There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of creamy mashed potatoes with a subtle kick of fresh onion, isn’t there? That’s exactly what the Creamy Irish Mashed Potatoes with Green Onions Recipe delivers — a buttery, smooth mash laced with tender green onions that’s as cozy as it is flavorful.
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 remember the first time I made this traditional Irish Champ recipe — the aroma of onions steeped in warm milk filling the kitchen, the creamy texture of the mash that just melts in your mouth. It quickly became one of my go-to sides for everything from humble weeknight dinners to festive celebrations.
- Simple Comfort Food: Classic Irish mashed potatoes elevated with the fresh zing of green onions.
- Easy to Make: Only a handful of ingredients and about 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Versatile Side Dish: Perfect alongside roasts, stews, or even with a vegetarian main.
- Expert Texture: Using starchy potatoes ensures that light, fluffy mash you crave.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Choosing the right ingredients is key to making this mash truly shine. I always opt for starchy potatoes like Yukon Gold or Russet — they fluff up beautifully without turning gluey. And don’t skimp on fresh green onions — they add that signature gentle onion flavor infused in the milk.

- Medium starchy potatoes: These give you the fluffy, creamy texture that’s essential.
- Whole milk: Warms gently with the green onions to infuse subtle flavor.
- Green onions (green parts only): Tender and mild, perfect for steeping in warm milk.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and smoothness to the mash.
- Salt and white pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors without overwhelming.
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 to your taste buds and dietary needs. Whether you're after a richer indulgence or a lighter option, a few tweaks can make this classic dish truly your own.
- Variation: For an extra luxurious twist, I've sometimes swapped whole milk for half-and-half to give the potatoes a creamier, more decadent texture without overwhelming the fresh onion flavor.
- Dairy-Free: If you need a dairy-free version, using plant-based butter and a creamy milk alternative like oat or almond milk works beautifully while still preserving that comforting creaminess.
- Herbal Touch: In place of green onions, chives offer a milder onion essence that pairs wonderfully if you prefer something subtler but still delightful.
- Potato Choice: I always recommend sticking to starchy or floury potatoes (like Yukon Gold or Russets) because they give you that perfect fluffy texture without turning gluey.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Irish Mashed Potatoes with Green Onions Recipe

Step 1: Gently Infuse the Milk with Green Onions
Start by adding the sliced green parts of 6-8 green onions into 50 ml (¼ cup) of whole milk in a small saucepan. Warm this mixture over low heat just until it reaches a gentle boil. Then remove it from the heat and let the green onions steep in the hot milk. This step is key—it infuses the milk with that tender, fresh onion flavor that makes this recipe special. While it’s steeping, you can get started on your potatoes.
Step 2: Cook the Potatoes Until Perfectly Tender
Peel and quarter your 6 medium starchy potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet work best). Place them in a large pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Boil for about 15 minutes, or until a fork pierces the potatoes easily and they feel very tender. This ensures your mash will be silky and lump-free.
Step 3: Drain and Steam-Dry
Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them thoroughly. Return them to the hot pot and let them steam dry for 2-3 minutes—this extra minute or two helps evaporate excess moisture so your mash isn’t watery. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in texture.
Step 4: Mash with Onion-Infused Milk
Pour the hot green onion-infused milk over the potatoes. Using a potato masher or ricer, mash everything together until smooth and creamy. Be gentle here—overworking can make the potatoes gluey, so mash just until combined and silky.
Step 5: Add Butter and Season to Taste
Stir in 100 g (½ cup) of unsalted butter until it’s fully melted and incorporated, bringing luscious richness to your mash. Finish by seasoning with salt and a pinch of white pepper to taste. Serve immediately, and if you like, top with extra sliced green onions for that fresh pop of color and flavor.
Top Tip
These handy tips will help you master the perfect Creamy Irish Mashed Potatoes with Green Onions Recipe every time, ensuring that rich, silky texture and delicate onion flavor shine through.
- Choose the Right Potato: From my experience, using starchy potatoes like Yukon Gold or Russet truly makes a difference in achieving that light, fluffy mash you crave.
- Infuse with Patience: I found gently warming the green onions in milk without rushing preserves their subtle sweetness without bitterness—avoid boiling vigorously!
- Steam Dry After Boiling: Letting your potatoes sit in the pot off the heat for 2-3 minutes removes excess moisture, preventing watery mash, which was a game-changer for me.
- Don’t Overmix: I learned the hard way that overworking the potatoes makes them gluey; mash just enough to combine smoothly for that perfect creamy texture.
How to Serve Creamy Irish Mashed Potatoes with Green Onions Recipe

Garnishes
Fresh sliced green onions on top add a lovely crunch and vibrant color, enhancing the mild onion flavor. A drizzle of melted butter or a sprinkle of chopped parsley or chives also lifts this comforting dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Irish Mashed Potatoes with Green Onions Recipe pairs perfectly with hearty Irish dishes like corned beef and cabbage, savory lamb stew, or a roast chicken. For a delicious twist, serve alongside sautéed greens or buttered carrots for a comforting, balanced meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making them great for quick meals later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze these mashed potatoes by placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They keep well for up to 2 months. Make sure to cool completely before freezing to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. Stir occasionally and add a splash of milk or a small pat of butter to bring back the creamy consistency. Avoid overheating to prevent separation.
Frequently Asked Questions:
While regular onions have a stronger flavor, green onions provide a mild, fresh onion taste that's essential to the traditional Champ. If substituting, use finely chopped cooked onions sparingly to avoid overpowering the dish.
Starchy or floury potatoes like Yukon Gold, Russet, Maris Piper, or King Edward yield the best fluffy, creamy texture ideal for this mashed potato recipe.
Absolutely! Use plant-based butter and your favorite milk alternative in place of dairy to keep the dish creamy without compromising taste.
Avoid overmixing or overworking the potatoes. Mash gently just until smooth and creamy to keep a light, fluffy texture.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Irish Mashed Potatoes with Green Onions Recipe is more than just a side – it’s a warm embrace on a plate. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or just craving cozy comfort food, these mashed potatoes bring heart and tradition to your table. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this simple yet satisfying dish as much as I do!
Print
Creamy Irish Mashed Potatoes with Green Onions Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Irish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Traditional Irish mashed potatoes known as Champ, made with tender green onions infused in milk, creamy butter, and perfectly mashed starchy potatoes. This comforting side dish offers a deliciously smooth texture and a mild onion flavor, perfect alongside any Irish meal or roast.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 6 medium starchy potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet)
Milk Infusion
- 50 ml whole milk (¼ cup)
- 6-8 green onions, green parts only, sliced
Other Ingredients
- 100 g unsalted butter (½ cup)
- Salt and white pepper to taste
Instructions
- Infuse the milk: Add the sliced green onions to the whole milk in a small saucepan. Warm gently over low heat until it just reaches a boil, then remove from heat and let the green onions steep in the hot milk while you prepare the potatoes.
- Cook the potatoes: Peel and quarter the potatoes. Place them in a pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook until the potatoes are very tender when pierced with a fork, about 15 minutes.
- Drain and mash: Drain the potatoes well and return them to the hot pot. Let them steam dry for 2-3 minutes to remove excess moisture.
- Combine and season: Pour the hot onion-infused milk over the potatoes. Mash together thoroughly using a potato masher or ricer until smooth and creamy.
- Add butter and seasoning: Stir in the unsalted butter until fully melted and incorporated. Season with salt and white pepper to taste. Serve immediately, topped with extra sliced green onions if desired.
Notes
- Use starchy or floury potatoes such as Yukon Gold, Russet, Maris Piper, King Edward, Vivaldi, or Desiree for the best fluffy texture.
- If you prefer a richer flavor, replace whole milk with half-and-half or cream.
- Green onions can be substituted with chives for a milder onion flavor.
- Do not overwork the potatoes to avoid a gluey texture.
- For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter and milk alternatives.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg


Leave a Reply