Slow Cooker Foil Baked Potatoes are a simple, hands-off way to enjoy perfectly tender, flavorful potatoes with minimal effort. Wrapped in foil and slow-cooked to perfection, these potatoes have a rich, natural flavor enhanced by olive oil and a generous sprinkle of salt.
Ideal for busy days, this method allows the potatoes to cook slowly, developing a fluffy interior while keeping the skin beautifully seasoned. Serve them with your favorite toppings, from classic cheese and sour cream to creative additions like chili or caramelized onions. These slow-cooked potatoes are a versatile, no-fuss side dish that everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Effortless Cooking: Set it and forget it! No need to watch the oven—just let the slow cooker do its magic.
Perfectly Tender: Slow cooking ensures soft, fluffy interiors with flavorful, seasoned skins.
Customizable: Endless topping options mean you can dress these up for a meal or keep it simple for a side dish.
Great for Crowds: Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or BBQs—just cook as many potatoes as you need!
No Oven Needed: A lifesaver during hot summer months or when your oven is busy with other dishes.
Key Ingredients
Potatoes: The star of the dish! Russet potatoes are ideal for their starchy, fluffy texture, but Yukon Gold or red potatoes also work well for a creamier bite.
Olive Oil: A drizzle of olive oil keeps the skins moist and enhances their flavor. If you prefer, you can substitute with melted butter or a neutral oil like avocado oil.
Salt: Simple yet essential, salt adds flavor to the potato skins and helps achieve that perfect crispy finish (once unwrapped). Kosher salt or sea salt is best.
Aluminum Foil: Foil locks in moisture and prevents the potatoes from drying out during the slow cooking process.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
Instructions
1. Preparation
Rinse Potatoes: Wash the potatoes thoroughly under cold running water to remove dirt or residue. Scrub the skins gently if needed.
Dry Potatoes: Pat the potatoes dry with a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture.
Inspect: Check for blemishes or eyes and remove them using a small knife.
2. Piercing
Poke with a Fork: Use a fork to pierce several holes around each potato. This allows steam to escape and helps ensure even cooking.
Flavor Channels: The fork holes also help oil and salt penetrate the potato for enhanced flavor.
3. Seasoning
Add Olive Oil: Drizzle olive oil over each potato. Use your hands or a brush to coat the potatoes evenly.
Sprinkle with Salt: Generously sprinkle salt over the potatoes, adjusting to taste. The salt enhances the skin’s flavor and texture.
4. Wrapping
Wrap in Foil: Place each seasoned potato in the center of a piece of aluminum foil. Fold the foil around the potato securely, ensuring it’s fully wrapped with no exposed areas.
Seal Tightly: Proper wrapping retains moisture and promotes even cooking.
5. Slow Cooking
Arrange in Slow Cooker: Place the foil-wrapped potatoes into the slow cooker. If making a large batch, arrange them in a single layer if possible.
Cook on Low or High:
Low: Cook for 7-8 hours for a slow, even cooking process that enhances flavor.
High: Cook for 4-5 hours if you need the potatoes ready sooner.
Check for Doneness: The potatoes are ready when they are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
6. Serving
Remove and Unwrap: Carefully remove the potatoes from the slow cooker. Be cautious as the foil will be hot. Unwrap each potato gently.
Check for Tenderness: Press the potatoes lightly (using a towel or mitt). They should feel soft and yield easily. If not, return them to the slow cooker for more time.
Add Toppings: Serve warm and customize with your favorite toppings:
Classic: Sour cream, shredded cheese, chives, and crispy bacon bits.
Gourmet: Sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, chili, or fresh herbs.
Enjoy: Serve immediately and savor the perfectly cooked baked potatoes!
Serving Suggestions
These foil-baked potatoes are incredibly versatile and can be served in countless ways. Here are some ideas to inspire your meal:
Classic Baked Potato Bar: Set up a topping station with sour cream, shredded cheese, crispy bacon bits, and fresh chives. Everyone can customize their potato!
Stuffed Potatoes: Scoop out the potato flesh, mix it with your favorite fillings (like cheese, broccoli, or chili), and stuff it back in for a hearty main course.
As a Side: Pair with grilled chicken, steak, or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
Breakfast Twist: Top with scrambled eggs, avocado, and salsa for a breakfast-worthy take on baked potatoes.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigerate: Store leftover potatoes in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep the foil on to retain moisture, or remove it if you prefer crispier skins.
Freeze: Allow the potatoes to cool completely before wrapping tightly in foil and placing in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat: Warm the potatoes in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
Variations
Herb-Infused Potatoes: Add a sprig of rosemary or thyme inside the foil wrap for a subtle, earthy aroma.
Garlic Butter Potatoes: Mix minced garlic into melted butter and brush it over the potatoes before wrapping.
Cheesy Delight: Stuff the foil with shredded cheese before sealing to create gooey, melty centers.
Spicy Kick: Sprinkle the potatoes with chili powder or smoked paprika before wrapping for a bold, smoky flavor.
Vegan-Friendly: Swap butter for olive oil and use plant-based toppings like vegan cheese, guacamole, or salsa.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Foil-Baked Potatoes are the ultimate low-maintenance recipe. With minimal prep and maximum versatility, they’re a go-to for everything from weeknight dinners to festive gatherings. Whether you keep it simple or load them up with gourmet toppings, these potatoes are guaranteed to please.
Pro Tip: For an even crispier skin, unwrap the cooked potatoes and pop them under the broiler for a few minutes before serving.
So, grab your slow cooker, prep some spuds, and let the aroma of perfectly baked potatoes fill your kitchen. Trust me, once you try this method, you’ll never go back to the oven!
Slow Cooker Foil Baked Potatoes
Ingredients
- potatoes as many as you need
- olive oil
- salt
- aluminum foil
- a fork for piercing potatoes
Instructions
- Wash the potatoes thoroughly under cold running water to remove dirt or residue. Scrub the skins gently if needed. Pat the potatoes dry with a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture. Check for blemishes or eyes and remove them using a small knife.
- Use a fork to pierce several holes around each potato. This allows steam to escape and helps ensure even cooking.
- Drizzle olive oil over each potato. Use your hands or a brush to coat the potatoes evenly. Generously sprinkle salt over the potatoes, adjusting to taste.
- Place each seasoned potato in the center of a piece of aluminum foil. Fold the foil around the potato securely, ensuring it's fully wrapped with no exposed areas.
- Place the foil-wrapped potatoes into the slow cooker. If making a large batch, arrange them in a single layer if possible. Cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours. The potatoes are ready when they are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- Carefully remove the potatoes from the slow cooker and unwrap. Press lightly (using a towel or mitt) to check for tenderness. Serve warm with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, cheese, chives, or bacon bits.
