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5.0 from 75 votes

How to Boil Sweet Potatoes

Have perfectly cooked and tender boiled sweet potatoes ready in as little as 20 minutes by adding whole or cubed potatoes to cold, salted water and then bringing to a boil!

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 13003 kcal
Course: Side Dish , Lunch , Dinner
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 2-4 pounds sweet potatoes
  • salt optional

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. If boiling whole potatoes, rinse and scrub the potatoes thoroughly to remove any visible dirt and debris. For peeled and cubed sweet potatoes, peel using a vegetable peeler and then cut into 1-2" cubes.
  2. Add potatoes to a large pot and then cover by at least 1-inch of water. Add 1 teaspoon of salt for every pound of potatoes and bring to a boil.
  3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and maintain a rapid simmer. Boil sweet potatoes according to the times below until they are fork tender:For 1-2" cubes: 12 to 15 minutesFor small-medium potatoes: 20-25 minutesFor large whole potatoes: 30-35 minutes*Please note that the total cook time will include an additional ~10 minutes that it took to bring the water to a boil.
  4. Drain sweet potatoes in a colander or remove using a slotted spoon and use in your favorite Mashed Sweet Potatoes, Sweet Potato Pie, or Sweet Potato Casserole recipe.

Notes

  • Water: Make sure you have enough water so the sweet potatoes are covered by at least 1 inch of water. It's best to err on the side of more water rather than not enough.
  • Peeling: If you leave the skin on, it easily peels off once cooled. Just rub it gently with your fingers!
  • For Faster Cooking: If you're short on time, peel the potatoes and cut them into cubes!
  • Even Cooking: Always start in cold water for the best texture—no mushy outsides and firm insides!

Nutrition Information

Calories 130.03kcal (7%) Carbohydrates 30.42g (10%) Protein 2.37g (5%) Fat 0.07g (0%) Saturated Fat 0.03g (0%) Sodium 83.16mg (3%) Potassium 509.54mg (15%) Fiber 4.54g (18%) Sugar 6.32g (13%) Vitamin A 21450.39IU (429%) Vitamin C 3.63mg (4%) Calcium 45.36mg (5%) Iron 0.92mg (5%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 13003

% Daily Value*

Calories 130.03kcal 7%
Carbohydrates 30.42g 10%
Protein 2.37g 5%
Fat 0.07g 0%
Saturated Fat 0.03g 0%
Sodium 83.16mg 3%
Potassium 509.54mg 11%
Fiber 4.54g 18%
Sugar 6.32g 13%
Vitamin A 21450.39IU 429%
Vitamin C 3.63mg 4%
Calcium 45.36mg 5%
Iron 0.92mg 5%

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