A Cozy and Budget-Friendly Way to Make Perfectly Fluffy Jacket Potatoes!
If you’ve been following me for long you’ll already know this, but for those who are new, welcome to Far From The Farm. I’m Mona, the Brit behind the recipes, learning life and food in the States while sharing our debt-free journey and what’s on the menu in our home today!
One of the foods I miss most from back home in the UK is a good old-fashioned jacket potato. For anyone who hasn’t had one, it’s just a baked potato, but in Britain, we treat it as a full meal rather than a side.
We’ll pile it high with all sorts of toppings like baked beans and cheese, tuna mayonnaise, leftover chili, or even curry. It’s simple, hearty, and unbelievably comforting.
Since moving to the States, I’ve learned that baked potatoes are often seen as something that sits on the edge of the plate rather than taking center stage. But trust me, they can absolutely hold their own as the star of the show!
They’re filling, frugal, and endlessly adaptable, which is exactly what you need when you’re stretching your grocery budget but still want something satisfying.
And just a reminder that if you’re struggling and you need help with managing your budget or starting your own debt free journey then here’s some FREE resources below you may find helpful!
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These Slow Cooker Baked Potatoes have become one of my favorite kitchen hacks. I can throw them in the crockpot in the morning, walk away for hours, and come back to perfectly fluffy potatoes ready for any topping I have on hand.
They pair beautifully with so many of the meals I make from taco meat and pulled pork to my Freezer Meal Beef Mississippi Pot Roast or even just a little butter and sea salt on a cozy night in.
Cooking potatoes in the slow cooker also helps cut down on oven use, which is great if you’re trying to save energy or keep your kitchen cool in warmer months. And because they cook gently over time, they come out soft inside with beautifully tender skins.
Like everything I share here, this recipe fits neatly into our debt-free journey mindset. Potatoes are one of the cheapest staples you can buy, and they stretch a meal like nothing else.
A single russet can turn leftover chili or taco meat into a filling family dinner that costs next to nothing!
As always, these photos are from my real kitchen here on base. No staged lighting or spotless counters. Just real life and real food made in a small space. Proof that you can feed your family well without needing a dream kitchen or fancy tools!
So, if you’re ready for an easy, low-effort dinner idea that works all year round, grab your slow cooker and a few russets and head into the kitchen with me!
Why You Should Give Your Instant Pot Slow Cooker Function a Try
If you’ve never tried using your Instant Pot’s slow cooker function, take this as your friendly nudge. It’s such a game changer!
Not only does it keep the counter from being cluttered with extra gadgets, but if you’re using an Instant Pot Pro like I do, you can switch straight from sautéing to slow cooking in the same pan. Total time saver.
It’s been one of my favorite ways to speed up mealtimes while keeping things low-cost, cozy, and family friendly with almost no effort! Give it a whirl with this recipe today! Here’s what I use in my kitchen:
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Equipment
- Slow cooker (or Instant Pot Pro with slow cooker lid like above)
- Aluminium foil
- Fork
- Knife
- Tongs
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Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 4 large russet potatoes (or one per person)
- 1 cup water
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the slow cooker.
Pour one cup of water into the bottom of your slow cooker. This creates a gentle steam that keeps your potatoes tender and prevents the skins from drying out.
Step 2. Wash and prep the potatoes.
Rinse your russets under cold water, scrubbing away any dirt. Use a knife to trim off any bruises, eyes, or green spots.
Step 3. Prick and wrap.
Use a fork to poke several holes all over each potato so steam can escape while cooking. Then wrap each one tightly in aluminium foil. Most people prefer to keep the shiny side facing inward toward the potato since it reflects heat and keeps moisture in, but honestly, it will work fine either way.
Step 4. Arrange and cook.
Place the foil-wrapped potatoes inside your slow cooker. You can stack them if needed, just avoid overfilling so air and steam can circulate.
- Traditional slow cooker:Â Cook on HIGH for 6 to 8 hours or LOW for 10 to 12 hours depending on size.
- Instant Pot slow cooker function:Â Cook on HIGH for 10 hours as this setting runs slightly cooler.
Step 5. Check for doneness.
Test the largest potato by piercing it with a fork. If it slides through easily, you’re good to go. If it’s still firm, give them another 30 to 60 minutes.
Step 6. Serve.
Carefully remove each potato from the foil, cut it open, and fluff the inside with a fork. Add butter, sea salt, or any toppings you fancy.
If you want crispier skins, brush the potatoes with olive oil, sprinkle with sea salt, and pop them under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes until lightly golden.
Notes and Troubleshooting
Notes:
- Choose medium to large russets for the best texture.
- You can also swap in sweet potatoes for a different flavor that pairs beautifully with spiced toppings like taco meat or pulled pork.
- Brush with olive oil and broil for extra-crispy skins if that’s your thing.
Troubleshooting:
- Potatoes too firm? Cook longer on HIGH or switch to LOW and extend by 30 to 60 minutes.
- Too soft? Shorten the cook time next round or reduce heat setting.
Storage
Keep leftover baked potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the oven, microwave, or air fryer for best texture.
Serving Ideas
- British-style: baked beans and shredded cheese
- Classic American: butter, sour cream, bacon bits, and chives
- Family favorite: taco meat, salsa, and shredded lettuce
- Cozy leftovers: chili, pulled pork, or chicken curry
- Simple snack: butter and sea salt = perfect for lunch or a quick bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?!
- Hands-off and completely foolproof
- Works with any budget
- Great base for leftovers or freezer meals
- Customizable with endless toppings
- Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep days
The Takeaway
Slow Cooker Baked Potatoes are proof that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. They’re cheap, hearty, and satisfying enough to turn even the simplest leftovers into something that feels homemade and special.
It’s one of those small but mighty recipes that fits perfectly into both busy family life and a tight grocery budget. So next time you’re planning dinner, skip the side dish and make the potato the main event!
What to Try Next?!
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Last update on 2025-11-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
