Crockpot Side Dishes

Some of my most comforting kitchen memories revolve around a bubbling crockpot tucked in the corner of the counter, slowly working its magic while the rest of the day unfolded. When I first discovered how foolproof crockpot side dishes could be, especially Crock Pot Baked Potatoes, it was a revelation. These spuds come out fluffy on the inside, lightly seasoned, and so easy to dress up with your favorite toppings. No oven. No stress. Just a little foil, a sprinkle of salt, and your slow cooker does the rest.

Now, every time I prep these baked potatoes for a weekend barbecue or a simple weeknight meal, I’m reminded that sometimes the best dishes are also the easiest. Whether you’re planning a holiday spread or a backyard potluck, crockpot side dishes like this one keep things hands-off and flavorful. Gather around the table — something delicious is waiting!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This is the kind of side dish that asks so little of you and gives so much in return.

Crockpot side dishes are ideal for busy families and home cooks who want a stress-free addition to dinner. You can toss these potatoes in before work and have them perfectly tender by the time everyone’s home.

They’re completely customizable — top them with sour cream, cheese, green onions, or even leftover chili for a hearty twist. It’s a classic base that plays well with nearly any topping or meal.

This dish is easy enough for beginners, but still satisfying for seasoned cooks. Plus, cleanup is minimal thanks to the foil wrap.

With only 5 minutes of prep and about 4 hours of cook time, this is truly a “set it and forget it” kind of recipe.

Whether you’re serving them alongside barbecue ribs or using them as the main for baked potato night, these spuds earn their place in your go-to rotation of crockpot side dishes.

Print

Ingredient Overview

Fluffy, flavorful, and foolproof — these Crock Pot Baked Potatoes bring all the comfort of an oven-baked version with none of the fuss. The result is tender, seasoned potatoes ready to be fluffed, loaded, and loved.

• Baking Potatoes: Look for large russet potatoes with thick skin. They hold up best in the slow cooker and become beautifully fluffy inside.

• Olive Oil: A light rub of oil helps the skins crisp slightly and enhances flavor.

• Salt: A sprinkle of salt draws out moisture and brings out the natural savoriness of the potatoes.

• Foil: Each potato gets wrapped individually to trap steam and cook evenly without drying out.

Quick tip: If you’re planning to serve these for a party, slice a small “X” on top before guests arrive so they’re easy to open and load up with toppings!

Step-by-step Instructions

Step 1: Choose and prep your potatoes

Start with 6 large russet potatoes. Scrub them thoroughly and pat dry with a kitchen towel. For crockpot side dishes like these, clean skins matter since we’re cooking them skin-on.

Step 2: Poke, oil, and season

Using a fork, poke each potato about 4–5 times. This allows steam to escape and prevents them from bursting. Rub each one with a little olive oil and sprinkle with salt. This step gives your crockpot side dishes that oven-baked texture with no oven in sight.

Step 3: Wrap each potato in foil

Tear six pieces of aluminum foil, each large enough to fully wrap a potato. Wrap them snugly to lock in moisture while they slow-cook. Foil is key to achieving tender, fluffy results that rival oven baking.

Step 4: Load them into the crockpot

Place each foil-wrapped potato directly into the bottom of your slow cooker — no need for racks or liners. For this kind of crockpot side dish, a single layer works best. If they’re stacked, just rotate them halfway through cooking.

Step 5: Set it and relax

Cover and cook on HIGH for 4–5 hours or LOW for 7–8 hours, depending on your schedule. You’ll know they’re done when a fork slides in easily. Tip: Don’t overpack the pot — airflow is important for even cooking.

Step 6: Fluff and serve

Use tongs to remove the hot foil-wrapped potatoes. Carefully unwrap (steam will escape!), then slice lengthwise and fluff the insides with a fork. Top your crockpot side dishes with butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, or whatever your heart desires.

Pro Tips

If you’re making crockpot side dishes like these baked potatoes for the first time, here are a few tried-and-true tips to ensure they come out perfect every time.

Brush the potatoes lightly with olive oil before wrapping. It helps the skins turn glossy and flavorful, even without an oven finish. This small step adds big texture to your crockpot side dishes.

Use large russet potatoes with even size so they cook at the same rate. A mixed-size batch may lead to some overcooked and others still firm inside.

Don’t skip the foil! It traps just enough steam to keep potatoes moist, yet prevents them from becoming soggy. It also makes cleanup a breeze — a major win for weeknight crockpot side dishes.

Feel free to add crushed garlic or rosemary to the foil packet for a boost of flavor. You’ll love how that aromatic steam subtly infuses each bite.

Planning a hearty dinner with this side? Pair them with our savory chicken crockpot recipes to round out your meal with comfort and ease.

Variations

Crock Pot Baked Potatoes are already a crowd-pleaser, but here are some delicious ways to make your crockpot side dishes shine even more.

Swap russet potatoes for sweet potatoes if you’re craving something sweeter and vitamin-packed. They cook in about the same time and offer a rich, creamy texture.

Make them twice-baked by scooping out the flesh once cooked, mashing with cheese and seasoning, then returning to the skin and broiling quickly for a crispy finish.

Craving a full meal? Load your crockpot side dishes with shredded BBQ chicken or black beans, corn, and avocado for a Tex-Mex inspired twist.

Hosting a gathering? Set up a baked potato bar with toppings like chili, bacon bits, ranch dressing, and sautéed veggies so everyone can customize.

You can even prep this as part of a cozy fall spread, especially alongside our fall crockpot meals — perfect for potlucks or holiday buffets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Serving Suggestions

These crockpot side dishes are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with just about any main course. Serve them beside grilled steaks, juicy roast chicken, or BBQ ribs for a hearty, comforting plate. They also shine at potlucks or Sunday dinners when everyone’s craving something warm and filling. I especially love adding them to a game day spread alongside white chicken chili or buffalo wings — they soak up the flavor and make a perfect balance to bold dishes. Whether it’s a weeknight meal or a holiday gathering, these baked potatoes are ready to serve with style.

Conclusion

There’s just something magical about crockpot side dishes that makes dinner feel a little easier and a lot cozier. These slow-cooked potatoes deliver on all fronts: no fuss, all flavor, and lots of room for creativity. Whether you’re feeding your family or planning a casual get-together, they’re always a hit. With minimal prep and maximum comfort, this simple recipe proves that good food doesn’t have to be complicated. So go ahead, fluff those spuds and top ’em high — every bite is a warm invitation to gather, share, and savor.

For more cozy inspiration, check out other Dinner ideas to round out your meal beautifully.

Thinking about trying these crockpot side dishes yourself? I’d love to hear how they turn out in your kitchen. Leave a comment below, snap a pic, or share your version on social media. Let’s swap topping ideas and keep the comfort food coming!

Let’s make memories one bite at a time.
And don’t forget — you can tag us on Pinterest, Instagram, or Facebook — I can’t wait to see your take!