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–+ servings
A large bowl of boiled potatoes garnished with chopped parsley. A napkin, serving spoon, salt, pepper, and plates on the side.
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Boiled Potatoes Recipe

Try these easy Boiled Potatoes if you need a quick and delicious side dish for busy weeknights.
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4 to 6 servings
Calories 219kcal
Author John Kanell

Equipment

  • Medium to large pot 4 to 6 quarts)

Ingredients

  • 1½ pounds small potatoes (yukon gold, red skin, etc.) (675g)
  • 2 teaspoons salt plus more to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper plus more to taste
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Instructions

  • Place the potatoes in a medium pot and cover with about 2 inches of cold water. Add the salt to the pot and place over high heat. Bring to a boil.
  • Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium so that the potatoes are gently simmering. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain the potatoes. (If you like, cut them in half or quarters to create bite-sized pieces.)
  • Return the potatoes to the pot with the olive oil, butter, and black pepper. Stir gently (or shake the pot) to coat the potatoes in the seasoning.
  • Place them in a serving bowl and top with the parsley.

Notes

  • Choose potatoes that are the same size so they cook at the same speed.
  • Clean the potatoes very well. If you aren't peeling the potatoes before cooking, it's essential to wash and scrub the skin very well to remove any dirt and debris.
  • Start with cold water so the whole potato cooks evenly. If you add the potatoes to hot water, the outside will cook before the inside has a chance to become tender.
  • Adjust the cooking time for the size of potato you choose. The cook times in this recipe are for small, whole potatoes that are 1½ to 2 inches in diameter. For smaller or larger potatoes, adjust the cooking time using my guide in the "How Long Does It Take To Boil Potatoes?" section.

Nutrition

Calories: 219kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 1196mg | Potassium: 724mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 176IU | Vitamin C: 35mg | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 1mg