This slow cooker 4-ingredient smashed potato bake is one of those recipes that looks way fancier than the effort it takes. My neighbor actually brought a version of this to our Memorial Day cookout last year, and the whole crock pot was scraped clean in minutes.

The magic is in the contrast: golden, crispy edges on top with ultra-creamy centers underneath, all done right in your slow cooker so your oven stays free. It’s perfect when you’re juggling work, kids,