Name: Irish Mashed Potatoes with Green Onions Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 6 medium potatoes; 6-8 green onions, green parts only; 50 ml whole milk (1/4 cup); 100 g unsalted butter (1/2 cup); Salt to taste; White pepper to taste

If you’re craving something cozy and full of flavor, this Irish Mashed Potatoes with Green Onions Recipe is just the ticket. Also known as Champ, it’s a simple yet delicious spin on your usual mashed potatoes, bursting with the gentle bite of fresh green onions and creamy butter.

A white pot filled with creamy mashed potatoes mixed with small green onion pieces, swirled smoothly with visible soft folds and a shiny top layer of melted butter that shines golden. Black pepper specks are scattered unevenly over the surface, while a wooden spoon scoops up a portion from the center, showing the thick, fluffy texture. The pot sits on a white marbled surface with some small bowls of green onions and melted butter blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Irish Mashed Potatoes with Green Onions Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Irish Mashed Potatoes with Green Onions Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Irish Mashed Potatoes with Green Onions Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember the first time I tried Champ—it felt like a warm Irish hug on a plate, simple but packed with so much comforting flavor. It’s a perfect side dish to dress up an ordinary dinner or to enjoy during special gatherings.

Authentic Irish flavor: This recipe stays true to traditional Champ, offering a genuine taste of Ireland’s culinary heritage.
Richly creamy texture: The buttery mash combined with milk infused with green onions gives it a luscious, smooth finish.
Easy and quick: Ready in just 30 minutes, this side dish comes together effortlessly on the stovetop.
Versatile side: It pairs beautifully with everything from hearty stews to simple grilled meats or roasted veggies.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Choosing the right ingredients makes all the difference in getting that perfect creamy texture and delicate onion flavor. Here’s what I use and why it works so well in this Irish mashed potatoes with green onions recipe.

Flat lay of six medium whole unpeeled potatoes, a small white bowl of whole milk, several fresh green onion stalks with vibrant green tops, a small white bowl with a chunk of unsalted butter, a small white bowl of coarse salt, and a small white bowl of ground white pepper, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Potatoes: Opt for starchy or floury varieties like Yukon Gold or Russet; they mash up fluffy and smooth.
Green onions (green parts only): They add a subtle onion flavor without overpowering the dish, giving it a fresh lift.
Whole milk: Used to gently infuse the green onion flavor and keep the mash creamy.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and silkiness to the mash while letting you control the saltiness.
Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the potatoes and onions.
White pepper: Keeps the color light and adds just a hint of gentle heat—but black pepper works if you prefer.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The beauty of the Irish Mashed Potatoes with Green Onions Recipe lies in its simplicity, which makes it incredibly easy to personalize. Whether you like it richer, lighter, or with a little extra zing, there’s a way to make this classic dish your own.

Variation: For a dairy-free twist, try swapping the whole milk and butter for your favorite plant-based milk and vegan butter. The green onions still lend their wonderful flavor, keeping the dish just as comforting.
Variation: If you love extra texture, mixing in some finely chopped chives or fresh herbs like parsley can brighten the mash beautifully.
Variation: For a seasonal spin, sprinkle some crispy bacon bits or sautéed mushrooms on top—perfect for a heartier side during autumn and winter dinners.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Irish Mashed Potatoes with Green Onions Recipe

A white bowl filled with a creamy pale yellow mashed potato mixture that has a smooth yet slightly textured surface. The top layer shows a small square of melted butter sitting in the center, surrounded by a pool of yellow melted butter with a shiny, liquid texture. Scattered on top are thin slices of green onions adding bright green color contrast. There are also visible specks of black pepper sprinkled across the mashed potatoes. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Infuse the Milk with Green Onion Goodness

Begin by slicing the green parts of 6-8 green onions thinly. Add them to 50 ml (¼ cup) of whole milk in a small saucepan. Warm the milk over low heat until it just reaches a gentle boil. Then remove it from the heat and let the green onions steep for a few minutes. This step infuses the milk with that subtle, mild onion flavor without overpowering the mash—making every spoonful delightfully fragrant.

Step 2: Cook Your Potatoes Until Perfectly Tender

Peel and quarter 6 medium potatoes, then place them in a pot of salted water. Boil until they’re very tender—this usually takes about 15 minutes. You want them soft enough to mash easily but not falling apart. Once done, drain the potatoes well and let them sit for 2-3 minutes to steam dry. This simple step removes excess moisture and ensures your mash is fluffy, not watery.

Step 3: Mash and Mix with Creamy Milk

Pour the hot, infused milk with green onions over the drained potatoes. Using a potato masher or ricer, mash everything until smooth and creamy. If you prefer an ultra-silky texture, a ricer does the trick beautifully. Keep mashing until the potatoes reach your desired consistency.

Step 4: Butter and Season to Taste

Next, stir in 100 g (½ cup) of unsalted butter until it melts completely into the mash, creating that rich, velvety texture we all love. Season with salt and white pepper to taste—white pepper helps keep the mash looking bright and clean, though black pepper works as well if that’s what you have on hand.

Step 5: Serve Warm and Garnish

Transfer your Champ to a serving bowl. For the finishing touch, add a pat of butter on top and scatter additional sliced green onions if you like. Serve immediately while warm to enjoy that comforting, buttery goodness at its peak.

Top Tip

These tips come from hands-on experience and make a big difference in elevating your Irish Mashed Potatoes with Green Onions Recipe to perfectly creamy, flavorful perfection every time.

Potato Choice Matters: Using starchy potatoes like Yukon Gold or Russet (or Maris Piper and King Edward in the UK) gives you that fluffy, smooth texture that's key to a great mash.
Infuse Your Milk Gently: When you simmer the green onions in milk, keep the heat low and don’t rush it. This slow infusion helps extract the delicate onion flavor without bitterness.
Steam Dry for Creaminess: After draining, let the potatoes steam dry for 2-3 minutes. This extra moisture removal step ensures your mash won’t be watery and stays fluffy.
White Pepper for Color: Using white pepper instead of black keeps your mash looking pristine and traditional, but feel free to swap if you prefer a bit more bite.

How to Serve Irish Mashed Potatoes with Green Onions Recipe

A silver pot filled with a creamy light yellow mixture with chopped green herbs scattered evenly throughout. Inside the pot, a wooden spoon with a smooth, rounded surface rests diagonally, partially covered by the creamy mixture and herbs. The pot is placed on a soft, wrinkled cream cloth over a white marbled surface. The image has a clean and fresh look with natural lighting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes can enhance the look and flavor of your dish. Try topping your Champ with extra sliced green onions for a fresh crunch, a generous pat of butter that melts beautifully on top, or even a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a bit of color and a subtle herbaceous note.

Side Dishes

Irish Mashed Potatoes with Green Onions pair wonderfully with classic Irish mains like beef stew, corned beef, or roast lamb. For a balanced meal, serve alongside sautéed greens such as kale or cabbage, and roasted root vegetables to round out the plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Champ in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy this comforting dish again without making a fresh batch.

Freezing

You can freeze Irish Mashed Potatoes with Green Onions, but be mindful that the texture may change slightly upon thawing. Pack leftovers in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag and freeze for up to 1 month.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of milk or a small knob of butter to restore creaminess. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to prevent drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use the white parts of green onions instead of just the green parts?

You can, but the white parts have a stronger, more pungent flavor that might overpower the delicate taste of the Champ. Using only the green parts keeps the flavor milder and more traditional.

What if I don’t have white pepper? Can I use black pepper?

Absolutely! While white pepper is recommended for a clean look and subtle spice, black pepper works fine and adds a little extra visual texture and flavor.

How do I get my mashed potatoes extra smooth?

Using a potato ricer instead of a masher creates a finer, fluffier texture. Also, be sure to thoroughly steam dry your potatoes before mashing to avoid excess moisture.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

You can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a non-dairy milk such as oat or almond milk, but keep in mind this will slightly change the traditional flavor and texture of the dish.

Final Thoughts

Irish Mashed Potatoes with Green Onions Recipe, or Champ, is one of those simple, comforting dishes that never fails to bring a bit of warmth and nostalgia to the table. With its creamy texture and the subtle brightness of fresh green onions, it’s a perfect side that pairs well with so many meals. Whether it’s a festive occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to become a treasured favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy every buttery, fluffy, delicious bite!