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

If you’re craving a comforting Irish classic, you’ve got to try this Creamy Irish Champ Mashed Potatoes Recipe. It’s that perfect cozy side dish featuring fluffy potatoes enriched with tender green onions and rich butter—pure comfort in every bite.

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

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This recipe holds a special place in my heart. Every time I make it, the aroma of the green onions infusing the milk fills my kitchen with warmth, and the buttery smoothness melts me into relaxation. It’s a side dish that feels like a hug from Ireland.

Authentic Flavor: Uses traditional ingredients to capture the true taste of Irish Champ, no shortcuts.
Simple Yet Special: Uses common pantry staples but elevates them with a clever green onion-infused milk step.
Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or festive feasts.
Versatile Side: Pairs beautifully with everything from roasted meats to sautéed veggies or even hearty stews.

Ingredients & Why They Work

To nail this Creamy Irish Champ Mashed Potatoes Recipe, the quality of your ingredients really shines through. Let’s talk about the key players you’ll want to have on hand for the best flavor and texture.

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: Choose starchy or floury varieties—they give you that fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s essential for Champ.
Whole milk: Provides just the right creaminess and also acts as the perfect medium to soak up the onion flavor.
Green onions (green parts only): Their gentle onion flavor is the soul of this dish, offering freshness without overpowering.
Unsalted butter: Adds rich, creamy indulgence while letting you control the salt levels perfectly.
Salt and white pepper: Simple seasoning to balance and elevate the subtle flavors without masking them.

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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 this Creamy Irish Champ Mashed Potatoes Recipe is how easy it is to tailor it to your taste buds and pantry. Whether you want to make it creamier, punch up the onion flavor, or try a subtle twist, it’s all about what makes you smile at the table.

Variation: For a richer take, I love swapping the whole milk with half and half or light cream. It adds a velvety indulgence that feels extra comforting on chilly evenings.
Green Onion Intensity: Experiment with the amount of green onions—sometimes I add just 4 for a gentle hint, other times I go all in with 8 for a vibrant onion punch that really wakes up the dish.
Dairy-Free Option: Use a plant-based milk like oat milk and vegan butter to keep it creamy and lush without dairy. The key is warming the milk with the green onions to infuse flavor regardless.
Herb Boost: Toss in a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives as a garnish for a fresh herbal note that complements the buttery, oniony mash beautifully.
Spicy Twist: If you enjoy a hint of heat, a light dusting of cayenne or smoked paprika sprinkled on top adds an exciting dimension without overpowering the classic flavors.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Irish Champ Mashed Potatoes 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 Milk with Green Onion Goodness

Start by pouring ¼ cup (50 ml) of whole milk into a small saucepan and add the sliced green parts of 6-8 green onions. Warm this gently over low heat until it just begins to boil—keep a close eye so it doesn’t scorch. Then remove it from the heat and let the green onions steep for a few minutes. This infusion unlocks that subtle onion aroma and flavor that makes champ so special.

Step 2: Boil the Potatoes Until Tender

While your milk is infusing, peel 6 medium potatoes and cut them into even quarters. Place them in a large pot filled with salted water and bring it to a vigorous boil. Cook the potatoes until they’re very tender—about 15 minutes—so they mash smoothly without lumps. You can test them by poke-testing with a fork; they should slide off easily.

Step 3: Drain, Steam-Dry, and Prepare for Mashing

Drain your potatoes thoroughly in a colander. Return them to the hot pot and let them sit uncovered for 2-3 minutes. This steam-drying step helps evaporate extra water, keeping your mash creamy instead of watery. Meanwhile, strain the green onion-infused milk through a fine sieve to remove the onion pieces, reserving the flavorful milk for mashing.

Step 4: Mash, Add Butter and Finish with Seasoning

Begin mashing the potatoes until smooth using a potato masher or ricer. Gradually pour in the warm, infused milk and add ½ cup (100 g) of unsalted butter in chunks. Keep mashing and folding it all together until your mash becomes creamy and luscious. Finally, season with salt and white pepper to taste—white pepper keeps the delicate color and adds a gentle spice. Give everything a good stir to combine the flavors deeply.

Step 5: Serve Up and Garnish

Serve your Creamy Irish Champ Mashed Potatoes piping hot, topped with a pat of butter melting on top and a sprinkle of extra sliced green onions for that fresh, green crunch. This cozy side dish pairs wonderfully with meats, vegetables, or even as a standalone comfort plate. Enjoy every creamy, buttery bite!

Top Tip

Mastering the Creamy Irish Champ Mashed Potatoes Recipe is all about attention to detail—these tips will help you achieve the perfect fluffy, buttery texture every time.

Infuse the Milk Properly: I’ve found that gently heating the whole milk with the sliced green onions just until it starts to boil, then letting it steep off the heat, really brings out that delicate onion flavor without overpowering the potatoes.
Steam Dry Your Potatoes: After boiling and draining, letting the potatoes sit in the hot pot for a few minutes to steam dry removes excess moisture, which keeps your mash from becoming watery—a trick I learned after a few too-runny batches!
Use Unsalted Butter: This gives you better control over the seasoning. Adding salt gradually ensures the final taste is perfectly balanced.
Mash While Ingredients Are Hot: Mixing in the warm infused milk and butter while the potatoes are still hot makes the mash silky smooth—waiting too long can result in a clumpy texture that’s harder to fix.

How to Serve Creamy Irish Champ Mashed Potatoes 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

For a classic presentation, garnish your creamy Irish champ mashed potatoes with a generous pat of butter and a sprinkle of fresh, finely sliced green onions. If you want to add a little twist, try topping with crispy bacon bits, chopped chives, or even a light dusting of smoked paprika for subtle warmth.

Side Dishes

This Champ recipe pairs beautifully with traditional Irish mains like corned beef and cabbage or Irish stew. It also complements roasted chicken, grilled sausages, steamed green vegetables, and even simple pan-seared fish. Its creamy texture and savory flavor work wonderfully alongside hearty and fresh sides alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftover champ mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days—perfect for quick meals or reheating during busy weeknights.

Freezing

You can freeze your Creamy Irish Champ Mashed Potatoes for up to 1 month. Transfer cooled mash into a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. You may want to add a splash of milk or a small knob of butter to refresh the creaminess. Alternatively, cover and microwave in short bursts, stirring in between until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of milk instead of whole milk for this recipe?

Absolutely! While whole milk helps create the classic creamy texture, you can substitute half and half or cream for a richer result, or even a plant-based milk, though the flavor and texture may vary slightly.

What kind of potatoes work best for Creamy Irish Champ Mashed Potatoes?

For the fluffiest mash, starchy or floury potatoes like Yukon Gold, Russet, or Maris Piper are ideal. These varieties break down well and absorb the butter and milk beautifully.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can make the mashed potatoes ahead and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently before serving and refresh with a little extra milk or butter if needed.

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

Champ is a traditional Irish version of mashed potatoes that incorporates green onions (scallions) infused in milk, giving it a distinctive mild onion flavor, whereas regular mashed potatoes usually don’t include onions.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about this Creamy Irish Champ Mashed Potatoes Recipe—it’s simple, soulful, and packed with flavor from the green onions and butter. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I’ve enjoyed sharing it. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a cozy family meal, this traditional Irish side will surely become a beloved classic on your table. Happy cooking and sláinte!