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

There’s something deeply comforting about a classic Irish side dish, and this Creamy Green Onion Irish Mashed Potatoes Recipe—also known as Champ—hits that spot perfectly. Imagine fluffy potatoes mashed with green onion-infused milk and topped with plenty of buttery goodness. It’s simple, cozy, and full of flavor.

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

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I honestly can’t get enough of how creamy and effortlessly delicious these Irish mashed potatoes turn out. It feels like a hug in a bowl every time I make it, and the gentle onion flavor is exactly what elevates this from your typical mash.

Classic Irish Comfort: Brings a traditional Irish staple right to your dinner table with authentic flavors.
Easy to Make: Uses simple ingredients and a straightforward stovetop method that anyone can tackle.
Perfectly Creamy: Whole milk infused with green onions adds a subtle richness without being heavy.
Versatile Side Dish: Complements roasts, stews, or even a casual weeknight meal beautifully.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When it comes to nailing this creamy Irish mash, the ingredients are few but meaningful. I always recommend choosing the right potatoes and fresh green onion tops, since they flavor the milk and give this dish its signature gentle bite.

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: Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes give you that perfect fluffy and smooth texture when mashed.
Whole Milk: The richness of whole milk helps make the mash creamy and acts as a great canvas for the green onion flavor.
Green Onions (green parts only): Their mild oniony sweetness infuses the milk and adds freshness.
Unsalted Butter: Butter brings richness and silkiness, rounding out the flavors beautifully.
Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the potatoes and onions.
White Pepper: A traditional choice in Irish mashed dishes to season without speckling the mash.

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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 Green Onion Irish Mashed Potatoes Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you want to add a little extra richness or tailor it to your dietary preferences, there’s plenty of room for personalization without losing that comforting, traditional charm.

Variation: For a richer, more indulgent mash, I like to stir in a little extra unsalted butter or a splash of cream right at the end. It makes the potatoes luxuriously smooth and decadent—perfect for special occasions!
Dairy-Free Option: I’ve also made this recipe using a plant-based milk such as oat or almond milk and dairy-free buttery spread. While it’s a slight departure from tradition, the flavor is still wonderfully creamy and satisfying.
Herb Boost: Adding fresh chopped parsley or chives alongside the green onions adds a fresh herbal note that brightens the dish beautifully. This is a great trick to add some seasonal flair.
Cheesy Twist: Throwing in a handful of grated sharp cheddar or Parmesan cheese melts perfectly into the mash for a subtle savory depth that your crowd will love.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Green Onion Irish Mashed Potatoes 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: Infusing the Milk for Maximum Flavor

Start by thinly slicing the green parts of 6 to 8 green onions and adding them to 50 ml (¼ cup) of whole milk in a small saucepan. Place the pan over low heat and gently bring the milk to a boil. Once it reaches a boil, remove it from the heat and let the green onions steep for several minutes. This infusion is what gives the mash that delicate, sweet onion flavor that is so signature to the dish. Be sure to keep the heat low and watch the milk closely to avoid scorching!

Step 2: Cooking the Potatoes to Perfection

While the milk is infusing, peel and quarter 6 medium Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes. Place them into a pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Boil the potatoes until they are very tender—about 15 minutes—so they mash easily without lumps. After draining, let the potatoes steam dry in the pot for 2 to 3 minutes; this step helps get rid of excess moisture and keeps your mash fluffy rather than watery.

Step 3: Mashing and Mixing in the Flavors

Return the drained potatoes back to the pot or transfer them to a mixing bowl. Pour in the hot green onion-infused milk and begin mashing using a potato masher or ricer until the potatoes are smooth and creamy. This is the moment the magic happens—your mash should feel soft but still have that lovely texture. Add 100 g (½ cup) of unsalted butter and stir until it’s melted and fully incorporated.

Step 4: Seasoning and Serving

Finally, season the mash with salt and white pepper to taste. White pepper is traditional here to keep the mash creamy white without the black speckles black pepper can leave. Serve immediately while warm, topped with a little extra sliced green onions and a pat of butter for that final indulgent touch.

Top Tip

Getting your Creamy Green Onion Irish Mashed Potatoes Recipe just right can make all the difference between a good side and a memorable comfort dish. These tips come from plenty of hands-on cooking and a sprinkle of kitchen wisdom.

Perfect Potato Choice: I always opt for Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes because their fluffy, starchy texture absorbs the infused milk beautifully, giving that creaminess without becoming gluey.
Milk Infusion: Letting the green onions steep in gently heated whole milk is a game-changer; I’ve learned that rushing this step results in less flavor uptake.
Steam Drying: After boiling, allowing the potatoes to steam dry for those extra 2-3 minutes prevents watery mash, keeping it rich and luscious.
Seasoning with White Pepper: Using white pepper keeps your mash looking clean and traditional—something I avoid substituting with black pepper to maintain authentic presentation.

How to Serve Creamy Green Onion Irish Mashed Potatoes 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

Topping your mash with a few extra sliced green onions adds a fresh pop of color and subtle crunch. For an indulgent finish, melt a pat of unsalted butter right on top just before serving — that glossy sheen is irresistible!

Side Dishes

This Creamy Green Onion Irish Mashed Potatoes Recipe pairs beautifully with hearty Irish fare like corned beef, Irish stew, or bangers and mash. It also complements roasted meats and steamed vegetables, making it perfect for holiday feasts or cozy weeknight dinners.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they cool to room temperature before refrigerating to keep the texture creamy and avoid condensation.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well! Portion the mash into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible. It will keep for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. You can add a splash of milk or a small knob of butter to refresh the creaminess. Alternatively, microwave in bursts, stirring in between.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use green onion white parts instead of green parts?

Green onion tops are preferred for their mild, sweet flavor and vibrant color. The white parts are stronger and can overwhelm the delicate taste of the dish, but you can use them sparingly if needed.

Is it necessary to use unsalted butter?

Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the mashed potatoes precisely. Using salted butter might make the dish too salty, but if that’s what you have, just adjust the added salt accordingly.

Why do we steam dry the potatoes after boiling?

Steaming the potatoes after draining removes excess moisture. This ensures the mash is creamy without being watery or gummy, giving you that perfect fluffy texture.

Can I substitute whole milk with another type of milk?

Whole milk adds richness and helps create that creamy texture. You can substitute with 2% milk or cream for an even richer taste, but plant-based milks may alter the flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about creamy mashed potatoes infused with tender green onions — a humble dish steeped in Irish tradition that warms both heart and home. The Creamy Green Onion Irish Mashed Potatoes Recipe is easy to master and endlessly rewarding, perfect for bringing loved ones together around the table with a simple, soulful side that shines.