How to Boil Sweet Potatoes (+ How Long)

Wondering how to boil sweet potatoes and for how long? Good news. You’re in the right place.

Like many orange foods, sweet potatoes are incredibly good for you (and delicious!) It’s a wonder why I wasn’t taught how to cook them properly when I was going up. Or told, how to tell if they are still good or if they have spoiled. Well I have learned and I’m ready to teach you the proper technique on how to boil sweet potatoes.

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(By the way, if you are looking for tips on how to roast the sweet potatoes, you can find that here.)

Let’s get started. The good news is that you probably already know the basics. Boiling sweet potatoes is very similar to boiling white potatoes.

How long does it take to boil one sweet potato?

Boiling one sweet potato (medium-sized or about 6 inches in length) should take about 20 minutes. You will know when they are done when the potatoes are fork-tender.

How long does it take to boil whole sweet potatoes?

Boiling a whole sweet potato will take about 30-45 mins, depending on the size. Smaller potatoes will require less time than larger potatoes. As always with sweet potatoes, you will know when they are done when they are tender.

sweet potato pudding - how to boil sweet potatoes

When does it make sense to boil sweet potatoes?

Boiled sweet potatoes are great prep material for other sweet potato dishes. For example, mashed sweet potatoes or sweet potato casserole.

When you are trying to be a little healthier. Boiled sweet potatoes are healthier than their baked and roaster version. This is because boiling doesn’t affect your glycemic index as much, allowing your blood sugar to stay steadier (this is a good thing).

Do you have to peel sweet potatoes before boiling them?

No, you don’t need to peel your sweet potatoes before boiling them. In fact, it is actually a bit healthier to keep the skin of your sweet potatoes because the skins are very nutritious. Sweet potato skins are high in fiber. Plus the skins are high in beta carotene, vitamin C, and Vitamin E.

When boiling sweet potatoes should you boil the water first?

When boiling sweet potatoes, you SHOULD bring the water to boil before adding the raw sweet potatoes. The reason for this is that your sweet potatoes will cook more evenly.

Is a yam the same as a sweet potato?

Regardless of what your mother (or grandmother) says, no. Yams and sweet potatoes are not the same. What’s the difference?

The sweet potato is a root vegetable that is often mistaken for a yam. However, there are several key differences between the two vegetables. The yam is a starchy edible root of the Dioscorea genus, and is generally imported to America from Africa. 

Yams are rough and scaly and very low in beta carotene. Sweet potatoes, on the other hand, are native to America and come in many different colors, shapes, and sizes. They are high in beta carotene, which is why they are often recommended as part of a healthy diet.

Yams are:

  • Yams are starchier (more like a potato)
  • Yam can grow much much larger than sweet potatoes
  • Eaten in parts of Latin America, West Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean

Sweet potatoes are:

  • Sweet potatoes are creamier than yams
  • Sweet potatoes are typically sweeter than yams
  • Are more common in the United States and Western Europe
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Are sweet potatoes healthy?

Sweet potatoes are a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They offer many health benefits, including:

1. Providing powerful antioxidants. Sweet potatoes are high in antioxidants, which can help protect your cells from damage.

2. Reducing inflammation. The antioxidants in sweet potatoes can also help reduce inflammation throughout the body (4Trusted Source).

3. Regulating blood sugar levels. Sweet potatoes are a low-glycemic food, meaning they help keep blood sugar levels stable.. This is important for people with diabetes or prediabetes, as well as those who are trying to maintain a healthy weight.

One cup (200 grams) of baked sweet potato with skin provides:

  • Calories: 180
  • Carbs: 41.4 grams
  • Protein: 4 grams
  • Fat: 0.3 grams
  • Fiber: 6.6 grams
  • Vitamin A: 769% of the DV
  • Vitamin C: 65% of the DV
  • Manganese: 50% of the DV
  • Vitamin B6: 29% of the DV
  • Potassium: 27% of the DV
  • Pantothenic acid: 20% of the DV
benefits of sweet potatoes - how to boil sweet potatoes

How to boil sweet potatoes

  1. Peel the potatoes and cut them into ¾ to 1-inch chunks. Please note, keeping the skin on is actually healthier. If you don’t mind the skin (which I don’t), consider leaving them one for an extra boost in nutrients.
  2. Place at least 1 inch of water in a medium pot and bring the water to a boil. Pro tip: Make sure the water has the ability to cover your potatoes completely once the potatoes have been added.
  3. Add potatoes to the boiling water.
  4. Remember to add a pinch of salt to your taste. Without the salt, boiled potatoes can be a bit bland. Salt (and other seasonings) is your friend here!
  5. Reduce to medium heat and cook the potatoes for about 15 to 20 minutes until they are fork-tender. Fork tender means that you should be easily able to piece your sweet potatoes with a fork.
  6. Carefully drain the hot water from the potatoes and use the sweet potatoes as desired.
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How to Boil Sweet Potatoes {Step-by-Step Instructions}

Learning how to boil sweet potatoes is the start of many sweet potato recipes. Here’s everything you need to know about these root veggies.
Prep Time5 mins
Cook Time45 mins
Total Time50 mins
Course: Vegetable
Cuisine: American
Keyword: boiling sweet potatoes, how long to boil sweet potatoes, how to boil sweet potatoes
Servings: 1
Calories: 103kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 Sweet potatoes
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Instructions

  • Peel the potatoes and cut them into ¾ to 1 inch chunks. Please note, keeping the skin on is actually healthier. If you don’t mind the skin (which I don’t), consider leaving them one for an extra boost in nutrients.
  • Place at least 1 inch of water in a medium pot and bring the water to a boil. Pro tip: Make sure the water has the ability to cover your potatoes completely once the potatoes have been added.
  • Add potatoes to the boiling water.
  • Remember to add a pinch of salt to your taste. Without the salt, boiled potatoes can be a bit bland. Salt (and other seasonings) is your friend here!
  • Reduce to a medium heat and cook the potatoes for about 15 to 20 minutes until they are fork tender. Fork tender means that you should be easily able to easily able to piece your sweet potatoes with a fork.
  • Carefully drain the hot water from the potatoes and use the sweet potatoes as desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 103kcal | Carbohydrates: 23.6g | Protein: 2.3g | Sodium: 41mg | Sugar: 7.4g

At this point you are pretty much done. However, your sweet potatoes will be really bland at this point. In order to liven them up, I sometimes like to sprinkle some salt and pepper on the potatoes before I serve them up. Most other times, I will take my boiled potatoes and use them as a part of another recipe. The world is your oyster!

Sweet Potato Recipes

Sweet Potato Mash

Sweet potato mash is a deliciously creamy side dish, where the natural sweetness of the potatoes is beautifully balanced by the addition of savory melted butter. This flavorful combination creates a comforting and velvety dish that is a delightful alternative to the traditional mashed potato.

Spiced Sweet Potato Bread (Vegan)

Vegan spiced sweet potato bread is a moist, flavorful loaf sweetened with brown sugar and filled with warming spices that perfectly highlight the earthy sweetness of the sweet potatoes. This wholesome bread is not only vegan-friendly, but it also offers a delightful play on traditional flavors, making it a truly delicious treat for any time of the day.

Sweet Potato Cookies

Three-ingredient sweet potato cookies are a simple, wholesome treat, using sweet potatoes, maple syrup, and oatmeal to create a naturally sweet and satisfyingly chewy bite. These easy-to-make cookies harness the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes and maple syrup, while the oatmeal adds texture and heartiness, making them a healthier but equally delicious alternative to traditional cookies.

Sweet Potato FAQs

How long should I boil my sweet potatoes?

The boiling time for sweet potatoes can vary based on their size, but generally, whole sweet potatoes take about 30-50 minutes to become tender. If they are chopped into 1-inch cubes, they’ll typically be done in about 15-20 minutes.

Is it better to boil sweet potatoes whole or cut up?

Both boiling and baking sweet potatoes have their merits, and the choice really depends on the texture and flavor you prefer. Boiling makes them tender and it’s quicker than baking, but it can dilute their sweet flavor slightly. Baking takes longer but it concentrates the natural sugars in sweet potatoes, making them even sweeter and giving them a firmer texture.

Do you boil sweet potatoes with skin on or off?

Peeling sweet potatoes before boiling is a matter of personal preference. The skins are edible and contain nutrients, but if you prefer a smoother texture or plan on mashing the sweet potatoes, you might want to peel them beforehand.

Is it better to boil or bake sweet potatoes?

Whether you boil sweet potatoes whole or cut up depends on how long you have and what you’re going to use them for once cooked. Boiling them whole takes around 30-50 minutes, but it’s easier as you don’t have to peel and chop them. Chopping them into cubes reduces the cooking time to about 15-20 minutes but requires more prep work. Baking sweet potatoes in the oven at 350°F typically takes about 45-60 minutes for a medium-sized sweet potato. 

What is the best method to cook sweet potatoes?

There is no “best” way to cook a sweet potato. Boiling is great for making mashed sweet potatoes or for recipes where a softer texture is desired. Baking or roasting can enhance the sweetness of the potatoes and give them a firmer texture. Grilling or pan-frying can provide a crispy exterior, and steaming is a quick, healthy method that retains most of the nutrients. So, the best method really depends on your desired outcome.

Other Potato Recipes

Best Garlic Mashed potatoes

Ranch Potatoes

Air Fryer Potato Skins

Colcannon (Mashed Potatoes with Cabbage)

Taco Bell Copycat Loaded Potato Grillers

We hope you’ve enjoyed this article as much as we did putting it together for you. Have questions or suggestions about how long to boil sweet potatoes? Drop them in the comments below.

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