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

If you’re craving warm, comforting flavors with a twist, this Creamy Irish Mashed Potatoes with Green Onions Recipe is exactly what you need. Fluffy potatoes meet tender green onions and melted butter to create a side dish that’s anything but ordinary.

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 Creamy Irish Mashed Potatoes with Green Onions Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Irish Mashed Potatoes with Green Onions Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Irish Mashed Potatoes with Green Onions Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this Irish classic—also called Champ—so many times, and it never fails to feel like a warm hug on a plate. It’s simple, comforting, and just so satisfying.

Fluffy & Creamy Texture: The secret onion-infused milk makes these mashed potatoes silky smooth and bursting with gentle flavor.
Simple But Special: Just basic pantry ingredients come together to elevate your everyday mash.
Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or festive dinners alike.
Traditional Irish Comfort: Champ has been a beloved side dish for generations—and now it’s your turn to enjoy it.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When shopping for this recipe, the key is picking the right potatoes and fresh green onions. The quality of your butter and milk will shine through, so choose full-fat for the creamiest mash.

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: I always pick starchy varieties like Yukon Gold or Russet for that perfect fluffy texture that soaks up the butter beautifully.
Whole Milk: The milk becomes a delicious base once infused with the green onions, adding creaminess and subtle onion flavor.
Green Onions (green parts only): Using just the green parts gives a mild, fresh onion flavor without overpowering the potatoes.
Unsalted Butter: Butter melts into the mash, creating richness and that irresistible glossy finish.
Salt and White Pepper: Salt enhances the flavors while white pepper keeps the mash looking clean and classic without black flecks.

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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

One of the best things about this Creamy Irish Mashed Potatoes with Green Onions Recipe is how easy it is to tailor it to your liking. Whether you want to add a little extra richness or keep it light and fresh, there’s plenty of room to make this classic dish truly your own.

Variation: For an indulgent twist, I love swapping half of the whole milk for cream. It adds that luxurious, velvety texture that makes these mashed potatoes irresistible at holiday dinners.
Vegan Variation: If you’re following a plant-based diet, try using your favorite plant-based butter and a creamy oat or almond milk. You’ll still get wonderful creaminess and the lovely green onion flavor without any dairy.
Herb Boost: Sometimes, I sprinkle in a bit of finely chopped fresh chives or parsley along with the green onions to add a fresh herbal note that brightens up the dish perfectly.
Spice it Up: Though traditional white pepper keeps this mash looking pristine, using a pinch of black pepper or even some smoked paprika can bring interesting depth and a little warmth to your mash.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy 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 Sweet Onion Flavor

Start by adding the sliced green onions to the whole milk in a small saucepan. Warm it gently over low heat until it just starts to boil. Then, take it off the heat and let the green onions steep in the milk for a few minutes. This gentle infusion draws out their tender, slightly sweet flavor that will make your mash beautifully fragrant.

Step 2: Boil the Potatoes to Perfection

While the milk is infusing, place your peeled and quartered starchy potatoes into a pot of generously salted water. Boil them until they're very tender—this usually takes about 15 minutes. Test by piercing a piece with a fork; it should slide in easily without resistance. Once cooked, drain the potatoes and let them sit in the colander to steam dry for 2 to 3 minutes. This step helps get rid of excess moisture, ensuring a fluffy mash rather than a watery one.

Step 3: Mash and Combine While Warm

Pour the hot, green onion-infused milk over the potatoes, and get mashing! Use a potato masher or ricer to create a smooth, creamy consistency. Stir in the ½ cup of unsalted butter until it melts completely and blends into the mash. The butter adds rich flavor and silkiness that makes this dish so comforting.

Step 4: Season and Serve Warm

Finally, taste your mash and season to your liking with salt and white pepper. White pepper is preferred to keep the mash clean-looking and free of black specks, but feel free to use black pepper if that's what you have on hand. Serve your creamy Irish mashed potatoes immediately—don’t forget to top them with a little extra melted butter for that irresistible finishing touch.

Top Tip

These tips come straight from my kitchen adventures, helping you get the most luscious and flavorful results with this Creamy Irish Mashed Potatoes with Green Onions Recipe.

Onion Infusion Magic: Letting the green onions steep in the warm milk really infuses a subtle, fresh onion flavor without overpowering the creamy base.
Potato Perfection: Drain and then let your potatoes steam dry for a couple of minutes – this small step guarantees your mash won't turn watery but stays fluffy and smooth.
Butter Bliss: Add room temperature butter to the hot potatoes, then mash gently to help it melt evenly and bring that rich creaminess to the dish.
Avoiding Pepper Specks: Using white pepper keeps your mash visually pristine while still delivering that gentle warmth and spice.

How to Serve Creamy 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

To bring your Creamy Irish Mashed Potatoes with Green Onions Recipe to the next level, try garnishing with a pat of melted butter on top for that irresistible sheen. Sprinkle some freshly chopped chives or parsley for a burst of color and a subtle herbaceous note. For a little extra texture, you could also add crisp bacon bits or toasted breadcrumbs.

Side Dishes

This traditional Irish mash pairs beautifully with hearty, comforting mains. Think classic Irish stew, buttery lamb chops, or savory roast chicken. You can also serve it alongside sauteed greens or roasted root vegetables to round out your meal with color and crunchy contrasts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep them creamy, cover the surface with a piece of plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming.

Freezing

You can freeze Creamy Irish Mashed Potatoes with Green Onions Recipe for up to 2 months. Place the mash in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of milk or cream to bring back that silky texture. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring in between until hot and creamy again.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?

Absolutely! While starchy potatoes like Yukon Gold, Russet, or Maris Piper work best for their fluffy texture, you can use other varieties. Just avoid waxy potatoes as they tend to make the mash gluey instead of creamy.

What’s the difference between using white pepper and black pepper?

White pepper has a milder taste and won’t leave black specks in your mash, keeping it a lovely creamy color. Black pepper is fine if you don’t mind the little black flecks and a slightly stronger pepper flavor.

Can I make a vegan version of this dish?

Yes! Replace unsalted butter with your favorite plant-based butter and use a non-dairy milk like oat or almond milk. The green onion infusion still adds wonderful flavor.

How can I prevent watery mashed potatoes?

Make sure to steam dry the boiled potatoes for 2 to 3 minutes after draining. This extra step evaporates excess moisture, helping you achieve that perfect fluffy texture without watery mash.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so heartwarming about sitting down to a dish of Creamy Irish Mashed Potatoes with Green Onions Recipe. It’s humble yet bursting with flavor, perfect for bringing people together around the table. Whether it’s a weekday supper or a special celebration, this classic Champ recipe never fails to impress with its comforting creaminess and bright green onion notes. So go ahead, give it a try and savor a little taste of Ireland in your kitchen!