This foolproof method for How to Boil Potatoes is incredibly quick and easy! Yukon gold, red, and russet potatoes are boiled either cubed or whole in salted water until perfectly tender. Serve the boiled potatoes with butter as a side dish, or transform them into fluffy mashed potatoes!

A white bowl is full of red potatoes, russet potatoes, and Yukon gold boiled potatoes.

Perfect Boiled Potatoes Recipe

Whether you want a quick side dish, or need some to add to a recipe (like these Duchess Potatoes!)… this is the quickest and easiest way to boil potatoes!

They come out perfectly soft and tender on the inside without being overly watery or mushy. It’s by far my favorite way to make the best mashed potatoes or a classic potato salad!

Boiling potatoes is a very simple process, all you need are the spuds and salted water!

It doesn’t matter the type of potato; Yukon gold, red potatoes, new potatoes, or russet potatoes can all be boiled either cubed or whole.

You can also peel them or leave the skins on – it’s totally your choice!

(Learn how to boil sweet potatoes if you prefer their oranger cousin!)

How to Boil Potatoes

Below you’ll find the simple step-by-step instructions for boiling potatoes. Please see the recipe card below for more detailed ingredient amounts.

1. Prepare the Potatoes

Since potatoes grow underground they can be very dirty. You’ll want to first wash the potatoes to remove any visible dirt and debris. Use a designated vegetable brush to scrub into all of the nooks and crannies.

A Yukon gold potato is wiped clean on the outside with a paper towel.

If Peeling Potatoes: Use a vegetable peeler or paring knife to remove the skin from the potatoes if desired. You can also leave the skin on, as it will easily come off once cooked.

If Cutting into Cubes: Cut potatoes into large 2-inch chunks. This is about the size you get when quartering medium-sized potatoes such as Yukon gold and red varieties. Doing this will help them cook faster.

If Keeping Whole: The skin will slide off while boiling so keep them whole if you want the skin on for mashed potatoes.

2. How Long to Boil Potatoes

Place potatoes in a large pot or Dutch oven and cover with enough water so they’re covered by at least 1 inch. Sprinkle in a pinch or two of salt and bring to a boil. (Placing potatoes into cold water will ensure the outside does not cook faster than the inside.)

Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium heat and keep a rapid simmer. Boil cubed potatoes for 10 to 12 minutes, small whole potatoes for 15-20 minutes, and medium-large whole potatoes for 20-30 minutes.*

You’ll know they’re done when the center pierces easily with a fork. If you have larger potatoes, you may need to insert a knife to check the middle. Avoid over cooking them as you’ll end up with mushy potatoes!

Waxy vs. Starchy Potatoes

*The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the type of potato used. Starchy potatoes, such as Idaho and russet, will break down more quickly when boiled, while waxy potatoes, such as Yukon gold, red, and new potatoes, may take a little longer to become tender.

3. Drain and Serve

If boiling cubed potatoes, drain in a colander in the sink or remove from the pot using a slotted spoon.

Serve with butter or olive oil, fresh herbs, and a sprinkle of salt, or turn into mashed potatoes, Shepherd’s Pie, or Duchess potatoes.

Meal Prep and Storage

  • To Store: Boiled potatoes can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Or, seal cooked potatoes in a freezer-safe airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
  • To Reheat: The best way to warm boiled potatoes is in a 325°F oven for 15-20 minutes either on parchment paper or tossed in oil. They can also be reheated in the microwave if you’re short on time.

Selecting Potatoes

Before you get to boiling, you need to make sure you choose the right potato.

Find one with a nice brown color and make sure you avoid picking a potato that is turning green. Also check that there are no bruises or soft spots.

Additionally, try to select a potato that has not started to sprout.

If you are boiling the potatoes whole you want to look for potatoes of a similar size so they cook at the same rate.

Yukon gold, russet potatoes, and red potatoes are shown on a cutting board.

FAQs

Do I need to peel potatoes before boiling?

It is not necessary to peel potatoes before boiling. Once they are cooked the skin will come off easily.

Are boiled potatoes healthy?

Yes! Boiling potatoes is a healthy way to prepare them since you are not adding any oil. Potatoes offer nutritious vitamins and minerals as well as fiber and protein.

Should I cover potatoes while boiling?

You can cover the potatoes while they are cooking but you don’t have to.

Do you put potatoes in cold water to boil?

Yes. If you place potatoes in already boiling water the outsides will cook first resulting in unevenly cooked potatoes that are more likely to break down.

Expert Tips

  • Pick the perfect potatoes. Choose potatoes that are brown without any sprouts, bruises, or soft spots.
  • Scrub a spud. Since potatoes are extremely dirty it is important to clean them with a vegetable scrub brush before boiling.
  • Start with cold. Place the potatoes in cold water before bringing to a boil so they cook evenly.
  • Salt the water. The potatoes will absorb the flavor while boiling.
  • Know your times. Boil 10 to 12 minutes for cubed, 15 to 20 for whole medium-sized, or 25 to 30 for whole russets.
  • Check with a fork or knife. Potatoes are done when they are tender enough that a utensil easily slides into the middle.
Boiled potatoes are served in a bowl for an easy side dish recipe.

More Potato Recipes

Haven’t gotten enough of this tasty spud? Try out these other healthy potato recipes:

Easy Homemade Scalloped Potatoes

Crispy Smashed Potatoes

Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Loaded Hasselback Potatoes Recipe

Parmesan Roasted Yukon Gold Potatoes

Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes

Air Fryer French Fries

Potato Gnocchi

Other Boiled Vegetable Guides

Don’t want to stop at just potatoes? Learn how to boil beets, tips on boiling carrots, and the best boiled green beans recipe!

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5 from 22 votes

How to Boil Potatoes

This foolproof method for How to Boil Potatoes is incredibly quick and easy. Serve the boiled potatoes with butter as a side dish, or transform them into fluffy mashed potatoes!
A colander is used to hold potatoes that have been boiled.
Yield 4
Prep 5 minutes
Cook 15 minutes
Total 20 minutes
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Ingredients 

  • 1-3 lbs. potatoes Yukon gold, red, or russet
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions 

  • Prepare the Potatoes: Rinse and scrub potatoes to remove any visible dirt and debris. Peel potatoes with a vegetable peeler, if desired, or leave the skin on. Cut into large 2-inch chunks or keep them whole.
    1-3 lbs. potatoes, Pinch of salt
  • Boiling Potatoes: Add potatoes to a large pot and cover with 1 inch of water. Sprinkle in a pinch or two of salt and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium heat and keep a rapid simmer. Boil cubed potatoes for 10 to 12 minutes, small whole potatoes for 15-20 minutes, and medium-large whole potatoes for 20-30 minutes.
  • Check for Doneness: You’ll know they’re done when they pierce easily with a fork. If you have a larger potato, insert a knife to check the middle for doneness. Serve with butter and a sprinkle of salt, or turn into mashed potatoes or Duchess potatoes. Enjoy!
Last step! If you make this, please leave a review letting us know how it was!

Tap stars to rate!

5 from 22 votes

Notes

*Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the type of potato used. Starchy potatoes, such as Idaho and russet, will break down more quickly when boiled, while waxy potatoes, such as Yukon gold, red, and new potatoes, may take a little longer to become tender.
  • To Store: Boiled potatoes can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • To Freeze: Seal cooked potatoes in a freezer-safe airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 87kcal, Carbohydrates: 20g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 7mg, Potassium: 477mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 2IU, Vitamin C: 22mg, Calcium: 14mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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