The Best Way to Boil Sweet Potatoes (2024)

Holidays
Thanksgiving

Your boiled sweet potato recipes will turn out great if you follow this method.

Samantha Leffler

Samantha is the senior food editor at RealSimple and previously launched the US Weekly food vertical, where she wrote about the intersection of food and pop culture.

Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines

Updated on September 12, 2023

Medically reviewed by

Kristy Del Coro, MS, RDN, LDN

Boiling With or Without Skin

There is not much difference between boiling sweet potatoes with the skins on versus peeling them, but you will get a boost of fiber and potassium if you keep the skin on. The skin also adds a subtle texture to each bite. If you're looking for a smoother mash, peel the potatoes first before boiling.

Considerations to Prep Sweet Potatoes for Boiling

When you decide to boil sweet potatoes, be mindful of the spuds you buy, as well as how you store them.

Shop for sweet potatoes with smooth skin that is firm when you press it, and avoid any soft spots.
Store them in a cool, dry place for up to one week, and avoid refrigerating them because they will dry out.
If you're making mashed sweet potatoes, it's best to chop the potatoes instead of boiling them whole because it will save you time.
If you opt to cut your sweet potatoes, cut them into similarly sized chunks or cubes so they will cook evenly. Potatoes cut into small pieces will take less time to cook.
Before you place the sweet potatoes in boiling water, add a pinch or two of salt. The salt will add flavor to the final product.
To boil about 4 pounds of chopped sweet potatoes (roughly six sweet potatoes), it will take about 15 to 20 minutes if you start them in cold water.

Yams vs. Sweet Potatoes: Here's the Difference

How to Boil Sweet Potatoes

Now that you know how to prep sweet potatoes for boiling, let’s get started!

Rinse and scrub the sweet potatoes under cold water. For a more nutritious mash, leave the skin on. For a smoother one, peel with a vegetable peeler.
Cut into eighths and place in a large pot. Add enough water to just cover the potatoes, and a pinch of salt.
Boil sweet potatoes for 15 to 20 minutes, until they are tender when pierced with a fork. It will take less time if you cut the sweet potatoes into smaller pieces.
Drain and return to the pot.

Are Potatoes Good for You? We Asked a Nutritionist to Explain

How to Cook With Boiled Sweet Potatoes

Once you’ve boiled sweet potatoes, you can use them in a myriad of ways. Take your boiled spuds and use them to make Sweet Potato Puree or Vanilla Sweet Potato Cheesecake. You can also use the sweet potato cubes to make Sweet Potato Buttermilk Pancakes, Sweet Potato Casserole With Coconut, or Vegetarian Tacos With Sweet Potatoes and Corn.

Was this page helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Tell us why!

FAQs

The Best Way to Boil Sweet Potatoes? ›

Cut into eighths and place in a large pot. Add enough water to just cover the potatoes, and a pinch of salt. Boil sweet potatoes for 15 to 20 minutes, until they are tender when pierced with a fork. It will take less time if you cut the sweet potatoes into smaller pieces.

Get More Info Here ›

Is it better to boil sweet potatoes with skin? ›

Whether you're boiling sweet potatoes whole or cubed, it's important that you start with scrubbing and washing the sweet potatoes first. If you're short on time, I recommend cooking them whole. Plus, boiling sweet potatoes whole with skin is the best way to get perfect texture without overcooking them.

How do you boil sweet potatoes to peel easy? ›

If you cook them and then put them in the fridge or wait until they are cold to peel them, they can be extremely difficult to peel. I boil mine until they are no longer firm in the center when tested with a knife, remove them from the boiling water, rest them just for a minute or two, and then peel.

Read On ›

Why do you need to soak sweet potatoes before cooking? ›

Some recipes for homemade sweet potato fries ask you to soak the fries before cooking. The theory is that soaking draws out starch from inside the potatoes, helping them crisp up.

Can you use water from boiling sweet potatoes? ›

Sweet potatoes are creamy and sweet enough to be made into delicious holiday pies, but they are also surprisingly healthy and nutritious. In addition to this, new research suggests that even the cooking water from sweet potatoes may help with digestion and weight loss.

What happens if you don't soak potatoes? ›

Soaking potatoes in water helps remove excess starch. Excess starch can inhibit the potatoes from cooking evenly as well as creating a gummy or sticky texture on the outside of your potatoes. Cold water is used because hot water would react with the starch activating it, making it harder to separate from the potatoes.

Why is my sweet potato hard after cooking? ›

If the potato is still firm when squeezed, that means it needs to cook more. Baked sweet potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat for 2 minutes in the microwave, at 400°F in the air fryer for 5 minutes, or at 400°F in the oven for 10 minutes.