Perhaps the easiest way to cook potatoes, my handy guide makes boiling potatoes quick, easy, and delicious. Learn how to boil potatoes, how long to boil potatoes and lots of helpful tips.
Prep Time5 minutesmins
Cook Time (varies depending on size)30 minutesmins
Put the potatoes in a bowl or a colander and clean them with a vegetable brush and cold water. Scrub well to remove any dirt, then rinse again.
How to Boil Cubed Potatoes
Clean the potatoes, then peel them.
Cut the potatoes into 1-inch cubes. While chopping, keep the cubes in a large bowl of cold water.
Place the potato chunks in a large saucepan and add cold water and salt. If you want to preserve their shape, add a little vinegar (1-2 tsp).
Bring them to boil over medium heat, then reduce to medium-low and cook for around 15 minutes. Drain the potatoes well. Enjoy (they are great in a potato salad).
How to Boil and Peel Whole Potatoes
Clean the potatoes well. There's no need to peel them in advance as they are easy to peel once cooked. However, if preferred, peel them now.
Place in a large pot, and cover with cold water. Add the salt. Bring the potatoes and water to a boil over medium-high heat (this might take 10-15 minutes), then reduce to medium-low and simmer till fork-tender. Different varieties and sizes of potatoes will have different cooking times:- New or small potatoes (around 1oz/30g each) – once boiling, cook for 15 minutes.- Medium potatoes (around 3.9oz/110g) – once boiling, cook for 25-30 minutes.- Large potatoes (around 8oz/225g each) – cook for 40 minutes once boiling.Once cooked, drain the potatoes, peel or leave the skin (it comes off easily with a paring knife), and enjoy.
How to Boil Potatoes for Mashed Potatoes
Clean the potatoes well. Personally, I don't peel and chop them.
Place in a pot, cover with cold water, and add salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce to medium-low and cook for 40-45 minutes.
Once cooked, you need to mash them with a potato masher or ricer and add butter and cream. For more tips, check out my Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe.
Storage Instructions
Store: Any leftovers can be stored in an air-tight container in the fridge for 3 days.Freeze: flash freeze on a tray without the potatoes touching, then place in an airtight freezer bag. Keep in the freezer for about 3 months. Reheat: These potatoes are best reheated in the oven or in the microwave for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Always use cold water and bring it to a boil together with the potatoes. Use 1 tsp salt per pound of potatoes. Cook the potatoes uncovered. Be sure to add plenty of water, to begin with, and, if needed, add a bit more boiling water during cooking.Instant Pot Method: Clean the potatoes then place them in the instant pot on top of the trivet with a cup of water. Pressure cook on steam mode at HIGH pressure for 10 minutes. For medium potatoes, cook for 8 minutes, and for large, cook for 15 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally. Microwave Method: Place two whole large potatoes, with the skin still on, on the microwave turntable. Place a glass of water in the center to stop them from getting wrinkled. Microwave on HIGH for 7 minutes or till cooked. Remove and peel.Check the blog post for more tips and answers to top FAQs!