This exceptionally creamy mash goes so well with our Catherine Wheel Sausage recipe or Irish Beef Stew flavoured with Guinness. While Colcannon is a well known Irish recipe, Champ remains relatively obscure outside of Ireland. It’s time we change that because this flavourful mash recipe needs to be explored. I lean towards potatoes for a side dish on most days of the week. I don’t always follow up on my instinct simply because I realise that my family wasn’t raised on potatoes alone like I was. They crave variety a lot more than I do! Need for variety is what keeps me researching various ways potatoes could be prepared. It goes without saying that the Irish quite possibly have more than a thousand recipes featuring the beloved spud! Well… them and the Russians!
Mashed Potato Recipes
No matter how developed my taste buds become I will never stop liking creamy mashed potatoes. There is something incredibly soothing and satisfying in a buttery mash! I have to warm you I like mine with a lot of butter and a little bit of milk. This doesn’t mean I am opposed to other flavours in my mashed potatoes. I do love to experiment with flavours! This Herb and Garlic Mash is made with roasted garlic and fresh parsley and dill. It’s a reader favourite! If you want to change things up, use a combination of sweet potatoes and swede (rutabaga in the US). If you want to feel organised and not rushed, try my make-ahead recipe for Baked Mashed Potatoes. I layer them with caramelised onions and mushrooms but you can keep this casserole plain! Looking for mashed potatoes in a completely different form? And maybe for breakfast? Then lets look again to the Irish, and these satisfying Potato Farls! My newest obsession is a creamy mash mixed with tender green onions, also known as Champ in Ireland. Green onions go by a few names. Whether you call them scallions, spring onions or green onions, make sure you are using the green parts for most flavour!
Serving Suggestions
These mashed potatoes will compliment just about any main dish but here are our favourites. Serve them with this Ribeye Steak, Pork Loin Steaks with Creamy Mushroom Sauce or our famous Chicken Supreme. Personally, I’m a huge fan of serving them with cosy Salisbury Steak! Mashed potatoes of any sort are also brilliant at soaking up gravy, as everyone who has had a turkey dinner knows well. My classic Homemade Gravy is perfect, or go with Red Onion Gravy for something a little more complex.
Storage and leftovers
You can keep leftover champ in the fridge for 4-5 days, and frozen for up to 3 months. If defrosting, it’s best to let the potatoes completely thaw in the fridge for one day before using. No need to let leftover mashed potatoes go to waste! Leftovers can be warmed in a microwave, but I’m partial to pan frying with a little oil or butter over medium-high heat. Delicious with fried eggs for breakfast! They also work beautifully as the base for salmon cakes, allowing you to turn champ into something completely new and different.
More potato side dish recipes
Parmesan Crusted Potatoes Oven Fried Potatoes with Mushrooms and Onions Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese Hasselback Potatoes with Gremolata
