Cover and cook on low 8-10 hours (until fork tender) or on high for 4-5 hours.
- Careful when removing. Potatoes will be very hot. Serve with desired toppings.
Notes
- Please refer to our FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) and ingredient list above for other substitutions or for the answers to the most common questions.
Side Dish
American
Nutrition
Calories:
331kcal
|
Carbohydrates:
67g
|
Protein:
8g
|
Fat:
5g
|
Sodium:
2344mg
|
Fiber:
5g
|
Sugar:
2g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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