How Long To Boil Potatoes For Mashed Potatoes

Last Updated on July 5, 2022 by

Making mashed potatoes is incredibly easy and satisfying. Before you begin mashing, there are a few things to think about. What you should know before cooking mashed potatoes, from picking the best potatoes to how long to boil potatoes for mashed potatoes.

How long to boil potatoes for mashed potatoes is determined based on the medium amounts of starch in potatoes will produce the fluffiest mashed potatoes, but low levels of starch will produce a gummier consistency. Following are normal boiling times:

  • Sweet potatoes and other high-starch potatoes should be boiled for 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Yukon gold potatoes, which have a medium starch, should be cooked for 20 to 25 minutes.
  • Red potatoes and other low-starch potatoes will be finished boiling after 10 to 15 minutes.

Your potatoes’ cooking time will vary depending on their size. Cubed potatoes cook more quickly than whole potatoes, which will take much longer to prepare.

Various Potato Boiling Methods

There are several ways to boil potatoes, with two being the most popular. This method determines how to boil potatoes for mashed potatoes. Both are equally good, so you can pick one or the other according to your preferences or the amount of time you have to boil them. In both cases, we’re going to provide you with a straightforward guide on how to boil them and how long it takes:

Using A Stove To Boil Potatoes

As there is nothing more convenient than using your stove (regardless of the type you have) to boil food, this is the most popular and typical technique to cook potatoes. How to do it is as follows:

  • You must first wash and peel your potatoes as part of the preparation process. 
  • Then, either cut them into smaller pieces or boil them whole. Your preference and the dish you’ll be using them in will determine this.
  • Put them in a pot with water and heat them until it boils.
  • Boiling time for potatoes typically ranges from 10 to 15 minutes. With a fork, poke them occasionally to check on them. They’re ready when they start to feel soft.
  • Drain the potatoes once they have boiled, then add any other ingredients or seasonings as directed by the recipe. 
  • Remove from fire and serve

Using A Microwave To Boil Potatoes

If you’re in a rush or only have a short amount of time to do the task, this is a wonderful method for cooking potatoes. For other people, it’s also much simpler because the microwave is so easy to use, pleasant, and effective. How to do it is as follows:

  • You must first wash and peel your potatoes as part of the preparation process. 
  • Then, either cut them into smaller pieces or boil them whole. Your preference and the dish you’ll be using them in will determine this.
  • To keep them from boiling over, put them in a basin with plenty of water and a spoonful of olive oil.
  • Five minutes in the microwave later, check them. If they aren’t soft enough, microwave them for an additional five minutes before checking.
  • They are prepared for serving when they are soft enough to be pierced by a fork with ease.

How To Prepare Mashed Potatoes by Boiling Potatoes

When you want to create mashed potatoes as a side dish for a meal, this is one of the most common reasons to boil potatoes. Although you may get potato mash from a store, making your own is always preferable because you can customize it to your preferences.

You can put yourself to the test by attempting this recipe for mashed potatoes now that you should be aware of how long to boil potatoes for mashed potatoes and how to do it correctly!

The instructions for making mashed potatoes are as follows:

  • Picking out the potatoes you’re going to utilize. 
  • You might believe that any will work, but using ones that are excellent for mashing will be crucial! Consider Yukon Gold potatoes or other potatoes with a medium starch level.
  • It’s time to prepare your potatoes now that you’ve decided which ones to use. This means cleaning them up by washing and peeling them. 
  • They will be much simpler to mash if you chop them into tiny pieces as well.
  • It’s time to start boiling your potatoes now that they are prepared. 
  • A spoonful of vinegar added to a kettle of water can help the potatoes maintain their original color.
  • The potatoes must next be boiled for roughly 20 minutes. Testing them frequently with a fork is the best method to ensure they are soft. They are ready when a fork can easily pierce them.
  • The water can now be drained from the pot and the heat turned off. Leave the potatoes in the pot, though! (It’s simpler to mix them in there.)
  • Mash the potatoes using a potato masher. If you’ve boiled them for long enough, it should be rather simple, and the mush should emerge looking fluffy and light.
  • Once the mash is prepared, you can add any other ingredients or seasonings. 
  • After that, just serve the mash beside your dinner and savour it!

Can Parboiled Potatoes Be  Mashed?

You can parboil potatoes for mashed potatoes, but I wouldn’t suggest it due to the additional work required. You can prepare mashed potatoes in advance for a large gathering or occasion. Simply prepare them ahead of time and reheat them or keep them on low in a crockpot.

How Can You Tell When It Is Done Boiling And Ready To Be Mashed?

When potatoes are fork-tender, they are finished boiling and prepared for mashing. Try poking a few cooked potato pieces; if the fork easily passes through, your potatoes are done and ready for mashing. A food thermometer can be used to assess the internal temperature as well. Your potatoes are done when the thermometer reaches 212 degrees Fahrenheit.

How Are Potatoes Prepared For Boiling?

Washing your potatoes first is a good idea. Given how filthy potatoes are, this is crucial. If you want the peel to come off, peel them. They should be cubed into 1-2 inch pieces and boiled for 10-15 minutes.

Do You Boil Water Before Adding potatoes?

The potatoes can be added after the water has begun to boil, or you can. The potatoes will boil the same either way, so it’s entirely up to you. If you are adding the potatoes before the water begins to boil, make sure to use cold water. The potatoes will cook more uniformly if you start with cold water.

Should You Cover Potatoes While They Boil?

Leaving the pot’s lid open is a smart idea, at least while the water is getting ready to boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low after the water has fully boiled, cover with the lid, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. The potatoes will cook more quickly and with even heat distribution if you simmer them with the lid on.

Can You Boil Potatoes In Advance For Mashed?

Yes, it is simple to boil potatoes in advance for mash. Drain potatoes completely after cooking them in salted water, then allow them to cool. Cooled potatoes can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days by placing them in an airtight container or a bowl that is tightly covered with plastic wrap.

Warm the potatoes in the microwave for a few minutes before mashing them to remove the chill. You can now add butter, milk, and seasonings to the potatoes to make the ideal mashed potatoes.

How Can You Quickly Boil Potatoes?

Uncooked potato pieces that have been prepped for cooking. There are various techniques you may use to boil potatoes fast if you’re pressed for time. Slice the potatoes into pieces. When potatoes are cut into equal-sized pieces, they cook much more quickly than if they were left whole.

In the microwave, prepare them. Cubed potatoes can be cooked in the microwave in two to three-minute intervals until fork-tender. Just cover the bowl with water.

Get the water on the boil. Bring water to a boil in a teapot. Then, place the cubed potatoes in a pot with boiling water, and cook for about 10 minutes.

Can Potatoes Be Over Boiled?

You probably already know that it’s possible to overcook potatoes when you’re merely going to mash them because you need to keep the potatoes whole yet they end up mushy in recipes like potato salad. Unexpectedly, yeah. Overcooked potatoes absorb a lot of water, resulting in too soupy mashed potatoes when they are boiled for an excessively long time.

Conclusion On How Long To Boil Potatoes For Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes have proven to be one of the most delicious foods, and the best thing about them is that it’s easy to prepare and you don’t have to break a bank before you can prepare very good tasty mashed potatoes.

How long to boil potatoes for mashed potatoes is determined by the type of potato. Choosing the best kind of potato for the job is the first step in perfecting your mashed potato recipe. Knowing how long to boil the potatoes and how to properly mash them will always result in delightfully fluffy and delectable mashed potatoes.