Irish champ potatoes are mashed potatoes done right. Fluffy spuds meet warm onion kissed milk and a generous melt of Irish butter for a side that’s simple, rustic, and seriously so good!
Secret Step! I soak the green onions in warm milk first, then mash it all into the potatoes for the best onion flavor and an extra creamy texture.
Simple, Classic Ingredients: All you need are a handful of basics for a cozy, traditional Irish side.
Perfect With Hearty Mains: These are SO good with corned beef, sausages, roast chicken, or any tasty meat-and-gravy dinner.
Potatoes: Use starchy potatoes to get the perfect fluffy texture! I used Yukon Gold potatoes, but Russets have a lighter, more airy texture.
Salted Water: Boil the potatoes in salted water to enhance the flavor early on. Potatoes require a lot of salt to taste their best.
Butter: I used Kerrygold Irish butter, but you can use regular unsalted butter! I highly recommend using Irish butter, because it truly takes these potatoes to the next level!
Milk: Use a high-fat milk, like whole milk, to add creaminess! Half-and-half is also a great option. Hot milk is the key to mashing success!
This traditional Irish champ recipe comes together in just a few simple steps. Warm, buttery goodness, and full of flavor, it’s an easy recipe that delivers big comfort with minimal effort. Let’s get started!
Heat Milk and Green Onions: In a medium sized saucepan, combine the milk and minced green onions. Over low heat, bring the mixture to a boil. Then, remove it from the heat and set aside, allowing the green onions to infuse into the hot milk.
Boil and Drain Potatoes: Peel and quarter the potatoes. Add them to a large pot of salted water and boil for 10-15 minutes, until fork tender. Drain the potatoes really well to remove any moisture. Return the cooked potatoes to the warm pot and let them steam dry for 2-3 minutes.
Mash: Pour ½ cup of the green onion mixture over the potatoes. Mash the potatoes with a potato masher until smooth and creamy. Add more milk as needed to reach the desired consistency.
Add Butter and Season: Add the extra butter and stir to melt. Season Irish champ potatoes with salt and pepper to taste, and enjoy!
Don’t overmix the potatoes! Or they’ll turn gummy. I get the best texture when I mash by hand. If you prefer an electric hand mixer, use it briefly and stop as soon as they’re smooth.
Fridge: Store the cooled potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days.
Reheat: Reheat portions in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of milk, if needed, to add moisture.
Freezer: Freeze in an airtight container or seal in a ziplock bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
Here are more easy side dish recipes to try next. Simple, tasty, and great with any meal.