How to tell when potatoes are cooked through?

Reliable signs that potatoes are fully cooked

The most dependable way to judge doneness is by texture: a fork or skewer should slide into the center with little resistance and the potato should break apart easily. Visual cues also help: cut edges should appear moist and uniform without a raw, chalky center.

Methods to test doneness:

• Fork test: Insert into the thickest part; it should meet little resistance and the potato should fall away slightly when lifted.
• Knife or skewer: If threaded through, you should feel no gritty or hard core.
• Taste test: Small pieces can be tasted if unsure—should be soft and cooked through.

Timing varies by method and size. Whole potatoes take longer than cubes; steaming and boiling accelerate cooking relative to baking. For example, 1–2 inch cubes may cook in 10–15 minutes by boiling, while whole medium potatoes can require 45–60 minutes in a hot oven.

Avoid overcooking and undercooking:

• Overcooked potatoes become waterlogged, mushy, and may break apart.
• Undercooked potatoes taste raw and feel gritty.

If potatoes will be used in a salad or casserole, slightly undercook them if they will undergo additional cooking; they will finish during the final bake or braise. For mashed potatoes, fully soft potatoes make for a smoother mash. Using these physical checks ensures consistent results across methods.