Russet potatoes are a starchy variety of potato. They have rough, brown skin covering creamy, white flesh. They are one of the most popular potatoes in grocery stores, because they are versatile, easy to cook and taste great.
Their light, fluffy texture makes them a nice choice for both mashing and baking. You can also boil russet potatoes, either partially before finishing them off in the oven or fryer, or until tender if you plan to mash them.
Once you know how long to boil russet potatoes, you can use them in a variety of recipes, such as:
- Potato salad
- Mashed potatoes
- Roasted potatoes
- French fries and home fries
- Soups
- Wedges
- …and more
This type of potato is not suitable if you want to make potato chips, because they turn an unappetizing dark color. They are also not the best option if you want firm potatoes that hold their shape when tender.
Why Choose Russet Potatoes
Russet potatoes are a good source of carbohydrates, and they also offer vitamins B6 and C, calcium, sodium and potassium.
Additionally, they are also a cheap and filling option and pair perfectly with many different types of meat, poultry, fish or other dishes. Their neutral flavor means they can take on all kinds of flavors and can be used in plain or spicy dishes and in just about every cuisine.
Although most potatoes can be traced back to South America, a Vermont farmer is credited with breeding russet potatoes, back in 1872. They are mostly grown in Idaho these days, which is why they are also known as Idaho potatoes, and peak season is between August and the middle of September.
Boiling is not the only way to cook russet potatoes, but you can partially cook them before finishing them off in the oven. You can also boil these potatoes until tender and then mash with butter, cream or milk, and your preferred seasonings.
This variety of potato is also perfect for baking, because the inside is fluffy and soft and wonderful when mashed with butter and salt and filled with sour cream, green onions, cheese and even bacon. You can boil a whole russet potato in water until it is nearly tender, then finish it off in the oven to cut down total cooking time.
Boiling Russet Potatoes Step by Step
- Peel the potatoes using a vegetable peeler, then slice or chop into pieces.
- Put them in a large pot and cover with cold water.
- Bring to a boil, adding a generous pinch of salt.
- Turn the heat down to a simmer and cook the potatoes until tender.
- Drain the potatoes and then proceed with your recipe.
How Long to Boil Russet Potatoes
The exact boiling time of russet potatoes depends on how small you chop them. The figures below are a good guideline, but check on the potatoes as they cook, in case they need less or more time.
If they are done before the rest of the meal is finished, you can drain them and keep them in the pot with the lid on – they will stay hot for up to 30 minutes.
| Small (½-inch) pieces | 10 – 12 minutes |
| Medium (1-inch pieces) | 12 – 15 minutes |
| Large (2-inch pieces) | 15 – 20 minutes |
| Whole potatoes | 25 – 45 minutes |
How to Tell When Russet Potatoes are Cooked
The easiest way to tell when your potatoes are done is to try to pierce one using a fork or sharp knife:
| Can not pierce the potato at all | Still raw |
| Can pierce it with some resistance | Not quite done |
| Can pierce it easily | Fully cooked |
| Falls apart when pierced | Overcooked (but still good to mash) |
Tips for the Best Boiled Russet Potatoes
- The smaller you chop the raw russet potatoes, the faster they will become tender when boiled – this is handy to know if you are in a hurry.
- The best way to choose russet potatoes is to give them a squeeze in the grocery store. If they are firm, they should be good. If they are soft and squishy, they are past their prime and not the best choice.
- If you are not going to immediately cook them all, it is useful to know that russet potatoes will stay fresh for 4 or even 5 weeks, if kept somewhere dark, cool and dry, such as the pantry or basement.
- If you can not find russet potatoes, a good substitute would be Yellow Finn or Yukon Gold.
Three Mouthwatering Ideas for Boiled Russet Potatoes
- Just because russet potatoes are starchy and do not hold their shape well does not mean you cannot use them for potato salad. Once boiled to tenderness and drained, you can stir in either mayonnaise or olive oil and vinegar, along with salt, pepper and perhaps some chives or dill weed, and then shake the pan vigorously. You will end up with an unusual, soft-textured potato salad.
- Russet potatoes are not the only vegetable you can mash. To add extra dimension to your mashed potatoes, boil a combination of russet potatoes and cauliflower, rutabaga, onion, kale or any other vegetable, then mash everything together. Sweet potatoes can be boiled with russet potatoes to make a sweeter mashed potato recipe.
- Russet potatoes are the most popular choice for making French fries, because they crisp perfectly on the outside while staying soft and fluffy in the middle. You can also make wedges with them, or roasted potatoes, because the fluffy interior is so delicious and they crisp beautifully on the outside.
How Long to Boil Frozen Cooked Russet Potatoes
If you have frozen some cooked russet potatoes, cook them from frozen or let them thaw first. Freezing does change the texture of the potatoes, so they will be softer and fall apart easily, which is fine if you plan to mash them but not so good if you want them to hold their shape.
In Conclusion
Knowing how long to boil russet potatoes means you can always cook this nutritious vegetable and prepare the most delicious side dish, soup, stew or anything else you wish to make with them. Russet potatoes are versatile, tasty and naturally gluten-free.
