BH&G Test Kitchen Tip: This technique works best with small potatoes that can be cooked whole in boiling water; large potatoes are best cut into pieces before boiling to reduce the time it takes to cook them.
How to Peel Potatoes Boiled with the Skin On
Step 1: Score Potatoes Around the Middle
Gather small Yukon Gold Potatoes, Fingerling Potatoes, or New Potatoes. Rinse and brush away any dirt and blemishes, then use a knife to carefully slice through the peel around the circumference of each potato. Slice past the skin, but don’t make this a deep cut because you want to preserve as much of the flesh as you can for your recipe.
Step 2: Boil Until Tender
Place the scored potatoes in a large saucepan, and fill with enough water to cover the tops of the potatoes. Season with 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of salt. Cook on high to bring water to boiling, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pan with a lid and gently boil for 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Check them with a fork for doneness. The potatoes should be tender when you press on them.
Step 3: Drain and Rinse with Cold Water
Transfer cooked potatoes to a colander to drain off water. Rinse with cold water immediately after draining and submerge in a cold bath. This will ensure they’re cool enough to handle.
Step 4: Slip Off the Peels
Find the scored section of the potato and start there to slip off the peels. Discard removed peels and proceed with your recipe using the skinless spuds. Now that you’ve quickly peeled a batch of boiled potatoes, put the skinned spuds to good use for a tasty breakfast in our Mashed Potato-Egg Casserole, or combine them with crispy bacon to serve as appetizers for your next party. You can even try them in Christmas Rolls, the secret ingredient in our light-as-air cinnamon rolls.
