Frequently asked questions
More potato recipes
These basic potatoes are one in a long list of great potato recipes! Here are some of our favorite ways to use everyone’s favorite spud: All you need to know is the best variety of spud and the formula for how long to boil potatoes. These were so good Alex and I couldn’t stop sneaking them from the pot! (Really.)
Waxy potatoes hold their shape when boiled because they’re low in starch. The texture when boiled is buttery and the flavor is almost sweet. Avoid starchy potatoes for boiled potatoes, since they fall apart. Russet potatoes are large with dark brown, rough skin. They have a fluffy texture when cooked as a baked potato, but they fall apart when boiled. Use them only if you’re planning to boil potatoes as part of making mashed potatoes.
Chopped potatoes take 12 to 18 minutes to boil, when dropped into the water. The exact timing depends on the size of pieces and type of potato. Test whether the potato is cooked by pricking it with a fork to see if it is tender.
Start a large pot of salted water to a boil. Use 1 tablespoon kosher salt. It’s easiest to boil the water first, then add the potatoes (instead of starting with potatoes and water in the pot). Add the potatoes and boil 15 to 20 minutes. Gently add them to avoid splashes of hot water! Test if they are tender by piercing with a fork. Drain and season. Add salted butter or olive oil, salt and pepper. If desired, add fresh herbs like chives, thyme or oregano.
Salted butter or olive oil Fresh chives Thyme or oregano Basil or parsley Tarragon or dill Finely diced shallots Sour cream Bacon
Salmon like Creamy Tuscan Salmon, Baked Salmon, Pecan Crusted Salmon, Cajun Salmon, or Quick Broiled Salmon Chicken like Chicken Piccata, Easy Pan Fried Chicken Thighs, Baked Chicken Breast, Baked Chicken Thighs, or Lemon Garlic Chicken Shrimp like Easy Cajun Shrimp, Easy Baked Shrimp, or Perfect Sauteed Shrimp Vegetarian or vegan mains like Ratatouille, Vegan Meatballs, Vegan Crab Cakes, Spinach Frittata, or Easy BBQ Tofu
Mashed potatoes like Mashed Potatoes, Horseradish Mashed Potatoes, or Garlic Mashed Potatoes. Roasted smashed potatoes like Roasted Smashed Potatoes. Potato salad like French Potato Salad, Classic Potato Salad, or Dill Potato Salad.
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Try addictingly good Parmesan Potato Wedges Fire up the oven for Classic Roasted Potatoes or Roasted Mini Potatoes Mix up a batch of Ultimate Baked French Fries or Steak Fries Steam up some Steamed Potatoes Bake a Classic Baked Potato Grab a bowl of Loaded Potato Soup Load up on Pan Fried Potatoes
