Mini Cornbread Muffins with Creamed Corn (Easy Recipe)

These Mini Cornbread Muffins with creamed corn are a fun twist on my classic Southern cornbread.

Unlike my traditional skillet cornbread and old-fashioned cornbread recipes, which are made without sugar, these muffins are just a touch sweet with a buttery crumb, tangy from sour cream, savory with sharp cheddar, and finished with a gentle kick of cayenne.

Best of all, they come together in one bowl and bake up golden in just 15 minutes, making them perfect for holidays, BBQs, potlucks, or any weeknight supper.

After making cornbread for over 50 years, and sharing more than a dozen cornbread recipes on Grits and Pinecones, I can promise you that using creamed corn and sour cream together is the easiest way to guarantee tender, moist muffins every single time. – Sharon

Why you'll love this recipe

• Mini and mighty: Bite-sized muffins equal built-in portion control (unless you eat six, no judgment here).
• Moist and tender: With creamed corn and sour cream, just like in my Southern cornbread pudding, these muffins bake up soft and never dry.
• Crowd-pleasing: Great for BBQs, Thanksgiving, or tucked into lunchboxes.
• Quick and easy: Pantry staples plus one bowl equals done in 20 minutes.

Main ingredient notes and easy substitutions

Let's talk ingredients: what you need, what you can swap, and how to make it work with what's in your pantry. The full list with measurements is waiting down in the recipe card.

• Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix - The base for light, fluffy, slightly sweet cornbread.
• Creamed corn - Adds moisture and natural corn sweetness; don't drain. I've tested these with whole-kernel corn too, but the muffins turned out drier; creamed corn is the secret to keeping them perfectly tender.
• Sour cream - Keeps the crumb soft and adds tang; swap with plain Greek yogurt.
• Sharp cheddar cheese - Balances sweetness with savory richness. I always shred cheese fresh; pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly.

Recipe variations and twists

• Jalapeño popper style: Add chopped jalapeños and extra cheese.
• Southwestern flair: Add corn kernels and substitute pepper jack for the cheddar cheese.
• Sweet tooth option: Omit cheese and spice, drizzle with honey after baking.
• Breakfast bite: Add cooked crumbled sausage to the batter.

How to make Mini Cornbread Muffins with Creamed Corn (step-by-step guide)

1. Prep oven and pan: Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray a 24-cup mini muffin pan with a non-stick spray or use mini muffin liners.

2. Mix wet ingredients: Whisk together egg, sour cream, and creamed corn in a medium bowl.

3. Add dry mix: Stir in Jiffy mix until just combined. Don't overmix.

4. Fold in extras: Add cheese, and optional hot sauce or cayenne pepper and chives.

5. Bake: Scoop batter into muffin cups, filling ¾ full. Bake 12-15 minutes, until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

6. Cool slightly: Let rest in the pan for 2-3 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Serving ideas

• Spread with honey butter or jezebel sauce for a sweet-savory treat, or drizzle with hot honey.
• Pair with BBQ favorites like smoked spareribs or boneless country-style ribs.
• Serve alongside collard greens or black-eyed peas for a classic pairing.
• These delicious bites were made to go with my leftover turkey chili, Cajun red beans and rice, or salsa verde chili.

Recipe FAQs

Tips for perfect results every time

• Don't overmix; a few lumps are fine.
• Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt.
• Check oven temp with a thermometer; too hot equals dry muffins.
• Let them rest in the pan briefly before transferring to keep their shape.
• In testing, I've found that a cookie scoop is the easiest way to portion the batter evenly, ensuring every muffin bakes up the same size.
• These muffins freeze beautifully, just thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven for that fresh-baked taste.

More cornbread recipes you’ll love

Cornbread takes many forms here at Grits and Pinecones: crispy skillet, moist pudding, savory salads, and more. Here are four reader favorites to get you started, but don't stop here… I've shared over a dozen cornbread recipes for every occasion imaginable.

Join the conversation

Pull up a chair and let's talk muffins! Have you tried these mini cornbread muffins yet? I'd love to hear how you served them, or if you added your own twist. Drop a comment below, give the recipe a rating, and share it with a friend who loves Southern comfort food.

And if you're as cornbread-obsessed as I am, don't stop here, check out my Broccoli Cheddar Cheese Cornbread Muffins, Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole, and Fried Cornbread aka Hoe Cakes recipes for even more delicious ways to enjoy this Southern staple.