How to Boil Sweet Potatoes

Learning How to Boil Sweet Potatoes is the easiest way to get tender sweet potatoes on the table in about 25 minutes. This simple stovetop method is perfect for a healthy side dish on busy weeknights, a head start on sweet potato casserole or sweet potato pie, or a big batch of meal prep for the week. It’s budget-friendly, beginner-friendly, and works in a variety of dishes your family already loves!

How to Boil Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes get a bad rap sometimes… a lot of folks only think of them as a once-a-year Thanksgiving dish piled high with marshmallows. (No judgment here, I love that version too!)

But they’re such a nutritious vegetable, and boiling them is one of the simplest ways to enjoy them any day of the week.

I’m always looking for side dishes that don’t take a lot of time and effort but still taste good. Boiled sweet potatoes are exactly that. You just peel, chop, and boil them, and they’re ready faster than baking whole sweet potatoes in the oven.

Why You’ll Love Boiled Sweet Potatoes

A quick cook time. Cutting them into sweet potato cubes shortens the cooking time so much compared to cooking whole potatoes, so you can have a side ready in under half an hour.

So many ways to use them. Boiled sweet potatoes are the starting point for mash, salads, grain bowls, sweet potato casserole, and even sweet potato pie.

Simple, real flavor. Boiling lets their natural sweetness shine, so you really don’t need much more than butter and a pinch of salt. (A little drizzle of maple syrup never hurt anybody either!)

Tools Needed

• Vegetable peeler or potato peeler
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Colander

Ingredients

You only need a few basics for this one!

• Sweet potatoes – any variety from your grocery store will work
• Water
• Fine sea salt (regular table salt is fine too)

Find the full recipe with ingredient measurements in the recipe card below.

How to Boil Sweet Potatoes on the Stovetop

The cooking process is about as simple as it gets.

1. Peel the sweet potatoes with your vegetable peeler, then cut them into even 1-inch pieces so they cook evenly.

2. Place them in a large pot and cover with cold water by about an inch. Starting in cold water (instead of dropping them into hot water) helps them cook evenly all the way through.
3. Add the salt and bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.

4. Turn the heat down a little to keep a steady simmer and cook for 12-15 minutes.
5. Test one of the larger pieces with a fork. It should slide in easily without the sweet potato falling apart.
6. Drain well in a colander and let them sit for a minute or two so the extra moisture can steam off.

7. Serve them as they are, season to taste, or mash them while they’re still warm.

Pro Tips

• Check them a minute or two early when you want them to hold their shape for salads or meal prep. That’s the best way to keep them from turning mushy.
• For mashed sweet potatoes, cook them until completely fork-tender for a smooth, creamy texture.
• Drain them really well so your mash doesn’t end up watery.

Serving Suggestions

Serve them with butter, salt, and black pepper for a simple side, or mash them with a little maple syrup and cinnamon. They’re also great tossed into salads and grain bowls, or used as the base for your favorite sweet potato recipe.

Storage Instructions

Let the sweet potatoes cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. To freeze, pack the cooled sweet potatoes in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating or using them in another recipe.

FAQ

How long does it take to boil sweet potatoes? About 12-15 minutes for 1-inch pieces once the water comes to a boil. Larger pieces will need a little longer.

Do you peel sweet potatoes before boiling them? For this recipe, yes! Peeling them first gives you tender pieces that are ready to mash or use as soon as they’re drained.

How do you know when boiled sweet potatoes are done? Poke one of the bigger pieces with a fork or the tip of a sharp knife. It should slide in with very little resistance.

Can you overcook sweet potatoes? You sure can. They’ll get very soft and start to fall apart, which is totally fine for mash but not so great for salads or meal prep.

Can I mash sweet potatoes after boiling them? Absolutely. Drain them well and mash them while they’re still warm.

Enjoy Your Boiled Sweet Potatoes!

Once you know how to boil sweet potatoes, you’ll find yourself reaching for them all the time… for a quick weeknight side, a head start on holiday baking, or a batch to keep in the fridge for busy days. Make them your own with whatever toppings your family loves, and enjoy!

More Delicious Side Dishes

• Southern Cornbread Dressing
• Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
• Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole
• Easy Crockpot Collard Greens
• Maple Glazed Carrots Recipe
• Instant Pot Zatarain’s Dirty Rice
• White Cheddar Mac and Cheese
• Cream Cheese Corn