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How to Boil Potatoes

If you're wondering how to boil potatoes perfectly every time, you’ve come to the right place! Whether you have waxy or starchy varieties, our quick and easy step-by-step guide ensures you never end up with mealy, waterlogged potatoes again.

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 87 kcal
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. potatoes scrubbed and peeled, if desired*
  • 1 tsp. salt

Instructions

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  1. If chopping, cut larger potatoes into 1 to 2-inch pieces.
  2. Add potatoes and salt to a large pot and cover with 1 inch of water. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to medium, keeping a rapid simmer.
  3. Cook cubed potatoes for 10 to 15 minutes, smaller whole potatoes for 15-20 minutes, and larger whole potatoes for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know the potatoes are done when they pierce easily with a fork. Remove from pot with a slotted spoon or drain excess water in a colander.

Notes

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  • Storage Directions
  • Boiling waxy potatoes differs from boiling starchy ones. Waxy potatoes can be peeled before boiling, while starchy varieties tend to get waterlogged if peeled prior to boiling.
  • Choose potatoes of similar size to ensure even cooking. Whether you’re boiling them whole or cut into cubes, uniform size is key for consistent results.
  • Start with cold water. Beginning with potatoes and water at the same temperature helps you avoid mealy and unevenly cooked spuds.
  • Don’t forget to add salt. Salting the water enhances the flavor of the potatoes as they cook.
  • Refrigerator. Allow boiled potatoes to come to room temperature before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freezer. Seal cooked and cooled potatoes in a freezer-safe airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Information

Calories 87kcal (4%) Carbohydrates 20g (7%) Protein 2g (4%) Fat 1g (2%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g Monounsaturated Fat 1g Sodium 7mg (0%) Potassium 477mg (14%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 1g (2%) Vitamin A 2IU (0%) Vitamin C 22mg (24%) Calcium 14mg (1%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 87

% Daily Value*

Calories 87kcal 4%
Carbohydrates 20g 7%
Protein 2g 4%
Fat 1g 2%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 1g 5%
Sodium 7mg 0%
Potassium 477mg 10%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 1g 2%
Vitamin A 2IU 0%
Vitamin C 22mg 24%
Calcium 14mg 1%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.