How Long To Boil Potatoes

Whether you are boiling on the stovetop or making a last minute meal using the microwave, this guide to boiling potatoes has everything you need to know to make the perfect potatoes every time. From soups, to salads, to casseroles we’ve got you covered with this comprehensive guide.

Scroll to bottom for printable recipe card.

What types of potatoes can be boiled?

Any type of potato can be boiled until tender whether you are boiling potatoes for potato salad, mashed potatoes, or a casserole. Below is a simple guide to boiling potatoes based on size and variety.

The amount of boiling time will depend on the size and variety of potato.

Boiling time based on size:

• Baby potatoes (approx. 1 inch) – 12 minutes
• Small potatoes (approx. 2 in) – 15 minutes
• Medium potatoes (approx. 3 in) – 20 minutes
• Large potatoes (approx. 4 in) –  25 minutes
• Extra-large potatoes  (approx. 6 in) – 30 minutes

Boiling time based on variety:

• Sweet potatoes or yams – 15-20 minutes
• Red, yellow, russet, or gold – 12-30 minutes

The boiling times above will work no matter what you are using the potatoes for. For potato salad, mash, frying, casseroles, or other dishes you want to boil them until they are fork tender and then use them in the recipe as directed.

Tips For Perfect Boiled Potatoes

• You do not need to peel potatoes before boiling, it’s actually easier to peel them after boiling. Keeping the peel on can prevent the potatoes from absorbing too much water.
• Adding salt to the water will help season the potatoes and bring out the natural flavors.
• Starting with cold water helps the potatoes cook more evenly.
• Overcooking the potatoes will make them very mushy, check the potatoes frequently with a fork until they are fork tender throughout. You know they are done when the fork inserts easily and the center has a pear like texture.
• Cutting potatoes into smaller pieces will help them cook faster. Make sure you cut the potatoes into even sized pieces so they cook at the same time.

Best way to Store Boiled Potatoes

Unused boiled potatoes can be stored sealed in the fridge for up to 5 days and used in any recipe you like such as potato salad or mashed potatoes.

For longer term storage boiled potatoes can be frozen in a large freezer bag for up to 10 months!

• Make sure the potatoes are cooled and dry before laying them out in a single layer on a large tray.
• Place the tray in the freezer for 6-12 hours until the potatoes are frozen solid.
• At this point add the frozen potatoes to a large freezer bag and keep them frozen until needed.

Thaw frozen potatoes in the fridge overnight before use.

How to Reheat Boiled Potatoes

To save time potatoes can be boiled ahead of time and reheated for use.

To reheat boiled potatoes, place on a baking sheet and reheat in a 300°F oven for 12-15 minutes until warmed through.

You can also reheat using a microwave by placing them on a microwave safe dish and covering with a damp paper towel. Cook on high at 30 second intervals until the potatoes are warmed through.

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How Long To Boil Potatoes

Whether you are boiling on the stove top ormaking a last minute meal using the microwave, this guide to boiling potatoeshas everything you need to know to make the perfect potatoes every time. Fromsoups, to salads, to casseroles we’ve got you covered with this comprehensiveguide.

Course: Kitchen Tips

Keyword: Boiling Potatoes, Boiling potatoes with skin, Boiling potatoes without skin, Guide to boiling potatoes, How Long To Boil Potatoes, How to boil red potatoes, How to boil sweet potatoes

Materials

• 1-2 pounds boiling potatoes waxy or all-purpose potatoes*
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp butter salted
• fresh parsley chopped

Instructions

Stovetop Method:

• Carefully wash the potatoes under running water to dislodge any debris or dirt on the skin.
  
• Place the potatoes in a large saucepan with salt, and fill with enough water to cover the potatoes. The water should be about 1 inch above the top of the potatoes.
  
• Place over high heat until boiling then lower the heat to medium. Boil uncovered until the potatoes are fork tender. This can take from 12-30 minutes depending how large the potatoes are.
• Drain the potatoes over the sink using a colander, and add butter and chopped parsley, or use as directed in recipe.
  

Microwave method:

• Place the potatoes in a large microwave safe dish with a lid, season with salt and add 2-3 tablespoons of water.
  
• Cover and microwave on high for 6-8 minutes until fork tender. Careful they are hot!
• Allow the potatoes to rest for 2 minutes before serving.