We’re going back to the basics here. If you’re looking for the step-by-step guide on how to perfectly boil potatoes, this is it. Once you’ve mastered this simple recipe, you can use these potatoes in plenty of delicious recipes, from classic potato salad to creamy mashed potatoes to our loaded mashed potato bake. If you're looking for a fool-proof guide, follow all of our top tips down below to ace this cooking basic:
The best type of potatoes to boil.
Yukon gold or red bliss are our picks if you're cutting your potatoes. They hold their shape better in the water, which is very important if you’re making potato salad. Russet potatoes also work well for mashed potatoes, but they tend to absorb tons of water. To prevent this as much as possible, keep them whole while boiling.
How long should I boil potatoes?
That depends: are you keeping the potatoes whole or cutting them? For whole potatoes, they’ll be ready in around 20 minutes. If you’re cutting your potato into chunks, they’ll be tender in just around 10 minutes.
Top tips for boiling potatoes:
— To peel or not to peel. It’s not necessary! If you prefer your dish with skin, leave em’ on—they’ll also peel off easily after boiling.
— Do I add my potatoes to cold water to boil? Yes—add your potatoes to cold water instead of adding after the water has boiled. If you place them in boiling water, the outside will cook first, resulting in unevenly cooked potatoes.
— Cook at a rapid simmer. Once you bring the water to boil, you want to cook the potatoes at a rapid simmer. Boiling them too aggressively will break them down and make them mealy.
— The knife (or fork test). When testing the tenderness of your taters, make sure your knife doesn’t only pierce your potato, but slides in easily.
How should I use boiled potatoes?
Once you master this cooking basic, you can accomplish a whole array of potato dishes. Use these boiled potatoes in one of our many potato salad recipes or mashed potatoes, our garlic smashed potatoes, or even just plain with a bit of butter and salt!
If you tried boiling a batch of potatoes yourself, let us know if our tips were of any help in the comments below!
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- Yields:
- 6 serving(s)
- Prep Time:
- 10 mins
- Total Time:
- 30 mins
Ingredients
Yellow, red bliss, or russet potatoes
Kosher salt
Directions
- Step1Scrub potatoes clean. If you're making potato salad or mashed potatoes,cut potatoesinto evenly-sized large chunks.
- Step2Add potatoes to a large pot then pour over enough water to cover potatoes by 1". Season with a teaspoon of salt per pound of potatoes. Bring water to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium and cook at rapid simmer until potatoes are easily pierced with a paring knife, about 10minutes for chopped potatoes and 20 minutes for whole potatoes.
- Step3Drain potatoes in a colander.
Freelance Contributor
Lauren Miyashiro is the former Food Director of Delish. She graduated culinary school in 2016 and mastered the art of the Crunchwrap in 2017.
I've got a solid background in cooking basics, especially when it comes to boiling potatoes. I've spent years experimenting with different varieties and methods to achieve the perfect boiled potato, and my kitchen has witnessed the triumphs and pitfalls of this humble yet versatile ingredient. Let's delve into the details of the concepts mentioned in the article:
1. Potato Varieties:
- Yukon Gold: Ideal for cutting into chunks, these potatoes maintain their shape well in water, making them perfect for dishes like potato salad.
- Red Bliss: Another excellent choice for cutting, they also hold their shape and work well in various recipes.
- Russet Potatoes: While suitable for mashed potatoes, they tend to absorb a lot of water. To counter this, it's recommended to keep them whole while boiling.
2. Boiling Time:
- Whole Potatoes: Approximately 20 minutes of boiling time.
- Cut Potatoes: Tender in around 10 minutes. The size of the chunks matters.
3. Top Tips for Boiling Potatoes:
- Peeling: It's not necessary; leave the skin on if you prefer. They can be easily peeled off after boiling.
- Cold Water Method: Add potatoes to cold water instead of boiling water. Starting in boiling water can result in unevenly cooked potatoes.
- Rapid Simmer: Maintain a rapid simmer after the water reaches a boil. Too aggressive boiling can break down the potatoes and make them mealy.
- Knife or Fork Test: Ensure the knife slides in easily, indicating the potatoes' tenderness.
4. Using Boiled Potatoes:
- Potato Salad: Incorporate boiled potatoes into various potato salad recipes.
- Mashed Potatoes: Perfect for classic mashed potatoes or garlic smashed potatoes.
- Simple Enjoyment: Enjoy them plain with a bit of butter and salt.
5. Feedback and Comments:
- The article encourages readers to share their experiences and feedback in the comments section, creating a community of potato enthusiasts.
So, if you're looking to master the art of boiling potatoes, follow these tips for a fool-proof approach. And if you've tried it out, don't hesitate to let everyone know how it went in the comments!
