Are you looking for a delicious and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch? Look no further than the humble jacket potato, cooked to perfection in a slow cooker. In this article, we’ll show you how to cook a jacket potato in a slow cooker, with a variety of toppings and fillings to suit every taste.
Why Cook a Jacket Potato in a Slow Cooker?
Cooking a jacket potato in a slow cooker is a game-changer for several reasons. Firstly, it’s incredibly easy – simply wash and poke some potatoes, add your chosen toppings, and let the slow cooker do the work. Secondly, it’s a great way to cook potatoes without heating up your kitchen, making it perfect for summer or for those who live in small spaces. Finally, slow-cooked jacket potatoes are incredibly tender and fluffy, with a depth of flavor that’s hard to achieve in a conventional oven.
Choosing the Right Potatoes
Not all potatoes are created equal when it comes to cooking jacket potatoes. Look for high-starch potatoes like Russet or Idaho, which will yield a light and fluffy interior. Avoid waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes, which will retain their shape but won’t be as tender.
Preparing Your Potatoes
Before cooking your potatoes, make sure to wash them thoroughly and dry them with a clean towel. Use a fork to poke some holes in each potato – this will allow steam to escape while they cook. You can also rub your potatoes with a little bit of oil and sprinkle with salt if desired.
Cooking Your Jacket Potatoes
To cook your jacket potatoes, simply place them in the slow cooker and add your chosen toppings. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Sour cream and chives: Mix some sour cream with chopped chives and a sprinkle of paprika for a classic topping.
- Chili and cheese: Add some cooked chili, shredded cheese, and a sprinkle of diced onions for a hearty topping.
- Bacon and scallions: Crumble some cooked bacon and sprinkle with chopped scallions for a smoky topping.
Slow Cooker Settings
Cook your jacket potatoes on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours. You can also cook them on the “warm” setting if you’re not sure when you’ll be ready to eat.
Checking for Doneness
To check if your potatoes are cooked, simply insert a fork or knife into the center of each potato. If it slides in easily, they’re done. If not, give them a bit more time and check again.
Toppings and Fillings
The toppings and fillings are where you can really get creative with your slow-cooked jacket potatoes. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Classic toppings: Sour cream, cheese, bacon bits, diced onions, and chives are all classic toppings for a reason.
- Meat lovers: Add some cooked chili, diced ham, or crumbled bacon for a hearty topping.
- Veggie delights: Mix some diced veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots with some hummus or guacamole for a healthy topping.
Global Inspirations
Why not take your slow-cooked jacket potatoes on a trip around the world? Here are a few global inspirations to get you started:
- Mexican: Add some diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and a sprinkle of cilantro for a Mexican-inspired topping.
- Indian: Mix some cooked chickpeas with some curry powder and a dollop of yogurt for an Indian-inspired topping.
- Italian: Add some diced tomatoes, basil, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for an Italian-inspired topping.
Getting Creative
The beauty of slow-cooked jacket potatoes is that you can customize them to suit your tastes. Why not try adding some diced herbs, a sprinkle of paprika, or a dollop of salsa to give your potatoes a bit of zing?
Conclusion
Cooking jacket potatoes in a slow cooker is a game-changer for anyone looking for a delicious and easy-to-make meal. With a variety of toppings and fillings to suit every taste, you can customize your potatoes to suit your mood. Whether you’re a meat lover, a veggie delight, or a global inspiration, there’s a slow-cooked jacket potato out there for you. So why not give it a try and see what you can create?
| Potato Type | High-Starch or Waxy | Suitable for Slow Cooking |
|---|---|---|
| Russet | High-Starch | Yes |
| Idaho | High-Starch | Yes |
| Yukon Gold | Waxy | No |
| Red Potatoes | Waxy | No |
- Wash and dry your potatoes before cooking
- Poke some holes in each potato to allow steam to escape
What are the benefits of cooking jacket potatoes in a slow cooker?
Cooking jacket potatoes in a slow cooker is a convenient and hands-off way to prepare a delicious meal. One of the main benefits is that it allows for even cooking, ensuring that the potato is cooked through and fluffy on the inside, while the skin remains crispy. Additionally, slow cookers are great for busy people, as they can be left to cook while you’re out and about, ready to be served when you return.
Another benefit of cooking jacket potatoes in a slow cooker is that it’s a healthy way to cook. Unlike oven-baked potatoes, which can dry out if overcooked, slow-cooked potatoes retain their moisture and nutrients. This method also allows for a variety of toppings, from classic cheese and sour cream to more adventurous options like chili and salsa.
How do I choose the right potatoes for slow cooking?
When it comes to choosing potatoes for slow cooking, look for high-starch varieties like Russet or Idaho. These types of potatoes will yield a fluffier interior and a crisper exterior. Avoid using waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes, as they will retain their shape and texture, but won’t be as fluffy.
It’s also important to choose potatoes that are similar in size, so that they cook evenly. If using larger potatoes, you may need to adjust the cooking time. Make sure to scrub the potatoes clean and dry them thoroughly before cooking to remove any excess moisture.
How long does it take to cook jacket potatoes in a slow cooker?
The cooking time for jacket potatoes in a slow cooker will depend on the size of the potatoes and the temperature of the slow cooker. Generally, it takes around 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high to cook medium-sized potatoes. If using larger potatoes, you may need to add an extra hour or two to the cooking time.
It’s also important to check the potatoes for doneness by inserting a fork or knife into the potato. If it slides in easily, the potato is cooked. If not, give it a bit more time and check again. You can also check for doneness by squeezing the potato gently; if it yields to pressure, it’s cooked.
Can I cook jacket potatoes in a slow cooker with the skin on or off?
You can cook jacket potatoes in a slow cooker with the skin on or off, depending on your preference. If cooking with the skin on, make sure to scrub the potatoes clean and dry them thoroughly before cooking. The skin will help to retain moisture and flavor, and can be easily removed after cooking if desired.
If cooking without the skin, simply peel the potatoes before cooking. This method is great for those who don’t like the texture of potato skin. Either way, the potatoes will still be delicious and fluffy on the inside.
How do I add flavor to my slow-cooked jacket potatoes?
There are many ways to add flavor to your slow-cooked jacket potatoes. One way is to rub the potatoes with a bit of oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs and spices before cooking. You can also add aromatics like garlic, onion, and rosemary to the slow cooker with the potatoes for added flavor.
Another way to add flavor is to top the potatoes with your favorite ingredients after cooking. Classic toppings include cheese, sour cream, and chives, but you can also get creative with ingredients like chili, salsa, and diced bacon.
Can I cook other ingredients with my jacket potatoes in the slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook other ingredients with your jacket potatoes in the slow cooker. In fact, this is a great way to make a complete meal. Some ideas for ingredients to cook with your potatoes include diced chicken or beef, vegetables like carrots and peas, and even beans or lentils.
Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and liquid levels according to the ingredients you add. For example, if cooking with chicken or beef, you may need to add more liquid to the slow cooker to prevent drying out. And if cooking with vegetables, you may need to adjust the cooking time to ensure they’re tender.
How do I store leftover slow-cooked jacket potatoes?
If you have leftover slow-cooked jacket potatoes, you can store them in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 3 months. To store in the fridge, simply let the potatoes cool, then wrap them in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate.
To freeze, let the potatoes cool, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw the potatoes overnight in the fridge or reheat them in the microwave or oven.