Crock Pot Baked Potatoes are one of the easiest ways to get fluffy baked potatoes on the table without turning on the oven. The potatoes cook slowly until the centers are soft and steamy, while a little olive oil and salt give the skins plenty of flavor.
I especially like this method when the oven is already busy with dinner or when I don’t want to heat up the kitchen. Get the potatoes into the slow cooker earlier in the day, and there’s very little to think about later.
They’re useful beyond being a side dish, too. Set out cheese, sour cream, butter, and other toppings and turn them into a simple baked potato bar for an easy family dinner.
The preparation takes only a few minutes. Choosing potatoes that are fairly similar in size is probably the most important part, since they’ll cook more evenly.
And that's really the beauty of this recipe! No boiling, no foil-wrapped potatoes taking up oven space, and no need to keep checking on them every few minutes. Just a handful of simple ingredients and your slow cooker.
If you love easy recipes that make dinnertime less stressful, subscribe by email to receive more simple, family-friendly ideas straight to your inbox!
What Are Crock Pot Baked Potatoes?
Crock Pot Baked Potatoes are whole potatoes cooked in a slow cooker until their insides become tender and fluffy.
Unlike traditional oven-baked potatoes, this method uses the gentle, steady heat of a crockpot. The potatoes are lightly coated with olive oil and salt, then cooked with the lid on until a fork slides easily into the center.
One little difference worth knowing: slow cooker potatoes don't develop quite the same dry, crispy skin as oven-baked potatoes. The trapped moisture creates softer skins, but the centers are wonderfully tender.
If you love crispy skins, there's an easy solution. Pop the cooked potatoes under the broiler or into a hot oven for a few minutes before serving.
Why You'll Love This Crock Pot Baked Potatoes Recipe
No oven required
This is especially handy when you're preparing a big dinner and need every bit of oven space.
Almost no prep work
Wash, dry, season, and place the potatoes in the slow cooker. That's it!
Perfect for busy days
Start them earlier in the day, and they'll be ready when dinner rolls around.
Easy to customize
Keep them simple with butter and salt, or add cheese, bacon, sour cream, chili, broccoli, or whatever toppings your family enjoys.
Great for feeding a crowd
A baked potato bar is an easy way to serve several people without preparing individual meals.
Budget-friendly
Potatoes are inexpensive, filling, and easy to find. A few toppings can turn them into a satisfying meal.
What Do Slow Cooker Baked Potatoes Taste Like?
The inside is soft, warm, and fluffy, with a mild potato flavor that pairs beautifully with almost any topping.
The olive oil gives the skin a little richness, while the salt adds just enough seasoning to make each bite more flavorful.
The skin will generally be softer than the skin of a traditional oven-baked potato because the slow cooker traps moisture. If you prefer a crispier outside, a quick finish in the oven makes a big difference.
Add a pat of butter and watch it melt into the fluffy center. Then add a spoonful of sour cream, shredded cheddar, and a sprinkle of green onions.
Simple? Absolutely.
Boring? Not a chance!
Ingredients You'll Need
You only need a few basic ingredients to make Crock Pot Baked Potatoes.
4–6 medium russet potatoes – Russets are ideal because their starchy centers become fluffy when cooked.
1–2 tablespoons olive oil – Helps coat the skins and adds flavor.
