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Round serving bowl filled with small yellow boiled potatoes.
4.91 from 178 votes

Garlic Butter Boiled Potatoes (How to Boil Potatoes)

Creamy, perfectly boiled potatoes smothered in garlic and butter. Ready and on the table in just 30 minutes.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time18 minutes
Total Time23 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 174kcal

Ingredients

  • 1.5 pounds small potatoes
  • 2 teaspoon salt - divided
  • 4 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil - optional
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 8 cloves garlic - minced

Instructions

  • Add the potatoes to a medium saucepan and cover with cold water by 2-inches.
  • Bring to a rolling boil and add 1 teaspoon salt. Reduce heat to medium-low to low heat, maintaining a gentle simmer. Cook the potatoes until they are fork-tender and the skin is just starting to split from the potatoes - total time will vary depending on the size of your potatoes, but these small potatoes took approximately 18 minutes.
  • Drain the water and potatoes into a large colander. Immediately return the pan to medium heat. Melt the butter and add the olive oil, garlic, and a generous pinch of salt and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to combine. Stir continuously for 1 minute.
  • Tip - if your potatoes are on the larger side, or you'd like more surface area for the garlic butter to penetrate the potatoes, halve each potato before moving on to the next step.
  • Return the warm potatoes to the pan. Mix well to coat the potatoes in garlic and butter. Season with additional salt and black pepper, to taste. For a little heat, add a small pinch of crushed red chili flakes.

Notes

Should you peel the potatoes before boiling them? No. Potatoes with the skin still intact will absorb less water, helping prevent them from falling apart as they cook. If you prefer potatoes without skin, it's actually easier to peel potatoes after they've been boiled and cooled slightly.
What types of potatoes are best for boiling? Unless you plan to mash or make soup, stick with waxy potatoes. Waxy potatoes have thin, smooth skin and creamy flesh. Examples include,
  • New potatoes
  • Red Bliss
  • Fingerlings
  • or anything labeled "baby potatoes"
Optional additions: fresh parsley, chives, or dill.
Storage: Keep stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Reheat in the microwave until warm.

Nutrition

Calories: 174kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 864mg | Potassium: 532mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 237IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 1mg
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