Irish Champ (Mashed Potatoes with Scallions)
Elevate your meals with Irish champ, a delightful mashed potato dish that combines tradition and comfort in every bite.
Irish champ is a simple yet comforting mashed potato dish that showcases the best Irish home cooking. Made with creamy mashed potatoes infused with warm milk, butter, and green onions (scallions), this traditional recipe is a staple in Irish households. The dish’s origins date back centuries when potatoes were the foundation of the Irish diet. Champ was a way to offer flavor and richness with readily available ingredients.
What makes champ stand out is its balance of velvety mashed potatoes and the mild bite of the gently steeped green onions, giving it a depth of flavor that elevates it beyond everyday mashed potatoes. It pairs beautifully with meats and seafood. Whether served as an everyday side or part of an Irish-themed meal, Irish champ is a classic that brings warmth and comfort.
Why You’ll Love It
Simple and traditional. Irish champ uses just a few ingredients but offers big flavor and comfort.
Velvety and rich. The warm milk and butter create an ultra-creamy mashed texture.
Versatile side. Great with roast meats, sausage, seafood, or any hearty meal.
Easy to customize. Add cheese, bacon, or herbs to make it your own.
Ingredient Notes
- Potatoes – Yukon Golds give a buttery texture, while Russets make it fluffier.
- Milk – Use whole milk, or swap in some cream for extra richness.
- Butter – Go generous! It enhances the flavor and adds creaminess.
- Green Onions – Use the full bunch, both green and white parts, for the best flavor.
Steps to Make Irish Champ
- Peel and chop the potatoes, then simmer them in salted water until tender. Meanwhile, warm the milk and butter with the chopped scallions over low heat—just enough to soften, not boil.
- Drain and mash the potatoes until smooth, then stir in the warm scallion milk mixture gradually until creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve in a bowl with an extra pat of butter in the center, just like tradition calls for.
Recipe Variations
- Cheese Version – Stir in shredded cheddar, Irish Dubliner, or Parmesan for added richness.
- Garlic Infused – Add sautéed or roasted garlic to the milk and butter mixture.
- Bacon Champ – Mix in crispy cooked bacon for a smoky, savory touch.
- Fresh Herbs – Add fresh parsley, chives, or dill for extra freshness.
- Spicy Champ – Stir in a pinch of cayenne or top with a drizzle of hot sauce.
How to Store (and Reheat)
Refrigerate: Store leftover champ in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To Reheat:
Stovetop: Reheat over low heat with a splash of milk and butter, stirring often.
Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe dish with a bit of milk in 30-second bursts, stirring between each.
Oven: Spread in a buttered dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes until hot.
Irish Champ
Ingredients
- 2 pounds potatoes, Yukon Gold or Russets peeled and cut into chunks
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt for the cooking water, more for seasoning
- 1 cup whole milk, or part cream for a richer mash
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus extra for serving
- 1 bunch green onions, finely chopped, both white and green parts
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Boil the potatoes: Place the peeled and chopped potatoes in a saucepan and cover with cold water seasoned with 2 tablespoons of salt. The water should come up to about 1 inch above the potatoes. Bring to a boil, then cover the pan, reduce to a gentle boil, and cook for about 20 to 25 minutes or until tender when pierced with a fork.
- Warm the milk and scallions: While the potatoes are cooking, heat the milk and 6 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the chopped scallions and continue cooking on the lowest heat for 5 minutes. Do not let the milk boil.
- Mash the potatoes: Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash them until smooth, or pass them through a potato ricer or food mill for an extra smooth mash.
- Combine: Gradually pour the warm milk mixture into the mashed potatoes, stirring continuously until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Spoon the champ into a serving bowl, and add a generous pat of butter. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
