Description
Savory, comforting, and full of Southern charm, Cornbread Cupcakes with Mashed Potatoes are a fun and flavorful twist on classic comfort food. These adorable, muffin-sized cornbread “cupcakes” are topped with creamy mashed potatoes instead of frosting—making them perfect for dinner parties, holidays, or even weeknight meals with a creative spin.
Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now to get the latest culinary creations you’ll love.
Ingredients
For the Cornbread Cupcakes:
1 cup cornmeal
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tbsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 cup buttermilk
2 large eggs
¼ cup honey or sugar
⅓ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
½ cup corn kernels (optional, fresh or frozen)
For the Mashed Potato “Frosting”:
2½ cups mashed potatoes (warm or room temp)
¼ cup sour cream or cream cheese
¼ cup milk or heavy cream
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tbsp butter
Chopped fresh chives or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin or line with paper liners.
Step 2: Make the Cornbread Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, honey (or sugar), and oil.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir just until combined—don’t overmix.
Fold in cheese and corn, if using.
Step 3: Fill & Bake
Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups, filling about ¾ full.
Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
Let cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Make the Mashed Potatoes
In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes with sour cream, butter, and milk.
Mix until creamy and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
If piping, make sure the texture is thick enough to hold shape but soft enough to pipe.
Step 5: Frost the Cupcakes
Once the cornbread muffins are completely cool, transfer mashed potatoes to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip (or use a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off).
Pipe mashed potatoes on top of each muffin like you would frosting.
Step 6: Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with chopped chives, parsley, or even crispy onions or bacon bits.
Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Let Muffins Cool – This prevents the mashed potato topping from melting.
Smooth Mashed Potatoes – Use a ricer or mixer for creamy, pipeable potatoes.
Get Creative – Add herbs, cheese, or seasoning blends to both layers.
Use Liners – Easier cleanup and a neater presentation for parties.
Make Ahead – Bake cupcakes and prep potatoes ahead, then assemble before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Cuisine: Southern-Inspired / American