Crock Pot Baked Potatoes

 

Crock pot baked potatoes are an easy way to cook potatoes without heating up the house or turning on the oven just took cook a few potatoes.  There are two ways to make them.  I recommend using a softer potato for this like a red potato or Yukon gold.  I know they are not generally recommended for baking, but we got a batch of Russets a while back that could have been used for stones!

First is the foil method.  Wash and scrub thoroughly.  Do not peel. Coat each potato with olive oil then dust with salt.  Wrap in aluminum foil and place in crock pot.  No need to add any type of liquid.  Cook on low 6-8 hours on low or high for 3-4 hours. 

The second method is just the plain potato method.  Wash and scrub potatoes thoroughly, then place in crock pot.  Again, cook 6-8 hours on low or high for 3-4 hours. 

The foil potatoes will have the more traditional baked potato taste to them.  The unwrapped potatoes will have more of a steamed consistency and flavor.  

This is a great way to either make potatoes for a meal or to have them for twice-baked potatoes, potato salad, potato soups, hashbrowns, or any other recipe for which you need cooked potatoes.  It's an economical and easy way to have cooked, whole potatoes without having to either boil them on the stove or bake them in the oven!