How to Cook Potatoes

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Potatoes might be one of the world's most versatile foods. They're inexpensive, flavorful, nutritious, and you can cook them in hundreds of ways. To get you started with cooking potatoes, try roasting them in the oven with salt. If you'd like soft potatoes that you can mash, boil them in salted water until they're tender. For another quick cooking method, fry the potatoes in a skillet so they become brown and crispy.

Ingredients

Oven-Roasted Potatoes

  • 3 pounds (1.4 kg) of potatoes
  • 1 ⁄ 4 cup (59 ml) of olive oil
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons (8 g) of kosher salt

Makes 8 servings

Simple Boiled Potatoes

  • 1 pound (0.45 kg) of potatoes
  • 1 teaspoon (5.5 g) of salt
  • Salt and pepper for serving

Makes 4 servings

Crispy Pan-Fried Potatoes

  • 5 or 6 medium-sized potatoes
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons (28 to 42 g) of butter
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Makes 6 to 8 servings

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Making Oven-Roasted Potatoes

PDF download Download Article
  1. Get out 3 pounds (1.4 kg) of potatoes and rinse them well. If there are patches of dirt, take a produce brush and gently scrub the potatoes to remove the dirt. [1]
    • You can roast any type of potato. Floury potatoes, such as Russets, will have light, fluffy centers after roasting while waxy potatoes, such as yellow or red potatoes, have a rich, deep flavor.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Potatoes
    Take a sharp knife and carefully cut each potato in half. If you're preparing new potatoes that are small , you might not need to cut them further. For larger potatoes, continue to cut the potatoes until they're in even 1 inch (2.5 cm) pieces. [2]
    • For very tender potatoes, peel them before you cut them.
    • If you'd like to make fancy Hasselback-style potatoes, keep the potatoes whole but make thin slices across the surface of each potato. They'll fan out and become crisp as you roast the potatoes.

    Tip: Don't cut the potatoes if you'd like to make classic baked potatoes. Instead, leave them whole and roast them for 50 to 60 minutes.

    Advertisement
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Potatoes
    Transfer the potato pieces to a large mixing bowl and pour 1 ⁄ 4 cup (59 ml) of olive oil over them. Add 1 1/2 teaspoons (8 g) of kosher salt and 1 teaspoon (2 g) of freshly ground black pepper. Then, mix in another seasoning if you'd like a distinctive flavor. Try adding 1 of the following: [3]
    • 2 tablespoons (17 g) of minced garlic
    • 1 teaspoon (2 g) of curry powder
    • 1 tablespoon (6 g) of garlic powder
    • 1 tablespoon (6 g) of smoked paprika
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Potatoes
    Scoop the seasoned potato pieces onto a rimmed baking sheet or pan. Arrange the potatoes so they're in a single layer. This ensures that the potatoes cook evenly and become crisp on the sides. [4]
    • For easier cleanup, lay a sheet of parchment paper on the sheet before you spread the potatoes on it.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Potatoes
    Let the potatoes roast without moving them around on the pan. This helps them develop a good crust on 1 side. Then, put on an oven mitt and use a spatula to carefully flip the potato pieces over. [5]
    • You'll hear the potatoes sizzle as they release moisture in the hot oven.
  6. Leave the potatoes to roast until they're browned and completely tender. To test if the potatoes are done, insert a fork, knife, or skewer into the center of a potato piece. It should slide in and out easily if the potato is finished cooking. [6]
  7. Turn off the oven and carefully take the baking sheet out of the oven. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons (7.5 g) of freshly minced parsley over the potatoes and serve them while they're still hot. [7]
    • Substitute your favorite fresh herbs for the parsley. Use finely minced rosemary, sage, or oregano, for instance.
    • You can refrigerate leftover potatoes in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

    Tip: If you'd like a creamy topping for the potatoes, sprinkle enough freshly grated parmesan or cheddar cheese to cover the potatoes. The cheese will melt from the heat of the potatoes.

    8. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Making Simple Boiled Potatoes

PDF download Download Article
  1. Rinse the potatoes under cold water and use a scrub brush to gently remove any dirt. Then, peel the potatoes with a vegetable peeler if you want tender, boiled potatoes or if you'll be mashing them by hand. [8]
    • Use any type of potato that you like. You might use floury potatoes, such as Russets, for fluffy potatoes or waxy potatoes, such as yellow or red potatoes, for deeper flavor.
  2. Decide if you'd like to boil the potatoes whole or cut them into pieces. You might want to chop them if you're boiling potatoes for potato salad or if you're working with large potatoes. [9]
    • Keep in mind that large whole potatoes take longer to boil than potato cubes.
    • You can save time by leaving the skins on potatoes if you'll be passing them through a ricer or food mill.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Potatoes
    Transfer the whole or chopped potatoes to a large pot and pour in enough cold water to cover the potatoes by at least 1 inch (2.5 cm). Set the pot on the stove. [10]
    • It's important to use cold water so the potatoes cook evenly. If you use hot water, the outside of the potatoes will cook faster and could develop a gluey texture.

    Tip: If you're making soup, you can place the potato pieces directly in the soup or broth. Simmer the potatoes in the liquid until they're tender.

  4. Stir the salt until it dissolves in the water. Then, keep the lid off of the pot and turn the burner to high. Heat the water until it begins to boil vigorously. [11]
    • For even more flavor, you could add a halved head of garlic and 1 bay leaf to the water or cook the potatoes in chicken stock.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Potatoes
    Once the water is boiling, turn the burner down to medium so it bubbles gently. Cook the potatoes until they're completely tender. To test if they're done, insert a skewer or fork into the middle of a potato to see if it comes out easily. [12]
    • The amount of time this takes depends on the size of the potatoes or pieces. Potato cubes that are around 1 inch (2.5 cm) will take closer to 15 minutes to cook while whole potatoes will take more like 25 minutes.
    • There's no need to stir the potatoes as they simmer.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Potatoes
    Set a colander in the sink and wear oven mitts to hold the pot of potatoes. Slowly pour the potatoes into the colander so the hot water drains. Then, transfer them to a serving or mixing bowl. [13]
    • If you're only boiling a few potatoes, you could scoop them out of the pot with a slotted spoon instead.
    • Boiled potato can be canned and preserved for future use.
  7. To simply serve the boiled potatoes, toss them gently with a little butter and salt. For a smooth side dish, mash the potatoes with a potato masher or pass them through a ricer. Then, stir milk or cream into the potatoes to make homemade mashed potatoes. [14]
    • You could also chill the potatoes and make potato salad with them.
    • Boiled potatoes last for up to 5 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

    Tip: For loaded mashed potatoes, stir crispy bacon bits into the mashed potatoes along with cheddar cheese and chopped chives.

    8. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Making Crispy Pan-Fried Potatoes

PDF download Download Article
  1. Scrub 5 or 6 medium-sized potatoes under cold water to remove dirt. Then, dry them completely using a kitchen or paper towel. It's important to remove excess moisture so the potatoes fry instead of steam. [15]
    • Use your favorite type of potatoes. If you use large Russets, you might only need 2 or 3 potatoes since they're larger than most yellow or red potatoes.
  2. For a heartier texture, keep the peels on the potatoes. If you prefer, you could peel the potatoes so they become extra crispy and light. [16]
    • Although you can leave the peels on any type of potato, yellow or red potatoes have thinner skins so they fry up crispier than floury potatoes.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Potatoes
    To make hashbrown-style potatoes, shred the potatoes against the coarse side of a box grater. If you prefer, use a knife or mandoline to slice the potatoes into 1 ⁄ 4 inch (0.64 cm) thick pieces. You could also cut the potatoes into cubes that are about 1 ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm) wide. [17]
    • Use caution when slicing with a mandoline since it's easy to cut yourself on the sharp blade.

    Tip: If you'd like to make classic french fries , slice the potatoes into long, thin sticks and deep fry them on the stove until they're crispy.

  4. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Potatoes
    Put 2 to 3 tablespoons (28 to 42 g) of butter into the skillet and turn the burner to medium. Let the butter melt completely and tilt the pan so the butter coats the bottom. [18]
    • You can also fry diced bell peppers or mushrooms along with the potatoes for a hearty breakfast.

    Tip: If you'd like to fry the onions with the potatoes, add 1/2 of a diced onion to the skillet when you melt the butter. Cook the onion for 5 to 10 minutes before you add the potatoes.

  5. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Potatoes
    Arrange the potatoes in the skillet so they're evenly spread over the bottom. Then, sprinkle as much salt and pepper as you like over them. [19]
    • If you'd like to double this recipe, cook the potatoes in batches.
    • You could season the potatoes with garlic salt or onion powder according to your taste.
  6. Put the lid on the skillet and cook the potatoes until they become tender. Wear oven mitts to take the lid off and stir the potatoes every 3 to 5 minutes so they cook evenly. [20]
    • Use a flat spatula or spoon to stir the potatoes.
  7. Take the lid off of the skillet once the potatoes have softened. Cook them until they're as crisp on the outside as you like. Then, turn off the burner and season the potatoes with more salt and pepper. [21]
    • Remember to stir the potatoes frequently so they don't burn on 1 side.
    • Refrigerate the leftover potatoes in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
    8. Advertisement

Video

Read Video Transcript

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    What is the name of potatoes that have been thinly sliced but not all the way through?
    Community Answer
    They are called Hasselback potatoes.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 3 Helpful 10
  • Question
    What do you mean by between 15 and 25 minutes when making simple boiled potatoes?
    Linnie
    Top Answerer
    The size of the potatoes influences the amount of time they should be cooked. If you cut the potatoes into smaller pieces, they may cook in 15 minutes, while whole potatoes may take 25 minutes to cook.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 2
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • Avoid cutting the potatoes in advance of cooking them since they'll turn brown within a few hours.
        Thanks
        Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0
      • To speed up cooking time, cut your potatoes into smaller pieces. These will roast, boil, or fry faster than large chunks or whole potatoes.
        Thanks
        Helpful 1 Not Helpful 1
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Things You'll Need

      Garlic Roasted Potatoes

      • Measuring cups and spoons
      • Bowl
      • Knife and cutting board
      • Rimmed baking sheet or pan
      • Oven mitts
      • Spoon
      • Spatula
      • Vegetable peeler, optional

      Simple Boiled Potatoes

      • Large pot
      • Colander or strainer
      • Knife and cutting board, optional
      • Vegetable peeler, optional

      Crispy Pan-Fried Potatoes

      • Knife and cutting board
      • Deep skillet
      • Spatula
      • Vegetable peeler, optional

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Make Baked, Roasted, or Mashed Potatoes in the Microwave
      How to
      Parboil Potatoes Perfectly Every Time
      How to
      Prepare Instant Mashed Potatoes Using a Stove or Microwave
      How to
      Fix Gluey Mashed Potatoes
      How to
      Cook a Sweet Potato in the Microwave: Quick & Simple Recipes
      How to
      Store Cut Sweet Potatoes
      How to
      Blanch Potatoes
      Do You Have to Peel Potatoes? When to Peel & When Not To
      How to
      Make Gratin Dauphinoise Without Cream
      How to
      Cook Sweet Potatoes
      How to
      Boil Potatoes in the Microwave
      How to
      Bake Russet Potatoes
      Super Simple & Delicious Microwave Baked Potato Recipe
      How to
      Boil Potatoes
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/garlic-roasted-potatoes-recipe-1913067
      2. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-bake-a-potato-in-the-oven-165615
      3. ↑ https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/garlic-roasted-potatoes-recipe-1913067
      4. ↑ https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/garlic-roasted-potatoes-recipe-1913067
      5. ↑ https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/garlic-roasted-potatoes-recipe-1913067
      6. ↑ https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/garlic-roasted-potatoes-recipe-1913067
      7. ↑ https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/18324/roast-potatoes/
      8. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-boil-potatoes-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-64716
      9. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/recipes/how-to/cooking-basics/how-to-boil-potatoes/
      1. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-boil-potatoes-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-64716
      2. ↑ https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/boiled-potatoes-with-butter-recipe-1944015
      3. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-boil-potatoes-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-64716
      4. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-boil-potatoes-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-64716
      5. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/mashed-potatoes-recipe-180434
      6. ↑ https://www.food.com/recipe/pan-fried-potatoes-with-paprika-and-lemon-191110
      7. ↑ https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/229620/butter-fried-potatoes/
      8. ↑ https://www.food.com/recipe/pan-fried-potatoes-with-paprika-and-lemon-191110
      9. ↑ https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/229620/butter-fried-potatoes/
      10. ↑ https://www.food.com/recipe/pan-fried-potatoes-with-paprika-and-lemon-191110
      11. ↑ https://www.food.com/recipe/pan-fried-potatoes-with-paprika-and-lemon-191110
      12. ↑ https://www.food.com/recipe/pan-fried-potatoes-with-paprika-and-lemon-191110

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To bake a potato, coat a scrubbed potato with a little oil and bake it at 400ºF (200°C) for about an hour. To make a ""baked"" potato in your microwave, first use a fork to poke several holes in a scrubbed potato. Microwave it in a microwave-safe dish for about 2 minutes. To boil potatoes, you can simply add peeled or scrubbed potatoes to a pot of boiling water. Whole potatoes will take about 40 minutes to cook, while diced potatoes will only take about 12 minutes.

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 162,878 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Anonymous

        Aug 19, 2017

        "Found a couple of new ways to prepare potatoes and some great recipes. "
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement