Whether you’re prepping potato salad or pierogi, perfectly boiled potatoes will make your dish shine.
Emily Laurae
Boiling potatoes couldn’t be easier.
It just takes potatoes, water, and lots of salt.

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It’s as easy asmaking pasta, and the tender, perfectly boil potatoes are loaded with possibilities.
you’ve got the option to even use them to make potato chips!
If you have a vegetable brush, now is its time to shine.

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Even if you plan to peel the potatoes, it’s still important to scrub them clean before proceeding.
Then, proceed with boiling potatoes.
Smaller potatoes, like new potatoes, may just be halved.

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How Do You Know When Potatoes Are Boiled?
If you get resistance, boil for another few minutes and check again.
How Long To Boil Potatoes
Start checking the boiling potato pieces at the 10-minute mark.

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Check larger potato pieces or whole small potatoes (like fingerling potatoes or new potatoes) after 15 minutes.
That will help you gauge how quickly they’re cooking and how much more time you need.
Also, consider what the final texture will be.

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For a dish like mashed potatoes, more tender potatoes will work.
But for something like potato salad, you may want the potatoes to be a little more firm.
Otherwise, for hot dishes, proceed with your recipe.

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Peel potatoes (optional):
Peel potatoes with a vegetable peeler if you desire.
Add a big pinch of salt.
Boil potatoes:
Bring the water to a boil, and cook for 10-12 minutes.

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(Larger pieces will require longer cooking times.)
If the fork easily pierces the center of the potato, they are done.
If it meets resistance, boil for another 2 minutes, and check again.

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Drain potatoes:
Drain boiled potatoes in a colander.
Use as needed for your recipe.

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