Crock Pot Baked Potatoes

5 from 2 votes

Published 10/25/2023

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Crock pot baked potatoes are truly a set-it-and-forget-it kind of recipe, leaving precious space in your oven to bake other recipes you’re making. Oil your potatoes and cook on high for 4-6 hours or until fork-tender.

Serve these crock pot baked potatoes next to a sous vide steak, pork roast or vegetarian black bean burger.

Two crock pot baked potatoes with cheese on a plate.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I’m a baked potato queen. Our Baked Potatoes in Foil is a popular Fit Foodie recipe, so we thought we’d develop another variation using the trusty slow cooker!

Our goal with this recipe was simple – how can we make the fluffiest baked potato while freeing up space in our oven and cooking multiple at once? Insert — crock pot baked potatoes! We found the magic cook time number to be 4-6 hours on high depending on how big the potato.

What You Need for Crockpot Baked Potatoes

Large russet potatoes: We used russet potatoes for this recipe to keep them like classic baked potatoes, but you can also use Idaho. Just make sure that all of your potatoes are around the same size.
Olive oil: we used olive oil for a moisture factor and to help soften the skin.
Salt and pepper: we kept the flavors basic.

crock pot baked potato being speared with a fork

Variations

Technically you can use any kind of potato when baking potatoes in the crock pot. But, do note that size matters when it comes to the baking time. The larger the potatoes, the longer you’ll have to cook them. Here are some other variations:

Sweet potatoes
Yams
Yukon gold potatoes
Red potatoes
Fingerling potatoes

FAQ for Baked Potatoes in the Crock Pot

Do I have to poke holes in my baked potatoes? Technically you do not have to poke holes in your potatoes, but we find they cook more evenly if you do.

Do I need to use aluminum foil? No aluminum foil is necessary for this recipe. Once you close your slow cooker, your potatoes will steam and there is no need for aluminum foil.

Why are my potatoes turning black in the crock pot? Your potatoes are probably turning black because you peeled them or cut them. When the flesh of a potato touches the air, the flesh can turn brown.

How long to cook potatoes in crock pot? Cook large russet potatoes in the slow cooker for 4-6 hours or until fork tender.

Toppings for Baked Potatoes

There’s nothing better than topping your perfectly cooked baked potatoes (crock pot) with all your favorite toppings. Whether you’re putting together a full baked potato bar, or just using your baked tater as a side dish, we recommend any (or a combination!) of the following toppings:

Sour cream (or Greek yogurt!) and chives
Bacon bits
BBQ sauce and cheddar cheese
Salsa
Green onions
Leftover chili
Butter, salt and pepper
Vegan queso

What to do with your leftover slow cooker baked potato recipe?

Looking to use your potatoes in crock pot baked in a different recipe? Here are some ideas to repurpose your taters:

Potato Salad – Dice your cooked potatoes into bite-sized pieces and make potato salad! Add hard boiled eggs, cheddar cheese, bacon, Greek yogurt, and mayo! Try our Baked Potato Salad recipe.

Twice Baked Potatoes – twice-baked taters is probably our favorite way to repurpose baked potatoes. Scrape out the center and add all of your favorite fixings! Try our Easy Twice Baked Potatoes recipe.

Mashed Potatoes – that’s right, you can actually make mashed potatoes out of your baked potatoes. Simply use a potato masher and add milk, Greek yogurt, butter, salt, and pepper. Try our Healthy Mashed Potatoes recipe.

Chili baked Potatoes: one of my personal favorite ways to eat a leftover baked potato is by topping it with our homemade beef chili. It’s hearty, filling, and so yummy. Try our Chili Recipe.

crock pot baked potatoes topped with chives and sour cream

How to Serve Your Crock Pot Baked Potatoes

I personally love eating my baked potatoes with our beef chili, sour cream, and a little shredded cheese. You can pair this side dish with a protein, such as steak or grilled chicken thighs and a non-starchy vegetable, such as asparagus or broccoli.

5 from 2 votes

Crock Pot Baked Potatoes

Ready for the best Crock Pot Potatoes? These Crock Pot Baked Potatoes are truly a set it and forget it kind of recipe, leaving precious space in your oven to bake other recipes you’re making.

By: Lee Funke

Prep: 5

Cook: 4

Total: 4 5

Servings:

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Ingredients

▢ 4 large russet or Idaho potatoes, ~3/4 lb. / potato
▢ 2 teaspoons olive oil
▢ salt, to taste
▢ pepper, to taste

Instructions

Begin by prepping russet potatoes. Run potatoes under warm water and use your fingers to remove any dirt or residue.
Pat dry with a kitchen towel or paper towel. Use a fork to pierce potatoes on all sides (around 8-10 times per potato).
Then, rub each potato with olive oil. Generously season the outside of each potato with salt and pepper, to taste.
Transfer the potatoes to the bottom of your slow cooker. Place the lid on slow cooker and then turn to high. Let cook on high for 4-6 hours. Cook time will depend on the size of the potatoes.
You know your potatoes are done cooking when they are easily pierced with a fork, but still firm on the outside. If the flesh is still hard on the inside, cook them a little longer.
Let baked potatoes cool for 10-15 minutes, and then slice and serve.

Watch It

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