Slow Cooker Foil-Wrapped Baked Potatoes

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There is nothing quite like a slow cooker for baked potatoes. Wrapping them in foil locks in the moisture, and the slow heat cooks them to absolute perfection while freeing up your oven and stovetop completely. The skins stay tender and the insides become wonderfully fluffy.

Ingredients

  • 4 to 6 large Russet potatoes (Russets are the gold standard for baking due to their high starch content and fluffy texture)
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter (for rubbing the skins)
  • Coarse sea salt or kosher salt (for rubbing the skins and seasoning)
  • Aluminum foil (cut into squares large enough to wrap each potato securely)

Instructions

1.Prep the Potatoes:Scrub clean and dry thoroughly.

Wash the Russet potatoes thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt, then dry them completely with paper towels.
2.Pierce for Steam Release:Prick 4 to 5 times with a fork.

Use a fork to pierce each potato 4 to 5 times all over. This allows steam to escape safely while cooking so they don’t split open.
3.Oil and Season:Rub with oil and coarse salt.

Rub each potato lightly all over with olive oil or melted butter, then sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt or kosher salt. (This step ensures a flavorful, tasty skin.)
4.Wrap in Foil:Wrap tightly to lock in moisture.

Wrap each potato tightly in a square of aluminum foil, making sure the seams are sealed well to trap the moisture inside.
5.Slow Cook:Cook on High for 4 hours or Low for 6 to 8 hours.

Place the foil-wrapped potatoes into your slow cooker. Cover and cook on High for 3 to 4 hours, or on Low for 6 to 8 hours, until they are completely fork-tender.
6.Serve and Fluff:Unwrap carefully and fluff.

Carefully unwrap the potatoes (watch out for hot steam!). Cut a slit across the top, squeeze the ends inward to push the fluffy interior up, and load them up with your favorite toppings.

Loaded Topping Ideas

Set up a baked potato bar with classic favorites like:
  • The Classic: Butter, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and chives or green onions.
  • The Loaded Bacon: Crispy bacon bits, sour cream, and sharp cheddar.
  • The Comfort Meal: Leftover chili, melted cheese, and a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream.

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