Must-Try Cornbread Cupcakes with Creamy Mashed Potato Topping!

Cornbread cupcakes with mashed potatoes make the perfect appetizer for any occasion. These cupcakes are fully loaded and packed with flavor, offering a different twist on familiar flavors. The cornbread muffins are both sweet and savory, while the mash potatoes are loaded with bacon and cheddar cheese, making them a true carb heaven. This recipe is ideal for serving as sides at your next meal.

In home style American restaurants, the sides are often the best part of the meal. With a vast array of choices, you can order dishes like chicken that come with 2-3 sides, such as apple sauce, green beans, biscuits, and more. These options are the good stuff that make every meal special. If you’re looking for fun tricks to get kids excited about dinner, try making Cornbread & Chicken Nugget Cupcakes. This savory twist on a cupcake lets kids eat with their eyes first. Using quick and easy self-rising cornmeal, cheese, and creamed corn, this easy cornbread trick has been a favorite of mine for a couple of years.

Assembling Cornbread Cupcakes with Mashed Potatoes-The Answer

INGREDIENTS

Cornbread Cupcakes:

• 2 boxes of Jiffy cornbread muffin mix
• 2 eggs
• 2/3 cups milk

Mashed Potatoes:

• 3 pounds of Yukon gold potatoes
• 1/2 stick of butter
• 2/3 cup of whole milk
• 1/2 cup of sour cream
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 teaspoon of pepper
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder

Topping:

• 1/2 pound of crispy bacon crumbles
• 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
• Chives (optional garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Cornbread Cupcakes

• 🥄 Combine 2 boxes of Jiffy cornbread muffin mix, 2 eggs, and 2/3 cup of whole milk.
• 🥄 Scoop the batter into a lined muffin pan, filling the cups 2/3 full.
• 🥄 Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked.

Step 2: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

• 🥄 Wash, peel, and quarter 3 pounds of Yukon gold potatoes.
• 🥄 Boil the potatoes in a large pot of water for 20-30 minutes until fork tender.
• 🥄 Strain the water and add butter, sour cream, 1 teaspoon each of salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
• 🥄 Mash until smooth.

Step 3: Prepare the Topping

• 🥄 Dice and fry 1/2 pound of bacon until crispy, then drain the grease.
• 🥄 Shred 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese and chop some chives for garnish.
• 🥄 Pipe the mashed potatoes onto the cornbread cupcakes using a piping bag with a star tip.
• 🥄 Top with crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, and melt the cheese with a torch to create a little crust.

What you need to make these

To make cornbread cupcakes with mashed potatoes, you’ll need a few simple ingredients and tools. Start with your favorite cornbread muffin mix, such as Jiffy, or use your own recipe. You’ll also need milk and eggs for the mix. For the mashed potatoes, it’s best to make your own rather than using instant ones. Add crispy bacon by chopping it and cooking it in a hot pan. Cheddar cheese works well, but you can use other cheeses if you prefer.

To assemble the cupcakes, use a muffin pan and pour the cornbread mix into it to get the perfect cupcake shape. Don’t forget the cupcake liners for that classic look and to keep things clean. Once the cornbread muffins are baked, top them with your mashed potatoes, bacon, and cheese for a great combination of flavors.

Making the Cornbread Muffins

To make the cornbread muffins, you can use a box mix like Jiffy, or any brand you prefer. If you have a homemade recipe, that’s great too. I like to keep it simple with the boxed stuff because it’s pretty good and easy to use. Follow the instructions on the box, which usually require milk and eggs. Mix together the ingredients, then pour the batter into a muffin pan lined with cupcake liners.

Bake the muffins in the oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes or until they are fully cooked and golden brown. Just before removing them from the oven, sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese on top to create a nice cheese crust. This adds an extra layer of flavor and makes the muffins even more delicious.

Making the Mashed Potatoes

To make the perfect mashed potatoes, start by washing and peeling Yukon gold potatoes. Their texture is ideal for mashing. Cut into quarters and place them in a large pot of water. Bring the water to a boil and cook the potatoes for 20-30 minutes until they are fork tender. After cooking, strain the potatoes and transfer them to a large bowl.

In the bowl, mix the potatoes with sour cream, milk, and butter. Mash together using a potato masher until you reach your desired consistency. For a smoother texture, you can use a mixer or food processor to incorporate everything well. Make sure the potatoes have a smooth consistency with no lumps. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste, and garnish with chives for added flavor.

Messy Level

Making cornbread cupcakes with mashed potatoes can get quite messy. You will need two bowls for the cornbread and a muffin pan to bake them in. The mashed potatoes require a pot and a masher. The piping process for the mashed potatoes can be a real messy pain. If you’re not aiming to be fancy, you can simply spread the potatoes with a sharp knife.

I found myself removing the piping bag and using my finger to push the potatoes through the fluted piping tube. It looked pretty, but my thumb was covered in potatoes. For those looking to save time and effort, it might be easier to just use a knife. This method will still give you delicious results without the added hassle.

For a complete meal, you can pair these cupcakes with Baked chicken drumsticks with potatoes and carrots. This combination is sure to impress your family and guests with minimal cleanup. Cooking can be fun, even if it’s a bit messy

FAQS

What’s the difference between cornbread and corn muffins?

Cornbread is a quick bread made with cornmeal that may or may not contain sugar and is usually baked in a skillet, pan, or into sticks. Corn muffins are baked in muffin tins and contain cornmeal and generous amounts of sugar. Most corn muffins have a cake-like texture.

Does KFC have cornbread muffins?

Yes, KFC offers cornbread muffins as part of their sides menu. A KFC Cornbread Muffin (1 serving) contains 28g total carbs, 28g net carbs, 9g fat, 3g protein, and 210 calories. This makes it a tasty but slightly indulgent addition to your meal.

Why you should bake your mashed potatoes?

Baking your potatoes might take longer, but it has a great tradeoff. You don’t need to peel or dry them, and it’s completely hands-off. Just cook them directly on the oven rack. This method won’t dirty a pan, making cleanup easy and hassle-free.

Is cornbread more healthy than bread?

Cornbread is healthier than white bread because it is rich in calories but has 60% lower calories than white bread. White bread has 238 calories per 100 grams, while cornbread has only 96 calories. Therefore, cornbread has more nutrients and is a better option if you are looking for a healthier choice.