Easy Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potatoes
Easy slow cooker loaded baked potatoes are the ultimate side dish for busy weeknights. After making this recipe dozens of times, I’ve discovered the trick to getting crispy skin and creamy inside. Keep reading for my best tips, or jump to the recipe card. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy Crab Rangoon Pinwheels with Puff Pastry and Easy Miso Glazed Eggplant Recipe for Flavorful Dinner.
Why This Easy Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potatoes Is Pure Comfort
- Crispy skin and creamy inside
- Better than takeout
- Easy and hands-off cooking
- Perfect for busy weeknights
What You'll Need for Easy Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potatoes
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- Russet potatoes
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Chives
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Optional: Bacon bits
- Optional: Sliced green onions
- Optional: Crumbled blue cheese
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Russet potatoes: Use medium to large potatoes for even cooking.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Slow cooker — Hands-off cooking and perfectly tender potatoes. → See on Amazon
- Potato brush — Removes dirt and makes potatoes clean and ready for seasoning. → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potatoes
- Prepare potatoes: Scrub potatoes clean, pierce with a fork, and rub with olive oil. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Cook in slow cooker: Place potatoes in slow cooker, cover, and cook on high for 4-5 hours or on low for 8-10 hours.
- Broil for crispy skin: Preheat broiler, slice potatoes, and broil for 5-10 minutes until crispy. Top with sour cream, cheese, and chives.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potatoes
- Common mistake and fix: Undercooking can lead to tough skin. Make sure potatoes are tender before broiling.
- Pro tip: For extra crispy skin, toss potatoes in a bit more oil before broiling.
- Pro tip: Add your favorite toppings like bacon bits or crumbled blue cheese for a hearty side dish.
Storing & Reheating Easy Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potatoes
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days. Make-ahead tip: Potatoes can be cooked in the slow cooker up to 2 days ahead. Broil just before serving.
Freezing Easy Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potatoes
Freezing is not recommended for this dish.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, then crisp under the broiler.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a healthier version, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
- Best substitution: Sweet potatoes can be used as a substitute for russet potatoes.
- Make-ahead: Potatoes can be cooked in the slow cooker up to 2 days ahead.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled for larger crowds.
- Troubleshooting: If potatoes are not tender, cook for an additional 30 minutes in the slow cooker.
Want to level up this recipe?
Oven-safe dish — Perfect for broiling potatoes and getting that crispy skin. → Check price on Amazon
Easy Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potatoes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Russet potatoes
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Chives
Seasonings
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
Optional Toppings
- Bacon bits
- Sliced green onions
- Crumbled blue cheese
Instructions
- Prepare potatoes: Scrub potatoes clean, pierce with a fork, and rub with olive oil. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Cook in slow cooker: Place potatoes in slow cooker, cover, and cook on high for 4-5 hours or on low for 8-10 hours.
- Broil for crispy skin: Preheat broiler, slice potatoes, and broil for 5-10 minutes until crispy. Top with sour cream, cheese, and chives.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a healthier version, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
- Best substitution: Sweet potatoes can be used as a substitute for russet potatoes.
- Make-ahead: Potatoes can be cooked in the slow cooker up to 2 days ahead.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled for larger crowds.
- Troubleshooting: If potatoes are not tender, cook for an additional 30 minutes in the slow cooker.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freezing is not recommended for this dish.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, then crisp under the broiler.
- Make ahead: Potatoes can be cooked in the slow cooker up to 2 days ahead. Broil just before serving.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 8g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbs: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sat. Fat: 7g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potatoes FAQs
Yes, potatoes can be cooked in the slow cooker up to 2 days ahead. Broil just before serving.
Undercooking can lead to dry potatoes. Make sure potatoes are tender before broiling.
Yes, this recipe is perfect for cozy winter dinners and better than takeout.
No, the air fryer is not suitable for cooking potatoes in this recipe.
Greek yogurt is a healthier substitute for sour cream in this recipe.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Easy Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potatoes and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
