Loaded Slow-Cooker Potatoes

The only thing that can improve comfort food is not having to cook it. Enter: the slow-cooker. It takes all of the effort out of this potato recipe, making it too easy to create loaded potatoes completely hands-off. We topped this easy side dish with bacon, cheese and green onions, but these potatoes are a perfect base for a variety of toppings and variations. Make them for your holiday dinner to feed a crowd, or as a cheesy addition to your weeknight meal—these loaded bites deserve to be eaten as much as possible. 

Can I add raw potatoes to the slow-cooker?

Yes! The slow-cooker does all the work for you: Toss your baby potatoes in raw, and let the slow-cooker do it's magic. In a few hours, you'll have the easiest appetizer or side dish on your hands—no boiling required. 

How long does it take for potatoes to go soft in the slow-cooker?

Our potatoes took around 5-6 hours to get to peak tender, softness. But, it's all about the size of your potatoes. If your potatoes are larger, they may need longer than the allotted time; if you've got smaller potatoes, they could be ready before the 5 hours. Keep an eye on them, poking them with a fork once the time gets close to see if they're perfectly tender. 

What should I top these with?

The options are truly endless. We topped ours with bacon, cheese and green onions for a loaded masterpiece, but you could add whatever you want! Make it spicy with some pickled jalapeños or make it a little funky with some blue cheese crumbles folded in before serving. You can also never go wrong with classic garlic and herbs—whatever you choose, these potatoes are guaranteed to be a hit. 

If you made this convenient side dish, let us know how it went in the comments below!