Cooking potatoes in a crockpot can be a convenient and tasty way to prepare them for meals. Many people wonder how long it takes for potatoes to become soft and ready to eat when cooking them on the low setting in a crockpot. The answer depends on several factors, including the type and size of potato used, whether the potatoes are cut up or left whole, how full the crockpot is, and the actual low temperature setting on the crockpot. Generally speaking, it takes 4-8 hours for potatoes to become tender when cooked on low in a crockpot.
Factors That Affect Cooking Time
Several key factors impact how long it takes potatoes to get soft in a crockpot on low:
Type of Potato
The variety of potato makes a difference in cooking time. Waxy potatoes like red potatoes and new potatoes generally take longer to become tender than starchy russet potatoes. Waxy potatoes hold their shape better, while starchy potatoes more readily break down and get soft as they cook. Russet potatoes will typically get soft faster in the crockpot than small new potatoes or fingerling potatoes.
Size of Potato Pieces
Cutting the potatoes into smaller pieces allows them to cook more quickly. Halved or quartered potato pieces will get soft faster than leaving potatoes whole. Small 1-2 inch potato chunks become tender quite fast compared to large potato halves. The more surface area of the potatoes exposed to heat, the quicker they will cook through and become soft all the way to the middle.
Quantity of Potatoes
The number of potatoes and how full the crockpot is affects cooking time. A larger quantity of potatoes takes longer to come up to temperature and cook through. A crockpot that is packed full of potatoes will take longer for the potatoes on the bottom to soften compared to a crockpot with just a single layer of potatoes. The fullest section of potatoes determines the minimum cooking time.
Actual Low Temperature
Not all crockpots cook at the exact same “low” temperature. The range for low can be anywhere from 200-250°F. The lower the temperature, the longer it will take potatoes to become tender. If the low setting cooks closer to 200°F, expect it to take closer to 8 hours for potatoes to get fully soft. Higher low temperatures around 250°F will cook the potatoes faster.
How Long for Common Potato Types and Cuts
Here is an estimate of how long it takes popular potato varieties and cuts to become soft in a crockpot on low:
| Potato Type and Cut | Cooking Time on Low |
|---|---|
| Small 1-inch diced russet potatoes | 4-6 hours |
| 1-inch diced red potatoes | 6-8 hours |
| Quartered small new potatoes | 5-7 hours |
| Halved fingerling potatoes | 6-8 hours |
| Whole baby potatoes | 7-9 hours |
| Whole medium russet potatoes | 8-10 hours |
As you can see, the cooking time can range quite a bit depending on the factors mentioned earlier. Your specific crockpot and quantity of potatoes will determine the final time.
Tips for Cooking Potatoes in a Crockpot
Here are some tips to ensure potatoes turn out tender and flavorful when cooked in a crockpot:
– Cut larger potatoes into evenly sized 1-2 inch chunks to ensure even cooking. This allows them to get soft and tender all the way through.
– Place potatoes in the bottom of the crockpot and add about 1/2 cup of liquid such as broth, water, or milk. The liquid helps create steam to soften the potatoes.
– Add seasonings like garlic, onions, herbs, pepper, etc. for flavor.
– Cook on low for the recommended time, checking at the low end of the time range with a fork to see if the potatoes are as soft as desired.
– Avoid opening the lid too frequently, which lets heat escape.
– If needed, you can always cook the potatoes longer to reach desired tenderness.
– When done, use a fork or potato masher to mash or smash the cooked potatoes to the consistency you prefer.
How to Tell When Potatoes Are Done
Here are some ways to check if your crockpot potatoes are fully tender and ready to eat:
– Use a fork to pierce the centers of the largest potatoes. When they are soft all the way through and fork-tender, they are done.
– Try smashing them with a potato masher. If they easily crush and become mashed, they are ready.
– Check that a knife or fork inserted into the middle of potatoes meets little resistance.
– Taste test a smaller potato piece. It should have a soft cooked texture all the way through when ready.
The potatoes are finished cooking when the fork slides out cleanly from the potato with no resistance. If you encounter hard or crunchy areas, cook them longer until fully soft.
Serving Soft Crockpot Potatoes
Fully cooked soft potatoes from the crockpot are very versatile. Here are some serving ideas:
– Mash them on their own or with butter, milk, and seasonings for simple mashed potatoes.
– Leave small potatoes whole for a rustic side dish presentation.
– Flatten and broil or pan fry to make crispy smashed potatoes.
– Make loaded baked potatoes by topping cooked potatoes with cheese, bacon, sour cream, etc.
– Dice or mash them and mix into soups, stews, and casseroles.
– Make twice baked potatoes by scooping out the flesh and mixing it with cheese, garlic, etc. and baking again in the potato skins.
With the right cooking time, potatoes come out perfectly soft and ready to use in various dishes and as tasty sides. Crockpot cooking on low offers a hands-off way to prepare tender potatoes for meals.
Conclusion
It typically takes between 4-8 hours for potatoes to become soft when cooked on the low setting in a crockpot. The exact time depends on the variety and cut of the potatoes, how full the crockpot is, and your specific crockpot’s low temperature. Smaller diced potatoes get tender faster than whole potatoes. Monitoring doneness with a fork is the best way to check for tenderness and adjust cooking time as needed. With the right simple seasonings and cooking time, crockpot potatoes develop into wonderfully soft, flavorful sides and additions to meals.