Potatoes are a kitchen staple loved by many, and cooking them in a crock pot is one of the easiest, hands-off ways to get tender, flavorful results without heating up your oven or standing over the stove. Whether you want classic baked potatoes or a tasty seasoned side dish, the crock pot method is perfect for busy days when you want to set it and forget it.
Why Cook Potatoes in a Crock Pot?
Using a crock pot to cook potatoes saves time and energy. It’s especially handy when you don’t want to heat your kitchen with the oven or when you want to prepare potatoes alongside other slow-cooked dishes. Plus, crock pot potatoes come out tender and delicious, ready to be mashed, diced, or served whole with your favorite toppings.
The Basics: Crock Pot Baked Potatoes
You can make what tastes like baked potatoes right in your slow cooker, no oven needed. Here’s the simple approach:
– Start by washing your potatoes thoroughly and poking them a few times with a fork to allow steam to escape.
– Rub each potato with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
– Place the potatoes directly into the crock pot-no water required.
– Cook on high for about 2.5 to 3 hours or on low for 6 to 8 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
– If you like crispy skin, you can finish them under a broiler or on a grill for a few minutes after cooking.
This method works well with medium-sized baking potatoes and you can stack them if needed. Just keep in mind cooking times may vary based on potato size.
Flavorful Crock Pot Potato Variations
Crock pot potatoes aren’t just for plain baked spuds. You can easily make flavorful side dishes by adding seasonings and other ingredients before cooking.
Garlic Ranch Potatoes
– Use red potatoes, butter, olive oil, ranch seasoning, fresh chives, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
– Toss everything together in the crock pot.
– Cook on high for 3 to 4 hours until tender.
– These creamy, garlicky potatoes pair wonderfully with chicken or beef.
Spicy Taco Potatoes
– Combine red potatoes with taco seasoning, olive oil, butter, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
– Cook similarly on high for 3 to 4 hours.
– Perfect for adding a zesty kick to your meal, especially with Mexican or Southwestern dishes.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Potatoes in a Crock Pot
- Prep the Potatoes: Scrub potatoes clean and remove any blemishes.
- Season: For baked-style potatoes, rub with olive oil, salt, and pepper. For flavored potatoes, mix with your chosen seasonings and fats.
- Place in Crock Pot: Arrange potatoes in a single or stacked layer in the slow cooker.
- Add Water if Needed: Some recipes add a small amount of water (about ½ to ¾ cup) depending on the amount of potatoes and crock pot size, to keep them moist.
- Cook: Set crock pot to high for 2 to 3 hours or low for 6 to 8 hours. Check for tenderness with a fork.
- Finish (Optional): For crispy skin, broil or grill potatoes for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve: Top with sour cream, bacon bits, chives, cheese, or your favorite toppings.
Tips for Perfect Crock Pot Potatoes
– Use potatoes of similar size for even cooking.
– Don’t overcrowd the crock pot; potatoes can be slightly stacked but avoid too many layers.
– Check potatoes early to avoid overcooking, which can cause discoloration though the taste remains good.
– Spray the crock pot liner with nonstick spray for easier cleanup.
– Cooking on high heats the crock pot to about 300°F, while low is around 180-200°F. One hour on high equals roughly 2 to 2.5 hours on low.
Creative Ways to Use Crock Pot Potatoes
Once your potatoes are cooked, you can use them in a variety of dishes:
– Mash them for creamy mashed potatoes.
– Dice and add to casseroles like loaded twice-baked potato casserole.
– Make potato cakes or potato egg rolls.
– Use as a base for comforting baked potato soup.
– Serve as a side with meats like pork tenderloin or steak.
Final Thoughts
Cooking potatoes in a crock pot is a foolproof, convenient way to get tender, flavorful potatoes without fuss. Whether you prefer classic baked potatoes or love experimenting with seasonings, the slow cooker makes it easy to enjoy perfect potatoes every time.
Enjoy your crock pot potatoes with your favorite toppings or recipes and savor the simplicity of this versatile cooking method!