If you’re looking for a dish that’s both comforting and effortlessly delicious, this Easy Boiled Potatoes Recipe is an absolute winner. These tender, buttery potatoes make for a perfect side that feels like home with every bite. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe lifts simple ingredients to a new level of satisfying flavor, shining through with classic, fresh touches that transform humble spuds into something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting these potatoes just right relies on a few basic, high-quality ingredients. Each item plays a crucial role, contributing to the texture, seasoning, and rich finish that makes this dish unforgettable.
- 1 1/2 lbs small new potatoes: Choose firm, evenly sized potatoes to ensure consistent cooking.
- 1 Tbsp salt (to salt the water): This seasons the potatoes from within as they boil, enhancing their natural flavor.
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter (melted): Adds a luscious, creamy richness without overpowering the delicate potato taste.
- 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil: Introduces a fruity depth and helps coat the potatoes beautifully.
- 1 tsp kosher salt (or added to taste): For seasoning after cooking, balancing the flavors perfectly.
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper (or added to taste): Gives a subtle spicy warmth that complements the buttery goodness.
- 2 Tbsp finely chopped parsley (optional garnish): Adds a fresh burst of color and herbaceous brightness.
How to Make Easy Boiled Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Start by washing and scrubbing your potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt since these new potatoes often have thin skins perfect for eating. Cut larger ones into halves or quarters so all pieces are roughly the same size — this ensures even cooking, so every bite is perfectly tender all the way through.
Step 2: Boil the Potatoes
Place the potatoes in a pot and cover them with cold water, adding 1 tablespoon of salt. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently. The goal here is to get the potatoes fork tender, which usually takes between 10 to 18 minutes depending on the piece size. This step is key for that creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 3: Drain and Return
Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them well and return them to the warm pot or transfer to a mixing bowl. Keeping them warm at this stage helps the butter and oil absorb better, delivering maximum flavor.
Step 4: Add Butter and Olive Oil
Drizzle the melted butter and extra virgin olive oil evenly over the potatoes. This combination is what brings together luxurious richness and the subtle fruitiness of the olive oil—your potatoes will thank you for this!
Step 5: Season to Perfection
Sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper over the potatoes, tossing gently to combine. Adjust the seasoning to your taste; this simple step makes a huge difference in highlighting the flavors.
Step 6: Garnish and Toss
Finish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of green and a hint of herbal brightness. Give the potatoes a gentle toss to distribute everything evenly. Keep them covered until you’re ready to serve to maintain their lovely warmth.
How to Serve Easy Boiled Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
While parsley is the classic choice that delicately lifts this dish, feel free to experiment with fresh dill, chives, or even a dash of smoked paprika for an extra dimension. These garnishes not only add visual appeal but also introduce complementary flavors that enhance the potatoes’ natural charm.
Side Dishes
Easy boiled potatoes pair brilliantly with just about any main. Think roasted chicken, pan-seared fish, or a hearty beef stew. Their mild flavor and silky texture make them the perfect sidekick, soaking up sauces or providing a gentle contrast to rich and spicy mains.
Creative Ways to Present
For a delightful twist, serve these potatoes warm tossed with garlic butter and toasted almonds, or chill them and mix with a tangy vinaigrette for a refreshing potato salad. Another crowd-pleasing idea is to lightly mash them and press into a skillet, creating crispy potato cakes that are amazing for brunch or dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover boiled potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They stay tender but will firm up a bit, making them perfect for a quick reheat or for tossing into a salad the next day.
Freezing
While freezing boiled potatoes is possible, it’s best to do so only if you plan to use them in cooked dishes like soups or stews. The texture can change slightly upon thawing, becoming a bit grainy. Pack them in freezer-safe bags and use within 2 months for best quality.
Reheating
To bring leftover potatoes back to life, reheat gently in a covered pan over low heat with a touch of butter or oil to prevent drying out. Alternatively, they can be warmed quickly in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel to keep them moist and tender.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of new potatoes?
Absolutely! While new potatoes have a tender skin and creamy texture, you can use any small or medium-sized potatoes. Just adjust the boiling time accordingly; larger or denser potatoes may take a bit longer to become tender.
Should I peel the potatoes before boiling?
New potatoes have thin and delicate skins that soften beautifully during boiling, so peeling isn’t necessary. It adds extra nutrients and texture. If you prefer peeled potatoes, just make sure to handle them gently as they can become mushy.
What can I do if my potatoes fall apart during boiling?
Potatoes that are overcooked or very starchy might fall apart. To avoid this, keep an eye on the cooking time and check frequently with a fork for tenderness. Using waxy or new potatoes helps maintain their structure better during boiling.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Simply omit the butter or substitute it with a plant-based margarine or extra olive oil. The olive oil alone gives plenty of flavor and richness to keep this dish wonderfully satisfying.
How can I add more flavor to this Easy Boiled Potatoes Recipe?
Try tossing the potatoes with minced garlic or shallots after cooking, or sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese just before serving. A squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of smoked paprika can also brighten and deepen the flavor profile beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Boiled Potatoes Recipe is a reminder that sometimes the simplest dishes are the most comforting and rewarding. With just a handful of ingredients and easy steps, you can create a side that elevates any meal with its creamy texture and subtle, savory notes. Give it a try—you might just find this humble potato recipe becoming a beloved staple in your kitchen too!
Print
Easy Boiled Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This easy boiled potatoes recipe offers perfectly tender and flavorful small new potatoes enhanced with butter, olive oil, and a touch of seasoning. Ideal as a simple side dish, it’s quick to prepare and can be garnished with fresh parsley for added color and freshness.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 1 1/2 lbs small new potatoes
Seasoning & Garnish
- 1 Tbsp salt (to salt the boiling water)
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp kosher salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
- 2 Tbsp finely chopped parsley (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt. Cut larger potatoes into halves or quarters so all pieces are of even size for uniform cooking.
- Boil the Potatoes: Place the potatoes in a pot and add 1 tablespoon of salt to water that just covers them. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 10 to 18 minutes depending on size.
- Drain the Potatoes: Drain the cooked potatoes and transfer them back to the pot or into a mixing bowl.
- Add Butter and Oil: Drizzle the melted unsalted butter and extra virgin olive oil over the warm potatoes to give them richness and flavor.
- Season the Potatoes: Sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper over the potatoes, adjusting seasoning to your preference.
- Garnish and Serve: Add finely chopped fresh parsley as an optional garnish and gently toss to combine. Keep the potatoes covered until ready to serve to maintain warmth.
Notes
- Be sure to cut potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Use fresh parsley for the best flavor and color garnish.
- Adjust the salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- If potatoes vary greatly in size, check tenderness earlier to avoid overcooking.
- This recipe works well with any small waxy potatoes like fingerlings or new potatoes.
