There’s something magical about sinking your fork into a pillowy baked potato with a perfectly crisp skin. When you make them in a slow cooker, you let time (and steam) do all the hard work—turning humble spuds into an irresistible treat. Get ready for a foolproof way to indulge in this comfort food classic without monitoring an oven!
Ingredients
- 4 medium baking potatoes, scrubbed and dried
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 strips cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives or green onions (optional)
- Butter or sour cream for serving
Instructions
Begin by rubbing each potato with a touch of olive oil, then sprinkle on the salt and pepper. Prick them a few times with a fork to allow steam to escape. If you prefer less mess and extra steam for softer skins, wrap each potato in a piece of foil. Otherwise, you can place them unwrapped straight into the slow cooker.
Arrange the potatoes in your slow cooker so they fit snugly in a single layer. Set the cooker to low and let them cook for about 7 to 8 hours, or until the potatoes yield easily when you press them. If you’re in a rush, bump the heat to high for about 4 to 5 hours, but keep an eye on them—they can overcook more quickly at higher heat.
Once the potatoes are tender, carefully remove them and slice each one open. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and a sprinkle of chives or green onions if you like an herby hint. Plate them hot and offer a dollop of butter or sour cream on the side for extra richness.
Cooking these jacket potatoes in the slow cooker is a low-maintenance way to enjoy a reliably delicious meal—perfect for busy weeknights or get-togethers where the oven is already in use. They’re a great option for families looking for a hearty main or side dish, and you can easily adjust the toppings to accommodate dietary preferences—try swapping the bacon for sautéed mushrooms or loading up on extra veggies.
Whether you love them cheesy, loaded, or just plain with a sprinkle of salt, these slow cooker jacket potatoes are a comforting classic that never fails to please.
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.
