There’s nothing quite like the simple pleasure of biting into a warm, fluffy baked potato. Whether it’s dressed up as a full meal or served on the side, this classic dish brings comfort, flavor, and satisfaction to just about any table. But while traditional oven-baked potatoes are well-loved, there’s an even easier and more foolproof way to achieve perfect results every time—just wrap your potatoes in aluminum foil and cook them in a crock pot.

That’s right, your slow cooker isn’t just for stews and chili. It’s actually the secret weapon for creating tender, flavorful baked potatoes with minimal effort and no oven required. This method is not only great for weeknight dinners but also perfect for entertaining or meal prepping. Let’s walk through exactly how to turn this humble vegetable into a mouthwatering masterpiece. First, let’s get our ingredients and tools together. You’ll need a slow cooker, a roll of aluminum foil, and a fork. For the ingredients, all you need are your desired number of potatoes—Russets work best because of their starchy texture—plus a bit of olive oil and salt. You can scale this recipe up or down depending on how many people you’re serving or how much storage room you have in your slow cooker.

Once you have everything ready, start by washing each potato thoroughly. Scrub off any dirt and remove eyes or blemishes. Pat the potatoes dry and then grab a fork. Carefully poke holes all around each potato. This step is crucial because it allows steam to escape during cooking, preventing the potatoes from bursting inside the foil. After prepping, drizzle each potato with olive oil and rub it in so they’re evenly coated. Next, sprinkle on a bit of salt to enhance the flavor and help crisp up the skins. Feel free to get creative with seasoning here—garlic powder, paprika, or even a pinch of cayenne can add an extra layer of taste if you’re feeling adventurous. Now it’s time to wrap each potato. Tear off a square of aluminum foil that’s big enough to fully enclose one potato.

Place the potato in the center and wrap it tightly, folding over the edges so no part of the potato is exposed. Repeat this with the rest of your potatoes. Wrapping in foil helps trap the moisture and heat, giving the potato a soft, evenly cooked interior while keeping the outside intact. With all your potatoes wrapped and ready, it’s time for the crock pot to do its magic. Place the foil-wrapped potatoes directly into the slow cooker, stacking them if necessary. Set the slow cooker to low and let the potatoes cook for 7 to 8 hours. If you’re short on time, you can set it to high and cook for 4 to 5 hours instead. There’s no need to add water—the foil traps enough moisture for the potatoes to cook perfectly. After the time is up, carefully remove the potatoes using tongs or an oven mitt. They’ll be hot and soft, and the aroma alone will be enough to make your mouth water.

Unwrap the foil and slice each potato open to reveal the fluffy, steaming center. Now comes the fun part—toppings. You can keep things classic with butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, crispy bacon bits, and chives. Or go bold with pulled pork, chili, guacamole, or even a fried egg for a hearty breakfast-style twist. This method makes it easy to customize each potato to individual tastes, which is perfect for feeding a group or family. Using a slow cooker for baked potatoes isn’t just a convenient alternative—it actually enhances the flavor and texture of the final product. The steady, even heat helps break down the starches in the potato, resulting in a creamy interior that’s impossible to resist. Plus, you’ll free up your oven for other dishes or avoid heating up your kitchen entirely. It’s a win-win. So the next time you’re in the mood for a comforting, satisfying dish that practically cooks itself, grab some potatoes, wrap them in foil, and let your crock pot do the heavy lifting. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this easy method guarantees delicious results every time.