Boiled Small Baby Potatoes Recipe – Easy And Simple

Boiled small potatoes are a quick and easy side dish that pairs perfectly with just about any meal! With no peeling or chopping required, these tender and fluffy baby potatoes come together in just 20 minutes. Whether you enjoy them plain or toss them with butter and seasonings, they’re sure to be a hit at your dinner table.

Why You’ll Love Boiled Small Potatoes

• Super easy to make: This recipe requires minimal prep – no peeling or chopping! Just wash the potatoes, boil, and they’re ready to serve.
• Quick cooking time: In just 20 minutes, you’ll have perfectly tender, fluffy potatoes that can be served as a side dish for any meal.
• Customizable flavor: You can enjoy the boiled potatoes as-is or add butter, herbs, or your favorite seasonings to elevate the flavor.
• Healthy and wholesome: Small potatoes are naturally gluten-free, vegan, and packed with nutrients, making them a guilt-free addition to your meal.
• Versatile side dish: These boiled potatoes pair well with a variety of main dishes like grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad, making them a great go-to option for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs small baby potatoes – Small potatoes cook quickly and have a tender, fluffy interior that makes them ideal for boiling.
• Water – Enough to cover the potatoes in the pot for even cooking.
• Salt, to taste – Enhances the natural flavor of the potatoes. Add as little or as much as you prefer.
• Butter for serving (optional) – Adds richness and a creamy texture to the boiled potatoes if desired.

See the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Boiled Small Potatoes

• Pot – A medium-sized pot is needed to boil the potatoes.
• Colander – Used to wash the potatoes and to strain them once boiled.
• Fork – To check if the potatoes are tender by piercing them.
• Slotted spoon – Helps to remove the potatoes from the water without straining.
• Measuring spoons – For adding salt to taste and any optional seasonings.

How To Make Boiled Baby Potatoes

• Start by washing the small potatoes thoroughly in a colander under cold water.
• Bring a pot of water to a boil, adding salt to taste.
• Carefully add the washed small potatoes to the boiling water.
• Let the potatoes cook for about 20 minutes or until they are tender. You can check by piercing the thickest potato with a fork; it should go in easily.
• Once cooked, turn off the heat and remove the potatoes. You can strain them using a colander or take them out with a slotted spoon.
• Serve the boiled potatoes hot. You can toss them with butter or add any additional seasonings to enhance the flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Toss the boiled small potatoes with melted butter and fresh herbs like parsley or chives for an extra burst of flavor.
• Serve alongside grilled chicken, steak, or fish for a simple and delicious meal.
• Pair with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for a light and wholesome vegetarian option.
• Add a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt for a healthy, flavorful side dish.
• For a fun twist, top the boiled potatoes with shredded cheese and pop them in the oven for a few minutes to melt the cheese.

Tips For Success

• Choose evenly sized potatoes: When selecting your small potatoes, try to pick ones that are roughly the same size to ensure they cook evenly. This way, all the potatoes will be tender and ready at the same time.
• No need to peel: The skin of small potatoes is thin and full of nutrients, so there’s no need to peel them. Leaving the skin on adds texture and extra flavor.
• Don’t overcook: Keep an eye on the potatoes as they boil. Small potatoes generally take about 20 minutes to cook, but the exact time may vary based on size. Test for doneness by piercing the thickest potato with a fork—if it slides in easily, they’re ready.
• Season while boiling: Adding salt to the boiling water enhances the flavor of the potatoes from the inside out. You can adjust the amount of salt depending on your taste preference.
• Add seasoning after cooking: While these potatoes are delicious on their own, feel free to add butter, olive oil, or any seasonings like garlic powder, black pepper, or fresh herbs after boiling to customize the flavor.
• Reheating tips: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to eat, you can quickly reheat them in the microwave or sauté them in a skillet for a crispy exterior.

Variations And Substitutions

• Herb-Infused Potatoes: Add fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or dill to the boiling water for a subtle, herb-infused flavor. You can also toss the boiled potatoes with these herbs afterward for a more intense taste.
• Garlic Butter Potatoes: For a richer and more savory dish, melt some butter and mix it with freshly minced garlic. Toss the boiled potatoes in this garlic butter for a flavorful side dish.
• Spicy Potatoes: Add a kick to your boiled potatoes by sprinkling them with cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or red pepper flakes. This works especially well if you’re serving them with grilled meats or BBQ dishes.
• Cheesy Potatoes: After boiling, place the potatoes in a baking dish, sprinkle them with shredded cheese (like cheddar or Parmesan), and place them under the broiler for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Lemon Potatoes: For a fresh and tangy variation, toss the boiled potatoes with olive oil, lemon juice, and a bit of lemon zest. Add some chopped parsley for a bright and refreshing flavor.
• Different Potato Varieties: If you don’t have small potatoes on hand, you can use baby red potatoes, fingerling potatoes, or even larger Yukon Gold potatoes cut into smaller chunks.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover boiled small potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, you can use a microwave for a quick option. Place the potatoes in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat for 1-2 minutes until warm.
• Alternative reheating methods: For a crispier texture, you can sauté the leftover potatoes in a skillet with a little oil or butter over medium heat until they’re heated through and golden on the outside. Another option is to roast them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes, turning halfway through.
• Freezing: While potatoes generally don’t freeze well because of their texture, you can freeze boiled potatoes if necessary. Simply place them in a freezer-safe bag, squeeze out as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw in the fridge and reheat using one of the methods above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use larger potatoes instead of small ones?

Yes, you can use larger potatoes, but you will need to cut them into smaller pieces to ensure even cooking. Keep in mind that larger chunks may require a slightly longer cooking time to become tender.

How long should I boil small potatoes?

The exact time depends on the size of the potatoes – the smaller they are, the quicker they cook.  Average cooking time for boiled baby potatoes is about 20 minutes.  Check potatoes for doneness by piercing with a fork to make sure they are fully cooked.

How do I know when the potatoes are done?

You’ll know the small potatoes are ready when you can easily pierce the thickest one with a fork. The fork should slide in without resistance, indicating that the potato is tender all the way through. If the potatoes are still firm, continue boiling and check every few minutes.

Can I make boiled small potatoes in advance?

Yes, you can boil the potatoes ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in the microwave, in a skillet, or in the oven when ready to serve. This is great if you’re preparing for a big meal and want to save time.

How can I add more flavor to boiled potatoes?

For added flavor, you can season the boiling water with herbs or spices. After boiling, try tossing the potatoes in melted butter, olive oil, or garlic. You can also sprinkle them with fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or dill, or use spices like paprika, black pepper, or even a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavor.

Can I make this recipe vegan and gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free and can easily be made vegan by simply omitting the butter or using a plant-based butter alternative.

Other Easy Potato Recipes

Crispy Skillet Potatoes with Tomatoes | Simple Side Dish: Golden, crispy potatoes cooked with juicy tomatoes make the perfect easy side dish for any meal.

Fried Potatoes with Eggs – Quick Breakfast Recipe: Satisfyingly crispy fried potatoes paired with perfectly cooked eggs for a hearty, easy breakfast.

Oven Roasted Potatoes and Fresh Green Beans: Tender roasted potatoes and green beans make a healthy and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for any dinner.

Air Fryer Crispy Potato Slices Recipe: These air fryer potato slices are crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and seasoned to perfection.

Ranch Seasoned Roasted Potatoes: Oven-roasted potatoes coated in a savory ranch seasoning for a deliciously crispy side dish.

Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe: This hearty skillet dish combines savory ground beef and tender potatoes for a simple and satisfying one-pan meal.

Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes and Mushrooms: Roasted potatoes and mushrooms cooked to perfection in the air fryer, making an easy and flavorful side dish.

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