Boiled potato timing chart

How to boil potatoes properly

The best method is simple: cut the potatoes evenly, start them in cold salted water, simmer gently, and test the largest piece before draining. Even pieces matter more than the exact size of the pan.

1. Scrub the potatoes and peel them only if the recipe needs it.
2. Cut large potatoes into even chunks. Halve small new potatoes only if they are much bigger than the others.
3. Put the potatoes in a pan and cover them with cold water by about 2 cm.
4. Add salt, then bring the pan to a boil.
5. Reduce to a steady simmer so the potatoes cook without breaking apart.
6. Start checking early with a knife or fork.
7. Drain well and let the potatoes steam dry for 1-2 minutes.

How long to boil potatoes for mash

For mashed potatoes, cut peeled potatoes into even chunks and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. They should feel very tender all the way through. If the centre is still firm, the mash can turn lumpy.

After draining, let the potatoes steam dry briefly before adding butter, milk, cream or seasoning. That small pause helps stop watery mash.

How long to boil new potatoes

New potatoes usually take 12 to 15 minutes. Keep the skins on, start them in cold water, and test the largest potato in the pan. If some are much bigger than others, cut the larger ones in half.

How long to boil potatoes before roasting

For roast potatoes, parboil peeled chunks for about 8 to 10 minutes. You want the outside to soften so it roughs up in the colander, but the middle should not collapse. Those rough edges are what turn crisp in the oven.

Common mistakes

• Starting with boiling water: the outside can cook before the centre.
• Cutting uneven chunks: small pieces break up while large pieces stay hard.
• Boiling too hard: a rolling boil can make potatoes split and go waterlogged.
• Skipping the steam-dry step: drained potatoes need a minute to lose surface moisture.

What to read next

For more simple kitchen timing guides, see how long to boil broccoli, how long to steam broccoli, and the Practical Guides hub. If you are batch cooking, the cheese freezing guide is another useful food-storage reference.

Final answer

For most everyday meals, boil potato chunks for 15 to 20 minutes. Small new potatoes take around 12 to 15 minutes. If you are boiling potatoes before roasting, parboil them for 8 to 10 minutes, then drain and rough up the edges before they go into the oven.