Name: 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, peeled and quartered; 6-8 green onions, green parts only, sliced; 50 ml (1/4 cup) whole milk; 100 g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter; Salt, to taste; White pepper, to taste

If you’ve been craving the perfect comforting side dish, this Irish Mashed Potatoes with Green Onions Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. It’s creamy, buttery, and the green onions add just the right fresh punch. I love how simple ingredients can come together for a traditional twist on classic mash!

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

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this classic Irish dish countless times, and every time it’s a hit. What I love most is how effortlessly it turns humble potatoes into something truly special—heartwarming and packed with flavor.

Creamy and Dreamy: The potatoes are perfectly smooth with buttery richness that melts in your mouth.
Bright and Fresh: Green onions infuse the milk, lending a subtle oniony freshness that elevates the dish.
Comfort Food Staple: It’s an easy, traditional side that pairs beautifully with almost any main course.
Quick to Make: Ready in just 30 minutes, it fits perfectly into busy weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients & Why They Work

To get this Irish mashed potatoes recipe just right, choosing the right ingredients makes all the difference, starting with the potatoes. Here’s why each one matters and what you should keep in mind while shopping.

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: Go for starchy varieties like Yukon Gold or Russet for the creamiest mash; in the UK, Maris Piper or King Edward give the best texture.
Green Onions: Only the green parts add fresh flavor without overpowering the dish, so slice them thinly to infuse the milk.
Whole Milk: Using full-fat milk really keeps the mash rich and silky, essential for that authentic Irish creaminess.
Unsalted Butter: Butter brings in richness and you control the saltiness better when it’s unsalted.
Salt: The seasoning backbone - it brings out the natural flavors of the potatoes and green onions.
White Pepper: Preferred to keep the mash visually white and mildly spiced, but black pepper can be used if you want a little more bite.

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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 Irish Mashed Potatoes with Green Onions Recipe is how easy it is to tailor it to your taste and occasion. Whether you prefer a richer, buttery mash or something a bit lighter, a few tweaks can make it truly yours.

Variation: Sometimes I like to stir in a handful of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for an extra green burst of flavor that complements the onion infusion beautifully.
Dairy-Free Version: For a dairy-free option, substitute the whole milk and butter with unsweetened almond milk and a plant-based butter alternative. The green onions still shine through, keeping the mash flavorful.
Seasonal Twist: In late summer, adding some sautéed sweet corn kernels gives a lovely sweetness and texture contrast that brightens up the dish.
Spiced Up: If you like a little heat, a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper added with the white pepper can add a surprisingly delightful warmth.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Irish Mashed Potatoes with Green Onions 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: Infuse the Milk with Green Onions

I start by placing the sliced green onions into a small saucepan with the whole milk. Bring it gently to a low boil over low heat, then immediately remove it from the stove. Letting the green onions steep in the warm milk infuses it with their fresh, mild onion flavor — this step is key to the dish's charm. While the milk is infusing, you can move on to the potatoes.

Step 2: Cook the Potatoes Until Tender

Next, I place the peeled and quartered potatoes into a large pot filled with salted water. Boil them until they're very tender — you’ll know they’re ready when a fork slides in easily without resistance, usually about 15 minutes. After draining, I leave the potatoes in the pot, off the heat, to steam dry for 2 to 3 minutes. This step helps remove excess moisture, ensuring the mash stays creamy and not watery.

Step 3: Mash, Combine, and Season

With the potatoes hot and steamed dry, I pour over the infused milk, then mash them thoroughly until smooth and luscious. Next, I add the unsalted butter, allowing it to melt evenly while mixing it all together. Season with salt and white pepper to taste — I prefer white pepper here because it keeps the mash beautifully white and traditional. Give everything one last good stir and your Irish Mashed Potatoes with Green Onions are ready to serve!

Top Tip

Getting the perfect creamy texture and bright flavor in your Irish Mashed Potatoes with Green Onions Recipe is all about a few smart little steps. These tips come from my own kitchen adventures and can really elevate your dish.

Infuse the Milk Slowly: I always heat the milk with the green onions over low heat and never rush it to boiling. This gentle infusion draws out that fresh onion flavor without bitterness.
Steam Dry Potatoes: After draining, I let my potatoes steam dry right in the pot for 2-3 minutes. It makes a noticeable difference by keeping the mash fluffy instead of watery.
Use Unsalted Butter: Adding unsalted butter gives me full control over the seasoning. Plus, melted butter swirled in last creates that rich, luscious finish.
Avoid Over-mashing: One mistake I learned to avoid is overworking the potatoes, which can make them gluey. I mash just enough to get a smooth, creamy texture without losing that light, airy feel.

How to Serve Irish Mashed Potatoes with Green Onions 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

To dress up your Irish mashed potatoes, try sprinkling a few extra sliced green onions on top for a fresh crunch and vibrant color. A pat of melted butter on each serving adds that classic gloss and richness. For a bit of flair, you could also grate some sharp cheddar over the warm mash or sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives for a herbaceous note.

Side Dishes

This Irish Mashed Potatoes with Green Onions Recipe pairs beautifully with hearty mains like slow-cooked beef stew, roast lamb, or grilled sausages. For a lighter meal, serve alongside steamed greens such as cabbage or kale, or a simple fresh green salad to balance the richness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days. Just be sure to cool the mash completely before sealing to maintain freshness.

Freezing

You can freeze Irish mashed potatoes, but keep in mind it may slightly change the texture. To freeze, place cooled mash in a freezer-safe container or bag and remove as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months for best taste.

Reheating

Reheat leftover mash gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk as needed to bring back its creamy consistency. Stir frequently to ensure even heating and prevent drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular white or black pepper instead of white pepper?

Yes, you can substitute black or regular white pepper if you don't have white pepper. Just keep in mind that black pepper will add tiny specks to the mash, changing its classic smooth look.

What kind of potatoes work best for this recipe?

Starchy potatoes like Yukon Gold or Russet give the best creamy texture for Irish mashed potatoes. In the UK, varieties like Maris Piper, King Edward, Vivaldi, or Desiree are excellent choices.

Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version, you can substitute the whole milk with plant-based alternatives like oat or almond milk, and use vegan butter instead of unsalted butter. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

Is it best to serve the mash immediately?

Yes, Irish Mashed Potatoes with Green Onions Recipe tastes best served immediately to enjoy the fresh onion flavor and creamy texture. However, leftovers can be reheated gently without losing much quality.

Final Thoughts

This Irish Mashed Potatoes with Green Onions Recipe is a heartwarming, simple dish that brings a little taste of Ireland to your table. Whether you serve it alongside a festive roast or a cozy weeknight dinner, those tender green onions and creamy butter make every bite special. Give it a try—you might find it becoming a beloved staple in your home just like it is in mine!