Crock Pot Baked Potatoes Recipe - The Magical Slow Cooker (2024)

The Magical Slow Cooker » Recipes » Side Dishes » Easy Slow Cooker Baked Potatoes

by Sarah Olson on | Updated 34 Comments

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You can make Baked Potatoes in the slow cooker! It only takes a few minutes to prep, and baked potatoes are ready when you arrive home! Just add toppings such as butter, sour cream, bacon and green onions when you arrive home!

Did you know you also do this method with sweet potatoes? Talk about easy holiday dinners!

Crock Pot Baked Potatoes Recipe - The Magical Slow Cooker (1)

Can I make baked potatoes in the crockpot

Most people don’t think to cook baked potatoes in the crock pot, but it’s actually an easy, low prep way to cook them. You’ll want to make sure to use baking potatoes (like Russet potatoes) to ensure they cook nice and fork tender all the way through. You can even use sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes.

This crockpot baked potatoes recipe also works perfectly for creating a potato bar. You can leave the cooked potatoes directly in the slow cooker and fill a table with potato dressing such as shredded cheddar cheese, jalapenos, chives, and seasonings like salt and pepper. It’s a low-maintenance way to make the best loaded baked potato.

Recipe Ingredients and Supplies

Crock Pot Baked Potatoes Recipe - The Magical Slow Cooker (2)
  • 6-quart slow cooker – This will fit the potatoes well.
  • 4-7 russet potatoes – Wash and dry.
  • Foil – You will be wrapping each potato in aluminum foil.
  • Toppings: Bacon bits, sour cream, salted butter, shredded cheese, and green onion.

Step-by-Step Directions

Crock Pot Baked Potatoes Recipe - The Magical Slow Cooker (3)
  • Wash and dry your potatoes, removing any dirt.
  • Wrap each potato in a piece of aluminum foil being sure to cover the entire potato.
  • Add the potatoes to the slow cooker, spreading them out. Try not to pack them in. Put the potatoes in on to two layers only.
  • Cover and cook potatoes on low for 7-8 hours without opening the lid during the cooking time.
Crock Pot Baked Potatoes Recipe - The Magical Slow Cooker (4)

Can I add oil and salt to the skins of the crock pot baked potatoes?

  • Yes, if you like to oil and salt the skins of the potatoes before wrapping in foil it works fine for this recipe.
  • Make sure to dry the potatoes well before adding the vegetable oil (or olive oil) and kosher salt.

Can I cook the potatoes without foil?

  • You certainly can! I know some can not cook with foil for health reasons.
  • This recipe will work fine without wrapping in foil if you don’t want to use it.
Crock Pot Baked Potatoes Recipe - The Magical Slow Cooker (5)

Can I use an instant pot instead of a slow cooker?

You can use an instant pot instead of a slow cooker if you don’t have time to slow cook. I use this recipe for Instant Pot Baked Potatoes.

Crock Pot Baked Potatoes Recipe - The Magical Slow Cooker (6)

Recipes FAQs

What kind of potatoes should I use?

Russet is the only potato that you should use for baked potatoes. The russet has a fluffy texture you can count on to soak up the deluxe toppings. If you use another type of potato like Idaho potatoes, you may be disappointed. The Russets are large potatoes that yield a nice serving per potato.

Do baked potatoes need liquid in the crockpot?

You do not need to add any liquid to baked potatoes in the slow cooker; it will bake similar to an oven.

Why are my potatoes turning black in the crockpot?

Please do not overload your slow cooker with potatoes; this causes them to steam more and will cause them to turn black or orange. For a 6-quart slow cooker, do not add more than seven small potatoes and space them out.

Baked Potato Toppings

If you want to do a baked potato bar (this is even fun for a weeknight), place out bowls of butter, sour cream, cheese, bacon, green onion, and even cubed cooked chicken is delicious. You can’t go wrong using your favorite toppings. For healthier options, serve the potatoes with plain Greek yogurt and steamed broccoli.

I am out of sour cream! What can I use?

Ranch dressing is a wonderful baked potato topper! Try it, and you may never go back to sour cream.

Storage Instructions

I let the potatoes cool on the counter for about an hour; then, I place them in the fridge right in the foil. They are already packaged and ready for storage.

Do I need to poke holes in my potatoes?

Piercing the potatoes is for when you are microwaving. It’s extremely rare for potatoes to explode in the oven or slow cooker.

What can I make with the leftover potatoes?

You can use these baked potatoes to make mashed potatoes, potato salad, or add it to grilled chicken for a quick meal for a dinner party.

Recipes to use up leftover baked potatoes:

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Crock Pot Baked Potatoes Recipe - The Magical Slow Cooker (7)

Crock Pot Baked Potatoes Recipe

4.91 from 33 votes

No reason to heat up the house for a baked potatoes when your slow cooker can make them perfect everytime.

Print Pin Rate

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 8 hours hours

Total Time: 8 hours hours 5 minutes minutes

Servings: 6

Calories: 168kcal

Author: Sarah Olson

Ingredients:

  • 6 russet potatoes (6-7 potatoes fit perfectly in a 6-quart slow cooker)

Optional Toppings

  • butter
  • sour cream
  • cheddar cheese
  • bacon
  • green onions

US CustomaryMetric

Instructions:

  • Scrub and wash the potatoes; Dry well.

  • Wrap each potato in foil, making sure to cover the potatoes completely.

  • Add the potatoes to the slow cooker, spreading them out. Try not to pack them in. Put the potatoes in two layers.

  • Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 5 hours. Do not open the lid during the cookig time.

  • Unwrap, slice, garnish and serve.

Sarah’s Notes:

Can I add oil and salt to the skins of the potatoes?

  • Yes, if you like to oil and salt the skins of the potatoes before wrapping in foil it works fine for this recipe.
  • Make sure to dry the potatoes well before adding the oil and salt.

Can I cook the potatoes without foil?

  • You certainly can! I know some can not cook with foil for health reasons.
  • This recipe will work fine without wrapping in foil if you don’t want to use it.

Should I poke holes in the potatoes?

Poking holes in potatoes is for when you are microwaving. It’s extremely rare for potatoes to explode in the oven or slow cooker.

Storage instructions: I let the potatoes cool on the counter for about an hour, then I place them in the fridge right in the foil. They are already packaged and ready for storage.

Nutrition values are only for the potatoes, not the toppings.

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 168kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 11mg | Potassium: 888mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.

Made this recipe?I want to see your photos! Tag me on Instagram @themagicalslowcooker

More potato recipes to make in your crockpot:

  • Slow Cooker Baked Potato Soup
  • Slow Cooker Cajun Parmesan Potatoes
  • Slow Cooker Campfire Potatoes
  • Slow Cooker Lipton Onion Potatoes
  • Slow Cooker Baked Potato Casserole

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Crock Pot Baked Potatoes Recipe - The Magical Slow Cooker (2024)

FAQs

How long does it take for potatoes to get soft in a crockpot on low? ›

It depends how well-done you prefer your spuds, but in general, they'll be ready to eat after 4 to 6 hours in a slow cooker. If you use the low setting, which is helpful if you won't be ready to eat anytime soon, they typically take between 6 to 8 hours.

Can potatoes overcook in a crockpot? ›

Yes, it's possible to overcook potatoes in a crockpot. They can become mushy and lose their texture if left for too long. It's advisable to follow a recipe's recommended cooking time to achieve the desired consistency.

Will potatoes cook in slow cooker without liquid? ›

QUICK & EASY SLOW COOKER BAKED POTATOES. Only one ingredient needed. No Aluminum foil or water needed. No smothering with oil or butter needed.

Why are my potatoes not getting soft in the crockpot? ›

Cut Potatoes Properly: Cut the potatoes into larger chunks rather than small pieces. This can help them retain their shape and texture better during the long cooking process. Adjust Liquid Amount: Potatoes release moisture as they cook, so be cautious with the amount of liquid added to the crockpot.

How long does it take for potatoes to get soft in crockpot on high? ›

Fill crock pot with potatoes. Cover and cook on High 2 1/2- 4 hours. Do not add water. Cooking time depends on how big your potatoes are.

When should you add potatoes to slow cooker? ›

If you'd prefer to add small diced potatoes and carrots, add them during the last 2-3 hours of cooking (to prevent mushy vegetables). The size and shape of your roast and make and model of slow cooker (older models cook slower) can affect the cooking time of your roast.

How do you know if baked potatoes are overdone? ›

Over baking the potato -

Visual signs: The potato skin will start to wrinkle when over cooked. The potato, when wrapped in foil or placed on the bottom of a pan will have a dark brown spot on the bottom, a sure sign of over cooking.

Why are my potatoes still hard after baking? ›

Firstly, ensure you've baked it at a sufficiently high temperature (around 400°F/200°C). Secondly, make sure you've allowed enough time for baking—large potatoes may take longer. Lastly, check if your oven is calibrated accurately; an incorrect temperature setting can affect cooking.

Do potatoes go on top or bottom of meat in crockpot? ›

Place firm, slow-cooking root vegetables like potatoes and carrots at the bottom of the crock and pile the meat on top. Set the heat level: A general rule of thumb is that cooking on the low setting (170 degrees F for most models) takes about twice as long as cooking on high (280 degrees F on most models).

Do you put water in the bottom of a slow cooker? ›

Never ever put liquid into the base of a slow cooker. It was not designed for that and clearly states not to immerse the base in water. The heating element and components are not in a waterproof environment. You will quickly ruin the heating element and risk injury from electrical leakage into the metal base.

When using a slow cooker do you add water? ›

How much liquid do I add? Water or liquid is necessary to create steam. When cooking meat or poultry, the water or liquid level should cover the ingredients to ensure effective heat transfer throughout the crock. Some manufacturers of slow cookers recommend adding liquid to fill the stoneware 1/2 to 3/4 full.

How do you keep potatoes from turning brown in a slow cooker? ›

Place your peeled and cut potatoes in water until you decide to use them. You can add a little salt to the water. I have heard that some people add a little vinegar to the water as well.

Why did my baked potato turn brown inside? ›

A: The potatoes were stored improperly for them to last that long after baking. Also, was there any chance that the potatoes were pierced with a fork to release steam or cut before baking? Those exposed surfaces, especially when wrapped tightly in foil and heated will become oxidized and turn brown or gray.

Is it OK to eat potatoes with brown spots inside? ›

The potatoes are still safe to eat, just cut the spots away. If there is an extensive amount of fusarium, this can give the potatoes an “off” flavor.

How do you soften potatoes in a slow cooker? ›

Transfer the potatoes to the slow cooker (I use a 4.5-quart Crock Pot for reference). Toss with olive oil and seasonings. Cook until fork-tender, about 2 to 3 hours on high or 4 to 6 hours on low.

When should I add potatoes to slow cooker? ›

Tender vegetables such as zucchini and beans can be added to your dish in last ¾ - 1 hour of cooking when cooking on High, or 2 hours if cooking on Low. Hard, starchy vegetables like potato and carrots are best added around 3 hours before the meal is done if cooking on High, and 4 hours on Low.

How do you make potatoes soft fast? ›

One way is to add a little bit of baking soda to the water before boiling the potatoes. The baking soda will help soften them up. Another way is to wait until they're cooled down and then mash them. To make boiled potatoes taste better, you can add butter, salt, or other seasonings after they're cooked.

How long does it take to slow cook on low? ›

If a dish usually takes: 15-30 mins, cook it for 1-2 hours on High or 4-6 hours on Low. 30 mins – 1 hour, cook it for 2-3 hours on High or 5-7 hours on Low. 1-2 hours, cook it for 3-4 hours on High or 6-8 hours on Low.

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