Baked potatoes are a classic, versatile side dish, and using a crockpot makes the process incredibly convenient! Wrapping the potatoes in tin foil and cooking them in a slow cooker allows you to “bake” them without heating up your kitchen. It’s a great method when you want perfectly tender, fluffy potatoes with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
- 4-6 large russet potatoes (or your favorite variety of baking potatoes)
- Olive oil (for brushing)
- Salt (for seasoning)
- Aluminum foil
- Optional toppings: Sour cream, butter, cheese, bacon bits, chives, etc.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Wash and Prepare the Potatoes:
- Scrub the potatoes: Thoroughly wash the potatoes to remove any dirt or debris, and then pat them dry with a kitchen towel.
- Poke holes: Using a fork, poke several holes all around each potato. This allows steam to escape during cooking.
2. Season the Potatoes:
- Brush with olive oil: Lightly coat each potato with olive oil. This will help the skin crisp up.
- Sprinkle with salt: Generously sprinkle the potatoes with salt to enhance flavor.
3. Wrap the Potatoes in Foil:
- Wrap individually: Take a piece of aluminum foil and wrap each potato individually, ensuring it’s fully covered to lock in moisture.
4. Arrange in the Crockpot:
- Place in the crockpot: Arrange the wrapped potatoes in a single layer at the bottom of your crockpot. You can stack them if necessary, but try to keep them in a single layer for even cooking.
5. Cook the Potatoes:
- Set the slow cooker:
- On High: Cook for 4-5 hours.
- On Low: Cook for 8-10 hours.
- Check for doneness: Use a fork or knife to pierce through the foil and check if the potatoes are tender. If they’re soft and easy to pierce, they’re ready!
6. Serve:
- Unwrap the foil: Carefully remove the foil from each potato.
- Cut open and add toppings: Slice open the baked potatoes and fluff the insides with a fork. Add your favorite toppings like butter, sour cream, cheese, chives, or bacon bits.
Tips for Success:
- Choose the right potatoes: Russet potatoes are the best choice for baked potatoes, as they have a fluffy, starchy interior when cooked.
- Add seasoning: You can also rub the potatoes with garlic powder, paprika, or herbs for extra flavor before wrapping them in foil.
- Keep warm: Once the potatoes are done, you can keep them warm in the crockpot on the “Keep Warm” setting for up to 2 hours.
Making baked potatoes in the crockpot wrapped in tin foil is a hands-off, easy way to ensure perfectly tender and flavorful potatoes every time. Whether you’re preparing a big family dinner or looking for an easy side dish to complement your meal, these slow-cooker baked potatoes are sure to be a hit. Top them with your favorite fixings and enjoy a simple yet delicious dish!
