Champ Potatoes
Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes swirled with fresh green onions. This classic Irish comfort food is incredibly simple to make and pairs wonderfully with roasted meats or stews. A taste of Ireland in every bite!
For 4 servings
5 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Boil the potatoes
- b.Place the peeled and quartered potatoes in a large pot.
- c.Cover with cold water by about 1 inch and add a generous pinch of salt.
- d.Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, until the potatoes are very tender when pierced with a fork.
- e.Drain the potatoes thoroughly in a colander.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Warm and infuse the milk
- b.While the potatoes are boiling, combine the milk and the sliced white parts of the scallions in a small saucepan.
- c.Heat over medium-low heat until the milk is hot and steaming, but do not let it boil.
- d.Remove from the heat and set aside to let the scallion flavor infuse into the milk.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Mash the potatoes
- b.Return the hot, drained potatoes to the pot and place it back on the stove over low heat for 1 minute to cook off any excess moisture.
- c.Mash the potatoes using a potato masher or a ricer until they are smooth and free of lumps.
- d.Add the cubed butter and stir until it is completely melted and incorporated.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Combine and finish the champ
- b.Gradually pour the warm milk mixture (including the scallion whites) into the potatoes, mixing continuously until you reach a creamy consistency.
- c.Fold in the sliced green parts of the scallions.
- d.Season with 1 teaspoon of salt and 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper, or more to your taste.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Serve immediately
- b.Spoon the champ into warm serving bowls.
- c.Make a well in the center of each portion and add an extra knob of butter, allowing it to melt into the potatoes.
- d.Serve hot as a side to your favorite main course.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the creamiest texture, use a potato ricer instead of a masher. This prevents overworking the potatoes.
- 2Always use warm milk and butter. Adding cold dairy to hot potatoes can result in a gluey texture.
- 3Russet or Idaho potatoes are ideal for mashing due to their high starch content, which makes them light and fluffy.
- 4Do not overmix the potatoes after adding the liquid, as this can develop the starches and make them gummy.
- 5For a richer flavor, you can substitute half-and-half or heavy cream for the whole milk.
- 6Leftover champ is perfect for making potato cakes. Simply form into patties, lightly flour, and pan-fry until golden brown.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Use a high-quality plant-based butter and an unsweetened, creamy plant milk like oat or soy milk.
high proteinHigh protein
Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded sharp cheddar or Irish Dubliner cheese along with the green scallions for a cheesy twist.
healthyHealthy
Replace half of the butter with an equal amount of plain Greek yogurt for a tangy flavor and a bit of protein.
kid friendlyKid friendly
For kids who are sensitive to the texture of scallions, infuse the milk with a whole scallion and then remove it before mixing.
