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Baked potatoes are a timeless comfort food, loved for their fluffy centers and satisfying texture. They’re simple, filling, and endlessly versatile—perfect with just butter and salt or piled high with your favorite toppings. While oven-baked potatoes are the traditional route, making them in a slow cooker is an incredibly easy, nearly hands-free alternative.
This method is ideal for busy days when oven space is limited or when you want dinner ready without constant attention. Slow cooker baked potatoes cook gently, resulting in tender interiors and evenly cooked skins, all while freeing you up to focus on the rest of the meal—or simply enjoy your day.
Why Make Baked Potatoes in the Slow Cooker?
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No oven required
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Perfect for busy or hands-off cooking days
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Evenly cooked, fluffy potatoes every time
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Ideal for keeping potatoes warm until serving
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Great option when cooking for a crowd
Easy Slow Cooker Baked Potatoes
Servings
4 potatoes
Cook Time
4–5 hours on High or 7–8 hours on Low
Ingredients
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4 large Russet potatoes
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1 tablespoon olive oil (use more if cooking additional potatoes)
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Salt, to taste
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Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Clean the Potatoes
Scrub the potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt. Dry each potato completely with a clean kitchen towel.
Step 2: Pierce
Using a fork, prick each potato several times on all sides. This allows steam to escape during cooking and prevents splitting.
Step 3: Season
Drizzle each potato with olive oil and rub to coat evenly. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Add to Slow Cooker
Place the potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker. Stack them if needed, but avoid overcrowding so they cook evenly.
Step 5: Cook
Cover with the lid and cook:
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On High: 4–5 hours
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On Low: 7–8 hours
Potatoes are done when they can be easily pierced with a fork.
Step 6: Serve
Carefully remove the potatoes using tongs. Slice open, fluff the insides with a fork, and serve warm with your favorite toppings.
Serving Suggestions
These slow cooker baked potatoes pair beautifully with a wide range of meals:
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Grilled steak, chicken, or fish
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Chili or beef stew
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Steamed broccoli and melted cheese
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Sour cream, butter, chives, or bacon bits
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Side salads or roasted vegetables
They can also stand alone as a hearty vegetarian meal when loaded with vegetables and cheese.
Tips for Best Results
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Russet potatoes work best for baked potatoes due to their fluffy texture
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Avoid wrapping potatoes in foil; they cook better directly in the slow cooker
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For crispier skins, place cooked potatoes under the broiler for a few minutes before serving
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Potatoes can be kept warm in the slow cooker for up to 1 hour after cooking
Final Thoughts
These slow cooker baked potatoes are proof that simple food can still be incredibly satisfying. With minimal prep and no oven required, they’re a reliable side dish or main meal that fits seamlessly into busy schedules. Once you try this method, it’s likely to become a regular part of your cooking routine.
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