Traditional Irish Cooking: How to Make Champ (Authentic Recipe)

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How to Make Champ

Champ is a classic Irish dish that dates back centuries and remains a beloved side dish across Ireland and beyond. It is made from mashed potatoes combined with butter, salt, pepper, and finely chopped green onions (scallions), resulting in a creamy and flavourful dish.

Now, let’s see how a real chef prepares this traditional Irish favourite.

In this video, Rosemary demonstrates how to make authentic champ, sharing insights on the recipe that remains popular throughout Ireland.

Champ Recipe Ingredients

Method

1. Peel and cut the potatoes into even chunks. Boil in salted water until tender (about 15-20 minutes).
2. Drain the potatoes well and return to the pan. Mash the potatoes until smooth.
3. Warm the milk and butter together until the butter melts.
4. Add the warm milk and butter mixture to the mashed potatoes and stir to combine.
5. Mix in the finely chopped spring onions, reserving a little for garnish.
6. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
7. Serve warm, garnished with the remaining spring onions and a knob of butter if desired.

Champ is a wonderfully comforting dish that pairs beautifully with classic Irish fare such as traditional Irish stew or Dublin Coddle. Its creamy texture and subtle onion flavour make it a perfect accompaniment or even a satisfying dish on its own.

How to Store Champ

Leftover champ can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. When reheating, add a splash of milk to loosen the texture and warm gently on the stove or in the microwave to prevent it from drying out.

Can You Freeze Champ?

While it is possible to freeze champ, the texture may change slightly upon thawing due to the potatoes. If you choose to freeze it, place it in a freezer-safe container and consume within one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently with added milk or butter for best results.

Why Is My Champ Too Watery?

If your champ turns out watery, it may be due to adding too much milk or not draining the potatoes properly after boiling. Ensure potatoes are well-drained and mash them thoroughly before gradually adding warm milk and butter. This will help achieve the perfect creamy but not runny consistency.

Irish Soda Bread

Irish Soda Bread is another traditional recipe that has been cherished in Ireland for centuries. It is a simple bread made with flour, baking soda, salt, and buttermilk or yogurt. The dough is kneaded by hand and shaped into a round or rectangular loaf before baking until golden brown.

The result is a delicious, hearty bread with a slight tang from the buttermilk and a crumbly texture perfect for slicing and serving with butter or jam. Irish Soda Bread is versatile and can be enjoyed at any meal.

This traditional bread is an excellent way to bring Irish flavours to your table with minimal fuss. For more on this classic, check out our Irish soda bread recipe and Chris’s Traditional Irish Soda Bread.

For more traditional Irish dishes to try alongside champ and soda bread, explore our collection of 8 Irish comfort foods and the rich flavours of traditional Irish cooking. You might also enjoy recipes like Classic Irish Shepherd’s Pie or our guide on Irish potato bread.

What to Serve with Champ

Champ is a versatile side dish that pairs beautifully with:

• Traditional Irish Stew — the classic combination
• Irish Shepherd’s Pie — double the potato comfort
• Irish Soda Bread with butter on the side
• Grilled lamb chops or roast chicken

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