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 (Yukon Gold or Russet recommended); 50 ml whole milk (1/4 cup); 6-8 green onions, green parts only, sliced; 100 g unsalted butter (1/2 cup); Salt to taste; White pepper to taste

When you crave something deeply comforting yet delightfully simple, my Creamy Irish Mashed Potatoes with Green Onions Recipe never fails to hit the spot. It's that perfect blend of silky potatoes infused with fresh, tender green onions and topped with golden melted butter—a true Irish classic you’ll want to make again and again.

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 always loved how a simple twist—like adding green onions—can take classic mashed potatoes from “just good” to unforgettable. This recipe, lovingly known as Champ in Ireland, is one of my go-to sides whenever I want a dish that’s creamy, flavorful, and soul-satisfying.

Authentic Irish Flavor: The green onions lend a subtle but distinctive oniony brightness that elevates basic mashed potatoes.
Incredibly Creamy Texture: Using infused milk and plenty of butter guarantees a luscious, dreamy consistency.
Simple Ingredients: You likely have everything in your kitchen already—no fuss, just fuss-free deliciousness.
Versatile Side Dish: It pairs wonderfully with hearty Irish stews, roasted meats, or serves as a comforting star on its own.

Ingredients & Why They Work

For this Creamy Irish Mashed Potatoes with Green Onions recipe, the key is selecting the right potatoes and the freshest green onions. Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes provide the perfect fluffy, starchy base, and using only the green parts of the onions prevents any sharpness overpowering the dish.

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

Medium starchy potatoes: Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes offer the ideal balance of fluffiness and creaminess after mashing.
Whole milk: It’s gently infused with green onions to carry subtle onion flavor throughout the mash.
Green onions (green parts only): These add mild oniony notes without bitterness, complementing the creamy potatoes perfectly.
Unsalted butter: Essential for rich, silky mashed potatoes—you control the salt separately for balance.
Salt and white pepper: Seasoning brings out and balances all the flavors without overpowering the delicate taste of the infused milk and onions.

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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 easily you can tweak it to suit your tastes or what you have on hand. Whether you want it richer, lighter, or with an extra flavor twist, there’s room to make this classic your own.

Variation: I love adding a handful of freshly chopped chives or parsley on top instead of green onions for a different herbal brightness that still keeps the dish fresh and vibrant.
Dairy-Free Option: Swap whole milk for unsweetened almond or oat milk, and use a vegan butter alternative to keep it creamy but dairy-free—just make sure to infuse your green onions as usual for that signature flavor.
Extra Creamy: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche after mashing for a tangy creaminess that pairs perfectly with the butter and onions.
Seasonal Twist: In colder months, add a touch of roasted garlic to the mash for a cozy, savory note that complements roasted meats beautifully.

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 Green Onions

Start by slicing the green parts of 6-8 green onions. Pour 50 ml (¼ cup) of whole milk into a small saucepan and add the sliced green onions. Heat gently over low heat until the milk just reaches a boil. This gentle warming extracts that lovely mild, oniony flavor without bitterness. Once it boils, take the pan off the heat and let the green onions steep for a few minutes to deepen the infusion.

Step 2: Cook the Potatoes Until Tender

While the milk is infusing, peel and quarter 6 medium starchy potatoes—Yukon Gold or Russet are ideal for a fluffy texture. Place them in a large pot, cover with salted water, and bring to a boil. Let them cook until very tender, about 15 minutes. To test, pierce a piece with a fork—if it slides in easily, they’re ready. Drain the potatoes thoroughly, then return them to the pot and let them steam dry for 2-3 minutes. This step helps remove excess water for a creamier, fluffier mash.

Step 3: Mash Everything Together

Strain the green onions out of the infused milk using a fine sieve and reserve the milk. Gradually add this warm, fragrant milk to the potatoes while mashing with a potato masher or ricer. The goal is a smooth, creamy texture—take your time and add milk little by little so the potatoes don’t get too runny. The subtle kick from the infused milk fills the mash with flavor and moisture.

Step 4: Add Butter and Season to Perfection

Next, stir in 100 g (½ cup) of unsalted butter until completely melted and blended through. Taste your mash and season with salt and white pepper to your liking—white pepper keeps the mash looking beautifully pale while adding gentle warmth. The butter brings luscious richness that melts in your mouth with every creamy bite.

Step 5: Serve Warm with a Butter Drizzle and Green Onion Garnish

Spoon your Champ into a warm serving bowl. For that authentic Irish finishing touch, sprinkle some finely sliced green onions on top and add a little knob of melted butter to pool over the surface. Serve immediately and enjoy this comforting, flavorful side dish that pairs beautifully with everything from hearty Irish stews to simple roasted meats.

Top Tip

Getting the perfect creamy texture and flavor balance in your Creamy Irish Mashed Potatoes with Green Onions Recipe is easier with a few handy tips from my kitchen experience.

Milk Infusion Timing: Let the green onions steep in the milk off the heat just long enough to infuse but not turn bitter—about 5 minutes is ideal in my experience.
Potato Drying: After boiling, allowing the potatoes to steam dry for those extra 2-3 minutes made a huge difference in fluffiness—don’t skip this step!
Mashing Method: Using a potato ricer or masher while gradually adding the infused milk results in beautiful, smooth mash without overworking the potatoes.
Seasoning Balance: Adding white pepper last helped me avoid overpowering the gentle green onion flavor and kept the dish perfectly balanced.

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 elevate both presentation and flavor, sprinkle extra finely sliced green onions on top just before serving. A little knob of melted butter drizzled over the warm potatoes creates a glossy, irresistible finish. If you enjoy a bit of color and zing, a sprinkle of freshly chopped chives or a dash of smoked paprika can add a lovely twist.

Side Dishes

This creamy Irish side pairs beautifully with classic Irish stew, roasted lamb, or grilled sausages. For a lighter meal, add sautéed greens or steamed vegetables like carrots and peas to complete the plate. It’s also a comforting companion to meatloaf, baked chicken, or even a veggie wellington.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer the leftover Creamy Irish Mashed Potatoes with Green Onions to an airtight container. Refrigerate and enjoy within 3 days to maintain the fresh, buttery flavor and creamy texture.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish for up to 1 month. To do so, pack the mashed potatoes tightly into a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve that wonderful creamy consistency.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or a little butter to revive the creamy texture as it warms up. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out the mash.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of milk in this recipe?

Yes! While whole milk gives the creamiest texture, you can substitute with semi-skimmed or even a plant-based milk. Just keep in mind the flavor and creaminess might vary slightly.

What’s the best way to avoid lumps in the mashed potatoes?

Using a potato ricer or masher and gradually adding the warm infused milk while mashing helps ensure a smooth, lump-free mash every time.

Can I prepare the green onion milk infusion ahead of time?

It's best to infuse the milk fresh just before mashing to keep the green onion flavor bright and avoid bitterness, but you can prepare it up to a few hours ahead and keep it refrigerated.

What’s the difference between Champ and regular mashed potatoes?

Champ is a traditional Irish dish that specifically includes green onions (scallions) and melted butter, giving it that distinctive fresh and buttery flavor beyond standard mashed potatoes.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so comforting and heartwarming about a bowl of Creamy Irish Mashed Potatoes with Green Onions Recipe. It’s simple yet bursting with rich, fresh flavors that bring a little Irish magic to any meal. Whether you’re serving it alongside a festive feast or a casual family dinner, these mashed potatoes are sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Enjoy every creamy, buttery bite!