Slow Cooker Russet Baked Potatoes, Oil-Rubbed
Hands-off baked potatoes cooked low and slow in a crockpot until creamy inside with tender skin. Russets develop mild, subtle sweetness from extended cooking without drying out. Perfect side dish for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. This method requires no oven preheating and frees up stovetop space, ideal for summer cooking or busy days.
Ingredients
- 6 Russet baking potatoes, whole
- 3 tsp olive oil
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- foil(optional)
Instructions
- 1
Wash potatoes and pat dry completely.
- 2
Poke each potato several times with a fork.
- 3
Rub each potato with oil, then sprinkle with salt.
- 4
Optionally wrap potatoes in foil.
- 5
Place in crockpot without adding liquid.
- 6
Cook on low until tender, or on high until soft.
- 7
Carefully remove and cut open.
- 8
Top with desired baked potato toppings.
Tips
Poke potatoes thoroughly to prevent bursting and ensure even cooking. Dry them well after washing to help oil coat evenly.
Foil wrapping is optional but helps retain moisture and prevents any browning on the skin during long cooking.
Good to Know
Refrigerate cooked potatoes in airtight container up to 5 days. Reheat in microwave or oven.
Prepare through rubbing with oil and salt up to 8 hours ahead; store covered in fridge. Cook when ready.
Top with butter, sour cream, chives, bacon, cheese, broccoli, or chili. Serve immediately.
Common Mistakes
Do not add liquid to crockpot to avoid soggy, waterlogged potatoes.
Do not skip drying potatoes after washing to prevent excess moisture and uneven texture.
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I cook potatoes on high for less time?
Yes. Cook on high for 4-5 hours instead of 8-10 hours on low. Check doneness by piercing with fork; potatoes should yield easily when fully cooked.
What if I want to freeze baked potatoes?
Freeze cooled potatoes in freezer bags up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen in oven at 350F for 20-30 minutes, or microwave until warm through.
How long can I keep leftover baked potatoes?
Store in refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container. Reheat gently in microwave or conventional oven to restore texture.