The Secret to Cutting Potatoes Ahead of Time Is to Soak Them in Water—Here's How (2024)

Whether you prefer them roasted, mashed, baked or fried, potatoes are one of the most universally beloved vegetables. But preparing the spud is far less enjoyable than eating it. Many recipes call for peeling and dicing potatoes, which can be time consuming—especially when you're cooking for a crowd. To save time in the kitchen, get this step out of the way ahead of time by peeling and cutting raw potatoes—then soaking the potatoes in water to prevent them from browning.

Can You Peel and Cut Potatoes Ahead of Time?

While it is safe to peel and slice potatoes ahead of time, you need to take one additional step in order to prevent oxidation. "Placing [peeled and cut] potatoes in water helps prevent oxidation, which turns their exposed flesh brown," says Ronna Welsh, the author of The Nimble Cook and the owner and chef instructor at Purple Kale Kitchenworks in Brooklyn, N.Y. While oxidation won't make the potatoes unsafe to eat, it does change their flavor.

How to Soak Cut Potatoes in Water to Prevent Browning

In order to successfully prepare your potatoes ahead of time, you will need an airtight container with enough room to completely submerge the spuds in water.

1. Fill an airtight container halfway with water.
2. Wash potatoes in cold running water to remove any dirt.
3. Peel the potatoes completely.
4. Slice the potatoes according to recipe instructions (or keep them whole).
5. As you slice, place the potatoes into the container with water.
6. Once all of the potatoes are peeled and sliced, fill the rest of the container with water so the potatoes are completely submerged.
7. Place the lid onto the container, making sure it's airtight.
8. Store the potatoes in the refrigerator.

Types of Potatoes to Soak

Waxy potatoes, like white and Yukon gold, hold up better in water than non-waxy ones. "This is because they have less starch and more moisture and will take on less water while being stored," says Tracey Brigman, EdD, MS, RDN, LD, a clinical associate professor and associate director for National Center for Home Food Preservation at the University of Georgia. "Sweet potatoes can also be peeled and stored in water for up to 24 hours."

When Not to Peel, Cut, and Soak Potatoes

You should avoid peeling and cutting potatoes ahead of time for any recipe that calls for finely diced or grated potatoes. "Because all potatoes are rinsed of surface starch when soaked in water, grated potatoes would lose even more starch," says Welsh. "But starch is key to holding the potato pieces together for things like hash browns or potato pancakes, so you don't want to rinse it away." Grated potatoes are also more difficult to dry thoroughly, which is important if you want to fry them.

How Long Peeled and Cut Potatoes Last in Water

You should store peeled and cut potatoes in water for 24 hours to ensure the quality of your final product. "If you drain the potatoes and notice they are turning brown, that they've started getting soft, or if they are slimy you should discard them," says Brigman.

How to Prepare Peeled and Cut Potatoes for Cooking

What you do to your potatoes after soaking them in water depends on what you're using them for.

• For roasting: Pat the potatoes completely dry before adding oil and putting them in the oven, says Welsh.
• For frying: Rinse after soaking to rid the potatoes of excess surface starch, then drain and dry well.
• For boiling: Potatoes can be placed directly into the cooking pot after being drained.