How to Boil Potatoes

Boil and parboil potatoes like a pro! These tips and tricks will ensure you get the perfect boiled potato every time!

What Potatoes To Use?

The type of potato you use will depend on what you are going to use the boiled potato for. Some potatoes are better in potato salads, while others are best used for mashing. There are three main types of potatoes you need to know, but make sure you also check out this post that shares more about the different types of potatoes you’ll want to use for popular recipes.

• High starch potatoes (or floury potatoes), such as russet potatoes, are ideal for boiling and mashing. Russets will break down easily when boiled.
• Medium starch or all-purpose potatoes, like Yukon Gold, are perfect for boiling to use in potato salads or adding to soups as they don’t fall apart as easily.
• Low starch potatoes (or waxy potatoes), such as red or fingerling potatoes (my personal favorite), are perfect for boiling to use in potato salads, roasted, fried or as a side dish served with butter and parsley because they don’t break down as easily and keep their shape.

Whole Or Cubed Potatoes?

Again, this depends on the type of potato you are using and for what purpose. Low starch potatoes such as red or new potatoes boil better when cubed, as they hold their shape, whereas high starch potatoes boil better whole as they become water logged and mushy if cut.

If cubing your potatoes, make sure they are cut to size as evenly as possible. This will ensure a consistent cooking time.

If you are cooking your potatoes whole, aim to have potatoes that are also evenly-sized. If some are smaller, you may have to remove them sooner because they cook quicker.

Skin On Or Off?

You can do either! As long as you’ve cleaned your potatoes thoroughly, it’s a personal preference. Boiling potatoes with the skin on, however, will help keep the potatoes together better.

Just note that it’s easier to remove the skin post cooking while the potatoes are still hot.

How To Boil Potatoes

Now down to the nitty gritty!

• The best method for boiling potatoes is to use cold water and season the water with salt. Put the potatoes in a sauce pan and fill it with just enough water to cover the potatoes. Bring to a boil, and simmer with the lid off until potatoes are ready.
• There is no reason to stir the potatoes while they are boiling.
• The cooking time will vary depending on the type of potatoes you use and whether they are whole or cubed potatoes.
• My all-time favorite potatoes to boil whole are fingerling potatoes because they are small, easy to eat, and are so delicious with parsley and butter.
• Generally, an easy way to know if they are boiled enough is to take a potato and pierce it with a knife, skewer, or fork. If the utensil easily goes into the potato with little resistance, they should be done.
• Test every 3-5 minutes to ensure they are not over or undercooked.

How Long To Boil Potatoes

If the potatoes are whole, it’s not easy to give an exact amount of time. It depends on the size and type of the potato. However, here are some guidelines…

Once you’ve combined the potatoes with cold water and added salt and brought it all up to a boil while covered, and then you have dropped the temperature down to a simmer and have the pot uncovered, this is how long to cook the potatoes for:

Size of Potato	Simmering Time
Whole large baking-style potatoes	15-20 minutes
Whole medium potatoes	12-15 minutes
Whole small to medium potatoes	10-12 minutes
Whole small potatoes	8-10 minutes
2-inch cubed potatoes	12-15 minutes
1-inch cubed potates	10-12 minutes
1/2 inch cubed potatoes	8-10 minutes

Parboiling Potatoes

Parboiling potatoes is the process of partially boiling your potatoes before cooking them again for a second time. There are many advantages to this method, such as evenly cooking the potato and decreased cooking time.

To parboil potatoes, follow the same instructions for fully boiling potatoes, however, reduce cooking time. Your potatoes should not be cooked the whole way through. When testing potatoes, there should be a little resistance with the fork when you pierce the potato.

Once parboiled to the desired doneness, cool your potatoes down entirely to stop the cooking process. I place my potatoes on a baking tray and place them in the freezer to cool. You can alternately drain them and fill the pot with cold water.

Once they’re cooled down, go ahead and use them as you normally would. For example, toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper and roast them for the most beautiful crunchy roasted potatoes.

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This post originally appeared in December 2017 and was revised and republished in March 2024.