DON’T let your potato sit out in the open at room temperature for over four hours regardless of whether or not it is wrapped in aluminum foil. DO serve potatoes immediately after baking them or store them in the refrigerator to keep your potato at a safe temperature.

Just give them a good rinse to remove any dirt and cut out any blemishes you see. Some people may prefer to peel the potatoes before boiling, but we would recommend you leave the skins on. This ensures that the nutrients and flavours are not lost during cooking and you get all those lovely vitamins too.

Bring water to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium and cook at rapid simmer until potatoes are easily pierced with a paring knife, about 10 minutes for chopped potatoes and 20 minutes for whole potatoes.

Make sure you don’t leave them out for more than 2 hours. To maximize its shelf life and stop the spread of possible bacterias, refrigerate any cooked potatoes like mashed potatoes, after 2 hours of cooking.

How long can cooked potatoes be left at room temperature? Bacteria grow rapidly at temperatures between 40 °F and 140 °F; cooked potatoes should be discarded if left out for more than 2 hours at room temperature.

Q: Is it ok to leave boiled or baked potatoes out overnight for potato salad? A: NO! Cooked starch foods like potatoes can grow germs if not kept either refrigerated and cold or hot over 140º F. Bake or boil the potatoes for potato salad, then cool.

Perishable foods only remain safe to eat at room temperature for a short time. After making the mashed potatoes, store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to eat them. Scoop the mashed potatoes into a dish or container, cover and refrigerate.