When it comes to comfort food, few things are as satisfying and universally loved as a perfectly baked potato. Whether you’re pairing it with steak, stuffing it with toppings as a meal on its own, or serving it at a potluck or family gathering, baked potatoes never fail to hit the spot. But what if there were a simpler, more hands-off way to prepare them that doesn’t require firing up your oven or hovering in the kitchen?

Believe it or not, there is—and it’s as easy as wrapping your potatoes in foil and placing them in a crock pot. This slow cooker method delivers incredibly tender, flavorful potatoes with crispy skin and a fluffy interior, and best of all, it requires very little effort. All you need are a few basic ingredients and a little patience while the crock pot works its magic. To get started, gather your ingredients and tools. You’ll need however many potatoes you’d like to make (Russet potatoes are the best choice for baking), some olive oil, and a bit of salt. For tools, grab a slow cooker, aluminum foil, and a fork. Start the process by cleaning your potatoes thoroughly under running water. Scrub off any dirt, remove the eyes or any blemishes, and then pat them dry with a towel.

Once they’re clean, take your fork and poke holes all around each potato. This step is key—it allows steam to escape during cooking and helps the potatoes cook evenly from the inside out without splitting. Next, coat each potato lightly with olive oil. Rub the oil all over the surface until the skin is evenly coated. Then, sprinkle salt over the oiled potatoes. The salt adds flavor and helps create a crispy, flavorful skin. You can also experiment with other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika if you want to give the potatoes a little extra kick. Once seasoned, tear off squares of aluminum foil large enough to fully wrap each potato. Place a potato in the center of the foil, wrap it tightly, and make sure it’s fully sealed. Repeat this step with the remaining potatoes. The foil isn’t just for presentation—it locks in heat and moisture, ensuring your potatoes come out extra soft and perfectly cooked.

Now it’s time for the easiest part: cooking. Place all your foil-wrapped potatoes into the crock pot. Depending on the size of your cooker, you can stack them if necessary. Set the crock pot to the low setting and let the potatoes cook for 7 to 8 hours. If you’re short on time, you can cook them on high for 4 to 5 hours instead. There’s no need to add water—these potatoes cook in their own steam, and the foil helps trap that steam right where it’s needed. After the cooking time is up, carefully remove the potatoes using tongs or an oven mitt because they’ll be hot and steamy. Unwrap them and slice them open down the middle to reveal a fluffy, soft interior that’s just begging for toppings. This is where you can really make the dish your own.

Classic options include butter, shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped chives, and crispy bacon bits. You can also go the extra mile and load them up with chili, broccoli and cheese, or pulled pork for a full meal in one neat little package. The slow cooking process doesn’t just make the potatoes easier to prepare—it also enhances their texture and flavor. The consistent low heat helps the starches break down gradually, which creates a creamier and smoother texture than oven baking often does. Plus, it frees up your oven for other dishes and keeps your kitchen cooler, which is a big bonus during hot summer months or busy holiday cooking sessions. This crock pot baked potato method is a total game-changer for anyone who loves delicious, no-fuss meals. It’s perfect for busy families, party hosts, or anyone who wants to serve up a comforting side without the hassle. Once you try making baked potatoes this way, you may never go back to the oven again.