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 (Yukon Gold or Russet recommended); 50 ml whole milk; 6-8 green onions, green parts only, sliced; 100 g unsalted butter; Salt to taste; White pepper to taste

If you're craving something classic yet comforting, this Irish Mashed Potatoes with Green Onions Recipe—also known as Champ—is just the thing. Creamy, buttery, and infused with the mild zing of tender green onions, it’s a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

A large white pot filled with creamy mashed potatoes that are smooth and slightly fluffy in texture, showing soft swirls and peaks. The mashed potatoes have small green pieces of chopped scallions mixed in, adding flecks of color. There are pools of melted golden butter spread unevenly on the surface, glistening and blending into the potatoes. Freshly ground black pepper is sprinkled lightly across the top. A dark wooden spoon is scooping up a portion from the center, showing the thick, soft texture of the mash. The pot is set on a white marbled surface with small bowls of green onions and sauce nearby. 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’ve made these Irish mashed potatoes countless times, and every single time they bring a smile to the table. The subtle sweetness of the green onions paired with creamy buttered spuds elevates your usual mashed potatoes into a memorable side dish.

Authentic Flavors: This recipe stays true to the traditional Irish Champ, with simple ingredients that pack a ton of flavor.
Easy to Prepare: Only a handful of ingredients and about 30 minutes from start to finish.
Perfect Texture: Steaming the potatoes dry after boiling ensures they’re fluffier than your average mash.
Versatile Side Dish: Pairs beautifully with everything from roasted meats to hearty stews.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Choosing the right ingredients makes all the difference with this Irish mashed potatoes with green onions recipe. I recommend picking starchy potatoes for that fluffy texture and using the green parts of the onions to keep the flavor fresh and bright without overpowering the dish.

Flat lay of six medium Yukon Gold potatoes with pale golden skin, a small white ceramic bowl of whole milk infused with bright green sliced green onion tops, a neatly stacked pile of fresh green onion tops, a small white ceramic bowl filled with rich, pale yellow unsalted butter chunks, and a couple of whole uncracked brown eggs placed harmoniously, all arranged in 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: Yukon Gold or Russet are ideal for their fluffy, creamy consistency once mashed.
Whole Milk: Adds richness and helps infuse the subtle onion flavor into the potatoes.
Green Onions (Green Parts Only): These bring a tender, mild onion taste and vibrant color to the dish.
Unsalted Butter: For that luscious, creamy mouthfeel and richness that makes Champ irresistible.
Salt: Essential to enhance all the flavors naturally.
White Pepper: Adds gentle spice without the specks black pepper leaves behind, keeping things traditional.

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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

Irish Mashed Potatoes with Green Onions Recipe is wonderfully simple yet versatile, so feel free to make it your own. Whether you want to tweak the flavors or adjust textures, a little experimentation can go a long way in personalizing this classic comfort food.

Variation: For a creamier twist, I sometimes swap half the whole milk for a splash of heavy cream—it makes the mash extra rich and indulgent without overpowering the delicate onion flavor.
Herb Boost: Adding fresh chopped parsley or chives along with the green onions gives the dish a fresh, vibrant note, perfect for springtime dinners.
Vegan Version: Use plant-based butter and substitute milk with vegetable broth or almond milk for a dairy-free but just as delicious champ.
Spice It Up: A dash of smoked paprika or a small pinch of nutmeg adds a warm dimension to this traditional Irish side.

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

A white bowl is filled with creamy mashed potatoes, which have a soft, smooth texture. In the center, there is a melting square of light yellow butter surrounded by a pool of shiny melted butter. Thin slices of green onion are scattered over the mashed potatoes, adding bright green color. The surface of the mashed potatoes shows some small black pepper specks. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Infuse the Milk with Tender Green Onion Flavors

Start by adding the sliced green onion greens to 50 ml of whole milk in a small saucepan. Gently heat the milk over low heat until it just begins to boil, stirring occasionally to avoid scorching. Then remove the pan from heat and let the green onions steep in the warm milk for a few minutes. This step infuses the milk with a subtle, fresh onion flavor that makes this mash uniquely delicious.

Step 2: Prepare and Cook the Potatoes to Perfection

While the milk is infusing, peel and quarter 6 medium-sized Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes—they work best for that fluffy, creamy texture. Place them in a pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Let the potatoes cook until they are very tender when pierced with a fork, about 15 minutes. This tenderness ensures the mash will be perfectly smooth and lump-free.

Step 3: Drain and Let Potatoes Steam Dry

Drain the cooked potatoes thoroughly in a colander. Then return them to the pot or place them back in the warm pan off the heat for 2-3 minutes to steam dry. This little trick releases excess moisture and helps create a lighter mash that's not watery or gluey.

Step 4: Mash the Potatoes with the Onion-Infused Milk

Pour the hot green onion-infused milk over the steamed potatoes. Using a potato masher or a ricer, mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. The warm milk helps achieve a silky texture that wraps comfortingly around every bite.

Step 5: Enrich, Season, and Serve

Mix in 100 g of unsalted butter, allowing it to melt evenly into the mashed potatoes. Then season with salt and white pepper to your taste—white pepper is traditional here, as it keeps the mash looking clean and bright, but black pepper is an easy substitute if needed. Serve hot, topped with a few extra sliced green onions for that lovely fresh bite and pretty garnish.

Top Tip

Mastering the Irish Mashed Potatoes with Green Onions Recipe is all about little details that make a big difference in flavor and texture. Here are my favorite tips to help you get it just right every time.

Infuse the Milk Slowly: Gently heating the green onions in milk allows the flavor to develop without scorching or bitterness, which I learned can happen if the milk boils too rapidly.
Steam Dry Your Potatoes: After boiling, letting the potatoes steam dry for 2-3 minutes helps them absorb the onion-infused milk better and creates a creamier mash.
Choose the Right Potato: I always pick Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes because their starchiness gives a fluffy, smooth texture that holds the green onion flavor beautifully.
Avoid Overmixing: Using a masher or ricer instead of a food processor keeps the mash light and airy—something I learned after dealing with gluey mashed potatoes once!

How to Serve Irish Mashed Potatoes with Green Onions Recipe

A round silver pot sits on top of a light cream cloth on a white marbled surface. Inside the pot is a creamy light yellow liquid filled with small pieces of green leafy vegetables, creating a speckled pattern. A large wooden spoon with a smooth grain texture rests inside the pot, partially submerged in the mixture, facing upwards. The green leaves are evenly spread throughout the creamy layer, making a fresh and soft look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Top your Irish mashed potatoes with an extra pat of melted unsalted butter and a sprinkle of freshly sliced green onions for that authentic look and taste. A dash of cracked white pepper or a few sprigs of fresh parsley make beautiful, fresh garnishes, too.

Side Dishes

This mash shines as a comforting side to hearty Irish dishes like corned beef and cabbage, slow-cooked lamb stew, or pan-fried sausages. It also pairs well with roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad for a lighter meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to cool the mashed potatoes to room temperature before sealing to maintain their creamy texture.

Freezing

You can freeze Irish mashed potatoes for up to 1 month. Pack them tightly in a freezer-safe container and leave some room on top for expansion. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in a microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or a bit of butter to revive the creamy texture if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?

Yes, but for the best texture and flavor, starchy potatoes like Yukon Gold or Russet are recommended. They give a fluffy and smooth mash perfect for absorbing the green onion-infused milk.

Why is white pepper used instead of black pepper?

White pepper keeps the mashed potatoes looking clean and traditional without the dark flecks that black pepper would add. However, black pepper is a fine substitute if you prefer.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute whole milk with a plant-based milk or vegetable broth and use a dairy-free butter alternative to enjoy a creamy, dairy-free version of Irish mashed potatoes with green onions.

How do I keep my mashed potatoes from becoming gluey?

Avoid overworking the potatoes. Use a potato masher or ricer rather than a food processor or blender. Also, letting the potatoes steam dry after boiling helps remove excess moisture that can cause glueiness.

Final Thoughts

Irish Mashed Potatoes with Green Onions Recipe is a simple, delightful dish that brings comfort and cheer to any table. With tender potatoes flavored by fresh green onions and rich butter, it’s a tribute to classic Irish cooking that’s easy to make and even easier to love. Whether for St. Patrick’s Day or any cozy family dinner, this recipe invites warmth and tradition to your plate. Enjoy every creamy, buttery bite!