Slow Cooker Baked Potatoes are a convenient and fuss-free way to prepare perfectly cooked potatoes with minimal effort. They make a versatile side dish that can be customized with various toppings and served with your favorite main courses. Here’s a simple recipe for making Slow Cooker Baked Potatoes:
Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes, washed and scrubbed
- Olive oil (for rubbing)
- Salt (optional)
- Toppings of your choice (e.g., butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, chives, bacon bits)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Potatoes: Begin by washing and scrubbing the russet potatoes to remove any dirt or debris. You can choose to peel them or leave the skins on, depending on your preference. Prick each potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during cooking.
- Rub with Olive Oil: Rub each potato with a small amount of olive oil to help the skins become crispy during cooking. If desired, sprinkle a little salt on the potato skins for added flavor.
- Wrap in Foil (Optional): You have the option to wrap each potato individually in aluminum foil, which can help retain moisture and cook them evenly. However, it’s not necessary, and you can cook them without foil if you prefer.
- Arrange in Slow Cooker: Place the prepared potatoes in the slow cooker. You can stack them if necessary, but try to arrange them so they are not tightly packed.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook the potatoes on the LOW setting for 6-8 hours or on the HIGH setting for 3-4 hours. The cooking time may vary depending on the size and type of your slow cooker, as well as the size of the potatoes.
- Check for Doneness: To check if the potatoes are done, insert a fork or knife into the center of a potato. It should easily slide in, indicating that the potatoes are tender and fully cooked. If needed, you can cook them for a bit longer.
- Serve: Once the potatoes are done, carefully remove them from the slow cooker. Cut a slit in the top of each potato and fluff the insides with a fork. Add your favorite toppings, such as butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, chives, bacon bits, or any other toppings you prefer.
- Enjoy your Slow Cooker Baked Potatoes as a side dish or a satisfying meal!
These slow cooker baked potatoes are a convenient way to enjoy perfectly cooked potatoes without heating up your oven. They make a great accompaniment to grilled or roasted meats, and you can customize them with your favorite toppings to suit your taste.