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 potatoes; 50 ml milk; 6-8 green onions, green parts only; 100 g unsalted butter; Salt to taste; White pepper to taste

Nothing beats the comforting charm of a classic side, and this Creamy Irish Mashed Potatoes with Green Onions Recipe brings that homestyle magic right to your plate. It’s a simple, flavorful twist on your usual mash, and trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen.

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 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’m absolutely smitten with how this recipe elevates everyday mashed potatoes. The subtle onion-infused milk elevates the flavor without overpowering, making it irresistibly creamy and comforting.

Authentic Irish flavor: Uses green onions steeped in warm milk for a gentle, fresh taste.
Perfectly fluffy texture: Carefully chosen starchy potatoes ensure a light, creamy mash every time.
Simplicity meets elegance: Minimal ingredients with maximum flavor impact.
Versatile side dish: Pairs beautifully with everything from hearty stews to grilled chicken.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When it comes to crafting the perfect Irish mashed potatoes, selecting the right ingredients is half the fun. Here’s why each component earns its spot in this creamy delight—and a few tips to shop like a pro.

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: I always lean toward starchy or floury varieties because they mash up silky and fluffy without becoming gluey.
Milk: Heating milk with the green onions infuses lovely sweetness and a subtle onion flavor that feels comforting and fresh.
Green onions: Use just the green parts chopped finely—they add a beautiful mild bite without overwhelming the potatoes.
Unsalted butter: This ensures you can control the saltiness perfectly while enriching the mash with creamy richness.
Salt and white pepper: Essential seasoning that rounds out the dish—white pepper keeps the mash looking pristine without black specks.

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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 joys of the Creamy Irish Mashed Potatoes with Green Onions Recipe is how wonderfully adaptable it is. Whether you're aiming for a comforting classic or want to sneak in a twist, feel free to make it your own.

Variation: For a richer, indulgent touch, I sometimes swirl in a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche at the end. It adds a lovely tang that complements the sweetness of the green onions beautifully.
Make it vegan: Swap the butter for a good-quality vegan margarine and use a plant-based milk like oat or almond milk. Just make sure the milk is warmed with the green onions to capture that iconic flavor.
Seasonal flair: In spring, I chop fresh herbs such as chives or parsley to toss in along with the green onions for a fresh herbal lift.
Smoother mash: Using a potato ricer really takes the texture from simple to silk in seconds, perfect if you love your mash velvety smooth.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Irish Mashed Potatoes with Green Onions 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 the milk with fresh green onions

Start by slicing the green parts of 6 to 8 fresh green onions thinly. Pour 50 ml of milk into a small saucepan and add the sliced green onions. Warm the milk gently over low heat until it just comes to a gentle boil—this helps release the mild onion flavor. Once boiling, remove the pan from the heat and let the green onions steep in the hot milk. This infusion is what gives your mash that lovely subtle onion aroma and unique Irish twist.

Step 2: Cook the potatoes to fluffy perfection

While the milk is infusing, peel 6 medium potatoes and cut them into quarters for even cooking. Place them in a large pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Let them simmer gently until the potatoes are very tender when pierced with a fork—this usually takes around 15 minutes. Once done, drain the potatoes well, then let them sit in the colander or pot for 2 to 3 minutes so they steam dry. This step helps evaporate excess moisture, ensuring your mash will be creamy and not watery.

Step 3: Mash and season to taste

Pour the hot, green onion-infused milk over the drained potatoes. Using a potato masher or ricer, mash thoroughly until the potatoes are smooth and fluffy. Next, add 100 g of unsalted butter and stir it in until melted and fully incorporated. Finally, season with salt and white pepper to taste. I recommend white pepper here because it blends in invisibly, keeping your mash pristine-looking while adding just the right amount of gentle spice.

Serve immediately for the creamiest texture, topped with an extra pat of butter and a sprinkle of thinly sliced green onions for garnish. Enjoy this comforting, traditional Irish side dish with your favorite mains!

Top Tip

These tips come from my personal kitchen adventures, helping you get that perfect creamy texture and fresh green onion flavor every single time with your Creamy Irish Mashed Potatoes with Green Onions Recipe.

Milk Infusion Magic: Letting the green onions steep in the warm milk truly brings out their delicate flavor. Don’t rush this step—it makes a big difference!
Steam, Don’t Dry: After draining your potatoes, let them steam dry for a few minutes instead of patting them dry. This keeps them fluffy and ensures your mash isn’t watery.
Mash While Hot: Pour the hot onion-infused milk over the potatoes right away and mash while everything is warm for the creamiest, smoothest consistency.
White Pepper Over Black: Using white pepper avoids little black flecks that can distract from the dish’s beautiful pale color, keeping your mash looking as inviting as it tastes.

How to Serve Creamy Irish Mashed Potatoes with Green Onions 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

A simple knob of melted butter drizzled on top adds that classic finishing touch to your Creamy Irish Mashed Potatoes with Green Onions Recipe. For a little extra pop of color and texture, sprinkle with freshly chopped chives or parsley. If you’re feeling indulgent, a light dusting of smoked paprika or a handful of crispy fried shallots can elevate this side even further.

Side Dishes

This creamy, comforting mash pairs beautifully with traditional Irish dishes like corned beef, Irish stew, or shepherd’s pie. It also complements roasted chicken or grilled salmon for a more modern twist. And don’t forget a side of steamed greens or sautéed cabbage to keep the meal fresh and balanced.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Creamy Irish Mashed Potatoes with Green Onions Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days—perfect for quick lunches or side dishes during the busy week.

Freezing

You can freeze the mashed potatoes, but because of the fresh green onions and butter, texture may slightly change upon thawing. Pop them into a freezer-safe container and enjoy within 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Stir occasionally to warm evenly and avoid drying out. If needed, add a small knob of butter to refresh that rich texture and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular white or yellow onions instead of green onions?

Green onions are preferred for their mild, fresh flavor which infuses nicely into the milk without overpowering the potatoes. Regular white or yellow onions have a stronger taste and firmer texture that might alter the traditional delicate balance of this dish.

What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?

Starchy or floury potatoes like Yukon Gold or Russet are ideal because they yield a fluffy, creamy texture perfect for mashing. Avoid waxy potatoes as they tend to be gummy.

Why use white pepper instead of black pepper?

White pepper maintains the light color of the mashed potatoes, avoiding the specks of black pepper that some find visually unappealing. However, black pepper can be used if you don’t mind the appearance.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the potatoes and milk infusion ahead, but it’s best to mash and serve them fresh for the creamiest texture. Leftovers store well in the fridge for a few days and reheat nicely.

Final Thoughts

Making this Creamy Irish Mashed Potatoes with Green Onions Recipe always feels like a warm hug from the Irish countryside. It’s simple, comforting, and full of heart—perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions alike. I hope it brings a little bit of that charm to your table. Happy cooking and Sláinte!