Imagine coming home to the comforting aroma of slow-cooked baked potatoes, ready to be loaded with your favorite toppings.
With minimal effort, you can create this versatile dish that’s both satisfying and delicious.
Picture fluffy russet potatoes, perfectly cooked, just waiting for shredded cheese, crispy bacon, and a dollop of sour cream.
It’s a simple process that transforms ordinary meals into something special.
Curious about how to make this happen in your own kitchen?
Kitchen Tools Required
Creating delicious slow cooker loaded baked potatoes is a breeze when you’ve got the right kitchen tools.
First, grab a trusty slow cooker—the heart of this operation.
It’ll work its magic over hours, transforming simple potatoes into a mouthwatering delight.
Next, you’ll need a sharp knife and a sturdy cutting board to prep your potatoes, ensuring they’re ready for their slow-cooker journey.
A fork is essential for piercing the potatoes, allowing steam to escape and ensuring even cooking.
Aluminum foil wraps each potato snugly, maintaining moisture and flavor.
With these tools in hand, you’re well-equipped to create a comforting meal.
So, gather your kitchen essentials, and get ready to enjoy these scrumptious baked potatoes with minimal effort!
Recipe
Loaded baked potatoes are a comforting and delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion, and using a slow cooker makes the preparation even easier.
By slowly cooking the potatoes, they become tender and flavorful, making them an ideal base for a variety of toppings.
This recipe combines classic American flavors, including cheddar cheese, sour cream, bacon bits, and green onions, to create a satisfying and hearty meal.
Whether you’re serving it as a main course or a side dish, these slow cooker loaded baked potatoes are bound to be a hit at your table.
What sets this recipe apart is the simplicity and convenience of using a slow cooker, which allows you to set it and forget it while the potatoes cook to perfection.
The addition of olive oil and salt enhances the natural flavor of the potatoes, while the toppings add richness and texture.
The result is a dish that’s both easy to prepare and full of flavor, making it a great option for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners.
Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon bits
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
To prepare these slow cooker loaded baked potatoes, start by washing and scrubbing the russet potatoes thoroughly.
Dry the potatoes and pierce each several times with a fork. Rub the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle them with salt to enhance flavor.
Wrap each potato individually in aluminum foil and place them in the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on low for about four hours or until the potatoes are tender.
Once cooked, carefully remove and unwrap the potatoes, cut a slit in the top of each, and fluff the insides with a fork.
Top each potato with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, cooked bacon bits, and chopped green onions.
For best results, choose potatoes of similar size to guarantee even cooking.
If you prefer a crispy skin, remove the foil and place the potatoes under a broiler for a few minutes after slow cooking.
Feel free to customize the toppings to suit your taste by adding ingredients such as chives, butter, or even chili.
Additionally, let the potatoes rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Enjoy your delicious, homemade slow cooker loaded baked potatoes!
Cook & Prep Time
With your kitchen tools ready, it’s time to focus on the cook and prep time for these delightful slow cooker loaded baked potatoes.
You’ll be pleased to know that the prep work is a breeze, taking just 15 minutes.
Imagine yourself washing, scrubbing, and piercing the russet potatoes—quick and satisfying tasks.
Once prepped, the slow cooker takes over, cooking the potatoes to perfection in 4 hours.
Here’s a brief rundown:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes – Swiftly handle the potatoes, olive oil, and salt.
- Cook Time: 4 hours – Let the slow cooker work its magic.
- Resting Time: 5 minutes – Allow the potatoes to cool slightly before serving.
In no time, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to enjoy!
Cooking Steps
Begin by giving your russet potatoes a good scrub under running water until they’re spotless.
Pierce each potato several times with a fork to let steam escape, then coat them in olive oil for that perfect outer texture.
Wrap them snugly in aluminum foil, place them in the slow cooker, and get ready for the magic to happen over the next four hours.
Step 1. Scrub Potatoes Thoroughly Clean
Before you start cooking, it’s essential to scrub your russet potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt and debris clinging to their skins.
Envision this: those earthy clumps and gritty particles have no place in your delicious meal.
Here’s how you can make certain your potatoes are squeaky clean:
- Grab a scrub brush or a sponge – Use it to gently but firmly scrub the surface of each potato under cool running water. This will help dislodge stubborn dirt.
- Inspect each potato – Rotate them in your hands, checking for hidden spots that might need extra attention.
- Rinse thoroughly – Make sure no suds or debris remain. Clean potatoes are the foundation for a perfect loaded baked potato experience, making certain every bite is both tasty and safe.
Step 2. Pierce Potatoes With Fork
Once your potatoes are squeaky clean and ready, it’s time to move on to the next step: piercing them with a fork.
Grab a fork and gently stab each potato about six to eight times.
This step is vital because it allows steam to escape during cooking, preventing the potatoes from bursting.
Visualize the fork lightly puncturing the skin, creating tiny vents to let the heat work its magic.
Be careful not to jab too deeply; you want to maintain the potato’s structure.
As you work, you’ll notice the satisfying crunch as the fork sinks into the flesh.
This simple yet important action guarantees your slow cooker loaded baked potatoes will be perfectly cooked, fluffy, and ready for their tasty toppings.
Step 3. Coat Potatoes With Olive Oil
Now that your potatoes are primed and pierced, it’s time to give them a luxurious olive oil coat.
This step adds flavor and helps the skin turn beautifully crisp.
First, pour about a tablespoon of olive oil into your palm. Then, rub your hands together to distribute the oil evenly.
- Massage the Potatoes: Gently massage each potato, ensuring a full, even coat. Visualize each potato basking in its olive oil bath, ready to transform into a delicious delight.
- Sprinkle with Salt: After coating, sprinkle a generous pinch of salt over each potato. This enhances flavor and aids the crisping process.
- Ensure Even Coverage: Roll the potatoes between your hands, checking that every inch is covered. This is your ticket to perfectly cooked, flavorful potatoes.
Step 4. Wrap Potatoes in Foil
With your potatoes luxuriously coated in olive oil and sprinkled with salt, it’s time to tuck them into their snug aluminum foil wraps.
This step seals in the flavors and guarantees even cooking.
Grab your foil and lay each sheet flat.
Place a potato in the center, then fold the edges over, crimping tightly for a secure seal. Here’s a quick guide:
| Step | Action | Visualize |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lay foil flat | ![Foil Sheet] |
| 2 | Center potato | ![Potato] |
| 3 | Wrap & crimp | ![Wrapped] |
Make certain each potato is snugly wrapped to prevent steam from escaping.
You’ll love how the foil helps create tender, flavorful potatoes ready for the slow cooker.
Step 5. Place Potatoes in Slow Cooker
As you prepare to commence on the slow cooking journey, gently nestle each foil-wrapped potato into the slow cooker’s cozy confines.
It’s like tucking them in for a warm, leisurely nap.
Arrange them in a single layer for even cooking, guaranteeing each potato has room to breathe.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Arrange Thoughtfully: Place the potatoes snugly but not too tightly. This guarantees they cook evenly and efficiently.
- Cover Securely: Pop the lid on, creating a sealed chamber where magic happens over the next few hours.
- Set and Forget: Dial the cooker to low and let it work its wonders over the next four hours, filling your kitchen with anticipation.
Now, let the slow cooker transform these simple spuds into loaded delights!
Final Thoughts
Although simplicity often reigns supreme in the kitchen, the satisfaction of creating a dish like slow cooker loaded baked potatoes can be a delightful adventure.
You’ve transformed humble ingredients into a comforting masterpiece, perfect for any occasion.
Imagine the aroma of slow-cooked potatoes filling your kitchen, mingling with melted cheddar, savory bacon, and fresh green onions.
Each bite offers a symphony of flavors and textures, making every effort worthwhile.
As you bite into that fluffy, cheesy goodness, remember how easy it was to prepare.
This dish not only satisfies your taste buds but also frees up your time.
Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting friends, your slow cooker loaded baked potatoes stand as a demonstration to effortless culinary enjoyment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Sweet Potatoes Instead of Russet Potatoes?
You can absolutely use sweet potatoes instead. They’ll bring a natural sweetness and vibrant orange color. Follow the same steps, adjusting cook time if needed. Sweet potato skins may be softer, so broil for crispiness if desired.
How Do I Store Leftover Baked Potatoes?
You should wrap leftover baked potatoes in foil or place them in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the oven or microwave, adding toppings afterward for fresh flavor.
Can I Cook the Potatoes on High for a Shorter Time?
Yes, you can cook them on high for a shorter time. Set your slow cooker to high and cook the potatoes for about 2-3 hours. Just make certain they’re tender before serving. Adjust toppings to your preference!
Are There Any Dairy-Free Topping Alternatives?
You’ve got great options for dairy-free toppings! Swap sour cream with coconut yogurt or guacamole, and use dairy-free cheese. Add texture with avocado slices and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor. Enjoy your creation!
How Do I Know When the Potatoes Are Tender Enough?
You’ll know the potatoes are tender by piercing them with a fork. If it slides in easily without resistance, they’re ready. Visualize a smooth glide, like cutting through butter. Perfectly tender potatoes await your toppings!
Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potatoes
Equipment
- 1 slow cooker
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 aluminum foil
- 1 Fork
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon bits
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Instructions
- Wash and scrub the russet potatoes thoroughly.
- Dry the potatoes and pierce each several times with a fork.
- Rub the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
- Wrap each potato in aluminum foil.
- Place the wrapped potatoes in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or until tender.
- Once done, carefully remove and unwrap the potatoes.
- Cut a slit in the top of each potato and fluff the insides with a fork.
- Top each potato with cheddar cheese, sour cream, bacon bits, and green onions.
Notes
