Do you want a baked potato but don't want to heat up the kitchen? Then I have a solution for you! Crock Pot Baked Potatoes could not be easier to make and it will cook on your counter. Isn't it great? You will not have to turn the oven on during the hot summer months!
I really think my daughter could eat potatoes every day. Any kind, any type, every day. Can't say that I blame her, potatoes can be made in so many ways.
Making baked potatoes is a favorite around here, but it does heat up the oven. It also takes a long time to cook so the oven is on for quite a while. Crock Pot Baked Potatoes cooks for about four hour and doesn't heat up the kitchen a bit.
Win/win I would say.
Types of potatoes
There are so many types of potatoes and I would say it truly makes a difference what type of potato you use for each recipe. For example, for homemade mashed potatoes, a Yukon Gold potato would be the best choice.
If you were making Red Potatoes and Cabbage, then of course, red potatoes would be ideal. Baked potatoes just call for a Russet potato. Another name for a Russet potato is Idaho potato.
Russet (or Idaho) is a little larger and longer than other types of potatoes making it great for baking.
How to make potatoes in the crock pot
The best part about this side dish recipe is that it is so easy. Honestly, you could just throw them in the crock pot and call it a day, but I like to do a little extra to make sure they have a little extra flavor.
First, you will want to wash the potatoes thoroughly to make sure all of the dirt is off.
Then, you will take a little olive oil (a teaspoon or so) and rub it over the potato.
Rubbing salt on the potato will help draw out the moisture, resulting in a dry, fluffy potato. Then, you bake!
Actually, I find it better to add maybe about ¼ cup of water to the bottom of the crock pot to help encourage cooking. Cover it with the lid and cook on high for 3 hours.
The result
The result is a deliciously baked potato, baked to perfection without a hot kitchen.
Toppings
So many baked potato toppings! What to choose?
Have you ever put meat on a potato? BBQ chicken is a good option. So is taco meat. You can also add sour cream, chives, green onion, cheese (my favorite!) butter, salt and pepper. Ever add bacon? Yeah, that is good too.
FAQ
Yes, you do! You don't want the potato to build up pressure and burst open. Piercing the potato helps with cooking and the potato from growing angry. (Ha, ha)
Yes, you can. I would recommend no longer than 6 hours on low. You can, but you don't want them to get too done and fall apart on you.
Pin for later!
Crock Pot Baked Potatoes
Equipment
Ingredients
- 5 medium Russet Potatoes
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup coarse salt
- ¼ cup water
Instructions
- Wash potatoes then rub olive oil over the potato
- Rub salt over potato
- Pierce potato with fork or knife at least 2 times, going to at least the center of the potato
- Add the potatoes to the crock pot and pour the water on the bottom of the crock pot. Cook on high for at least 3 hours
- Insert knife into potato to test for desired doneness
- Add toppings and serve
Jay
So what do you
do with the 1/4 cup of water
Kim
It was in the body of the post, but not in the recipe card. Sorry about that! I fixed it. The water is for the bottom of the crock pot to help keep the moisture up. You just pour it in then place the potatoes on top. Hope that helps!