Marianne Martinez
Baked potatoes are a beloved comfort food, but they can take a long time to cook and heat up your kitchen. Crock Pot Baked Potatoes are a super-easy alternative that frees up your oven and only requires three ingredients: potatoes, olive oil, and salt. You can also season them with pepper and wrap them in foil, but these steps are optional. Once cooked, you can top them with butter, cheese, bacon, chives, and more.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Advantages | No need to heat up the house with the oven, easy to make, perfect for weeknight dinners or feeding a crowd, hands-off cooking, can be made ahead |
| Type of potatoes | Starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold; sweet potatoes also work great |
| Toppings | Butter, cheese, bacon, sour cream, chives, green onions, avocado, taco meat, steamed broccoli, cheese sauce, Pico de Gallo, shredded Mexican beef, Carolina Gold BBQ sauce |
| Preparation | Scrub and dry potatoes, prick with a fork, rub with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, wrap in aluminum foil |
| Cooking time and temperature | High for 4-5 hours or low for 8-10 hours, depending on potato size and desired tenderness; can be cooked on low for 7.5 hours or high for 4.5 hours |
| Crispy skins | Place potatoes under the broiler for a few minutes after cooking |
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What You'll Learn
Preparing the potatoes
After pricking the potatoes, you can rub them with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to add extra flavor. If you want to use aluminium foil, place each potato in the centre of a foil sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt. Rub the salt and oil over the surface of the potato, then wrap the foil sheet tightly around the potato. However, it is worth noting that some sources claim that wrapping the potatoes in foil is unnecessary, and the potatoes will cook just fine without it.
When preparing the potatoes, it is recommended to use starchy potatoes such as Russet or Yukon Gold, as red potatoes tend to be denser and waxier. The size of the potatoes will also affect the cooking time, with smaller potatoes cooking in less than 4 hours and larger potatoes taking up to 5 hours or more on high heat.
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for crockpot baked potatoes depend on the size of your potatoes, the number of potatoes, and the heat settings of your crockpot.
For large potatoes, it is recommended to cook them on high heat for 4 to 5 hours or on low heat for 8 to 10 hours. If your potatoes are on the smaller side, they will be done in less than 4 hours on high heat. If your potatoes are very large, they may take longer than 5 hours to cook through on high heat.
It is important to note that cooking times can vary depending on the size of your potatoes and the number of potatoes being cooked. If you are cooking multiple potatoes, it is suggested to allow for extra cooking time. Additionally, if you are using a slow cooker, the cooking time may vary depending on the model and heat settings.
To check if your potatoes are done, pierce them with a fork or knife. If you feel resistance, they need more time. The potatoes are ready when they are soft and tender. Be careful not to overcook the potatoes, as they may become soggy.
If you prefer crispy potato skins, you can place the baked potatoes under the broiler for a few minutes after cooking. However, this step is optional and should be done right before serving, as the skins will soften over time.
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Potato size and crock pot capacity
The size of the potatoes and the capacity of the crock pot are important considerations when making crock pot baked potatoes. The cooking time will depend on the size of the potatoes and the crock pot's capacity. For example, a 5- or 6-quart slow cooker can typically fit 6 medium-large russet potatoes. If you are using smaller potatoes, you may be able to fit a few more.
It's important to note that cooking times can vary based on potato size. Smaller potatoes may be done in less than 4 hours, while very large potatoes may take longer than 5 hours on high to cook through. Therefore, it is recommended to adjust the cooking time accordingly and check the potatoes with a fork to ensure they are cooked to the desired level of tenderness.
Additionally, the crock pot's capacity will also impact the cooking time. If the crock pot is filled to the brim with potatoes, they may take longer to cook than if the crock pot is only partially filled. It is worth noting that crock pots with a “Keep Warm" function can be used to keep the potatoes warm after cooking, which is convenient when serving a group of people.
When preparing crock pot baked potatoes, it is generally recommended to scrub and dry the potatoes before pricking them multiple times with a fork. This process helps release steam and produces a fluffier, lighter texture. The potatoes can then be seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pepper before being placed in the crock pot.
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Potato toppings
Baked potatoes are a versatile dish that can be topped with a variety of ingredients to suit different tastes and dietary requirements. Here are some ideas for potato toppings, ranging from classic combinations to more adventurous options:
Classic Toppings
A traditional baked potato is often served with a pat of butter, a sprinkle of salt, and a crack of fresh black pepper. Sour cream, cheese, and chives are also classic toppings that pair well with the potato's fluffy interior. For a healthier option, swap out the sour cream for Greek yogurt, which has a similar tangy taste and creamy texture but with more protein and fewer calories.
Hearty Toppings
For a more substantial meal, top your baked potato with bacon, ground beef, or shredded chicken. You can also add in some taco meat, chili, or vegetarian chili for a spicy kick. If you're feeling adventurous, try barbecue sauce, or some pickled jalapeños for an extra spicy punch.
Veggie Toppings
For a vegetarian or vegan option, load your potato with garlicky kale or broccoli. You can also top it with sliced avocado, mushrooms, or green onions. For added crunch, sprinkle on some pumpkin seeds or peanuts, and finish with a generous helping of fresh herbs.
Sweet Toppings
For a sweeter take on the classic baked potato, try sweet potatoes with ginger-coriander chickpeas and a drizzle of ginger-tahini sauce. You can also stuff them with lentils, spinach, and spices for an all-in-one meal. Alternatively, top your potato with turmeric granola and a dollop of hibiscus tea yogurt for a unique breakfast option.
These are just a few suggestions, but the possibilities for baked potato toppings are endless. Get creative and experiment with different combinations of ingredients to find your perfect potato pairing!
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Storing cooked potatoes
Once the potatoes have cooled, they can be stored in an airtight container and placed in the fridge, where they will generally keep well for about a week. It is important to note that potatoes should be removed from any aluminium foil before storing, as this can cause botulism if left at room temperature. If you plan on storing the potatoes for longer, it is recommended to freeze them instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Cooking time depends on the size of your potatoes and the heat setting you use. Small potatoes will be done in less than 4 hours on a high heat setting, while very large potatoes may take longer than 5 hours. You can cook them on low heat for 8-10 hours or on high heat for 4-5 hours.
Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are recommended over red potatoes, which are dense and waxy.
If you want crispy potato skins, place the potatoes on a baking sheet and pop them under the broiler in the oven for a few minutes. Be sure to keep an eye on them so they don't burn.
