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Get ready to wow with this recipe for Dr Pepper meatballs! Featuring juicy, tender jalapeno flavored beef meatballs drenched in an irresistible soda glaze that brings the perfect blend of sweetness and heat. These easy-to-make cocktail balls are effortlessly baked and easy to reheat, making them a party favorite that’s as convenient as they are delicious.

“These were fantastic!! Just the right amount of heat tempered with the perfect amount of sweetness. We served these over wide, flat egg noodles and they were delicious (we doubled the sauce). Thanks for this recipe. It’s a keeper.”

– JANET
Overhead photo of meatballs with Dr Pepper glaze and lime wedges in a large serving bowl lined with parchment paper.

Update: This recipe was originally published in November 2015. I made updates to the post below to include more information about making beef meatballs with dr pepper glaze at home.

Hi, friends! With football season well under way I figured it was high time I share one of my all-time favorite cocktail meatball recipes with you. If you are a fan of tender, sticky, insanely delicious meatballs, you are going to absolutely love these Dr Pepper meatballs!

Table of Contents

About these dr pepper meatballs

These Dr Pepper Meatballs are seriously addicting and lick your fingers clean type of yum!

Plump, juicy, tender meatballs loaded with savory flavors and a touch of jalapeño spice. Tossed in a sticky, sweet and tangy Dr Pepper glaze, these meatballs are nothing short of magical!

Rich and packed with a depth of flavors, these cocktail coca cola meatballs are pure comfort food at its finest! And trust me, they will disappear in the blink of an eye!

They are the perfect food for game day, or they would make a wonderful appetizer for your next holiday party! However, I feel like I should give you a fair warning. Warning: If you serve these meatballs at a party, they will disappear faster than a wink of an eye! You may want to do yourself a favor and double (or even triple) the recipe!

Why you’ll love this recipe

  • Uniquely Delicious Flavors: This meatball recipe combines the distinctive sweetness of Dr Pepper soda with the bold heat of jalapeños. It offers a flavor experience that’s both unexpected and irresistible, making it stand out from other meatball recipes with its delightful sweet-and-spicy glaze.
  • Elevated Dining Experience: The delicious blend of ground beer, Dr Pepper, and jalapeño peppers creates a gourmet-quality dish that’s perfect for impressing guests at dinner parties or special occasions. It’s a unique and playful twist on traditional meatballs.
  • Simple Instructions: Despite its complex flavor profile, this recipe for jalapeno meatballs is surprisingly easy to prepare. With straightforward, clear instructions and minimal effort, this recipe is ideal for any home cooks who want to create something extraordinary – without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Versatile Serving Options: These Dr Pepper meatballs are incredibly versatile. They’re perfect as an appetizer, main dish, or even as part of a party spread. The deliciously sticky glaze makes them a hit for a variety of occasions – from casual family dinners to festive holiday gatherings.
Overhead photo of ground beef, milk soaked bread crumbs, and sautéed onions and peppers in a large mixing bowl.

Ingredients for coca cola meatballs

  • Ground Beef. Look for a mix of ground beef with a good fat content (80/20) to keep the meatballs juicy and flavorful.
  • Dr Pepper: You’ll need this soda to create the uniquely sweet glaze with a hint of spice. Be sure to use a regular, full-sugar dr pepper soda for the best results.
  • Jalapeños: These green peppers lend a subtly-spicy kick to the meatballs and dr pepper glaze. Choose firm, bright green jalapeños for the best flavor and heat.
  • Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs acts as a binding agent to hold the meatballs together while providing a little textural crunch.
  • Egg: Large eggs help bind the ground meat mixture and add moisture.
  • Onion and Garlic: Provide aromatic depth to the meatballs. Choose firm yellow onions and fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor. If you’re in a pinch garlic powder and onion powder works too.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the overall flavor of the beef meatballs.

Recipe variations

  • BBQ Dr Pepper Meatballs: Swap out the sweet and savory Dr Pepper glaze and use your favorite Dr Pepper BBQ sauce instead for a tangy twist.
  • Spicy Meatballs with Dr Pepper: If you enjoy a fiery kick, increase the heat by adding extra chopped jalapeños and a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze.
  • Sweet and Sour Coca Cola Meatballs: Replace a little bit of the soda with apple cider vinegar and a touch of honey to create a sweet and tangy glaze that balances out the heat.
  • Dr Pepper Meatballs with Pineapple: If you’re looking for a tropical vacation, incorporate some crushed pineapple into the glaze for a little sweet, fruity flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Coke Meatballs: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free to cater to those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Vegetarian Dr Pepper Meatballs: Replace the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat substitute or even lentils for a vegetarian-friendly option. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning to suit the flavors.
Overhead photo of freshly baked cocoa cola meatballs on a wire baking rack.

How to make meatballs with dr pepper

This Dr pepper meatball recipe is so easy and fool-proof to prepare! Plus, since they are baked (not pan fried), they are healthier than other options for coca cola meatballs.

  1. Soak bread crumbs: Place the breadcrumbs in a small bowl and add the milk. Stir the mixture to combine and set the bowl aside.
  2. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Place a greased wire rack on a large rimmed baking sheet and set aside.
  3. Prepare meatballs: In a large bowl, whisk the egg. Add in the onion, jalapeño, parsley, and Worcestershire. Season with salt and pepper. Stir well to combine.
  4. Add meat: Add the soaked breadcrumbs and ground meat to the egg mixture. Using your hands, gently mix everything together until just blended. Do not over-mix, the meatballs mixture should be moist.
  5. Form the meatballs: With wet hands or a small ice cream scooper, portion out the jalapeno meatballs. Gently roll the mixture between your fingers to form into balls. Continue shaping and forming the meatballs, transferring the meatballs onto the prepared rack.
  6. Bake meatballs: Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer registers 165 degrees F. Remove the baking sheet from oven and immediately transfer the meatballs to a large bowl.
  7. While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce: In a large saucepan, whisk together all the ingredients for the sauce. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Immediately lower heat to maintain a simmer. Cook, whisking occasionally, until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 10-12 minutes. Keep the sauce warm on the stove while the meatballs finish baking.
  8. Toss meatballs in sauce: Pour enough sauce over the meatballs to coat and gently toss together. Serve with any remaining sauce on the side. Enjoy!

Expert tips for the best success!

  • Use High-Quality Ground Beef: For juicy, flavorful meatballs, be sure to choose a ground beef with a good fat content, such as 80/20, or grind the beef yourself. Either way, remember fat helps keep the meatballs moist and tender.
  • Adjust the Spicy Heat: If you prefer less heat, be sure to remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños peppers. 
  • Mix Ingredients Gently: When combining the meat with breadcrumbs and seasonings, mix *just* until everything is combined. Over-mixing will lead to tough, dry meatballs. So try to handle the beef mixture as little as possible.
  • Use a Cookie Scoop for Consistency: To ensure evenly sized jalapeno meatballs that cook uniformly, use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon to portion the meat. 
  • Bake Meatballs on Wire Rack: Be sure to bake the beef meatballs on a wire rack so the hot air can evenly circulate all around the meatballs. If you don’t have a wire rack, consider browning the meatballs in a skillet before baking to add a depth of flavor. 
  • Monitor Baking Time: Bake the meatballs until they reach an internal temperature of 160 to 165°F (71°C). Overbaking will dry them out, so keep a close eye on them while they’re in the oven.
  • Rest Meatballs After Baking: Let the meatballs rest for 5 minutes after baking and before serving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, making the meatballs moist.
  • Simmer the Glaze to Thicken: Allow the Dr Pepper glaze to simmer until it thickens before tossing and coating the meatballs. This ensures the glaze is both flavorful and clings nicely to the meat balls.
  • Adjust to Taste. Be sure to taste the glaze and adjust the flavors according to your own personal preference before serving.
  • In a hurry?  If you are in a pinch and want to save time, you can use frozen meatballs in this dr pepper meatball recipe (versus making your own from scratch). Be sure to prepare the meatballs according to the instructions on the meatball packaging.

Step-by-step photos: making this recipe at home

(Please scroll down for the full instructions and printable recipe card.)

Step-by-step photo collage illustrating how to make Dr Pepper meatball recipe with written instructions on each photo.

FAQs: frequently asked questions

What is a dr pepper meatball?

Dr Pepper meatballs are a type of cocktail meatball made from ground meat, breadcrumbs, grated onion, egg and seasoning.

Tossed in a sticky, sweet and tangy glaze made from Dr Pepper soda, theses coca cola meatballs can either be baked, pan-fried or cooked in the crockpot depending on the recipe.

Can I use a different soda instead of Dr Pepper?

Absolutely. Feel free to swap out the Dr Pepper soda and swap it for another sods you love, such as root beer or coca cola. Just keep in mind that each soda will impart a different flavor profile to the meatball glaze, so choose one that complements your taste preferences. And, remember to adjust the seasoning to balance the flavors.

How can I make the meatballs less spicy?

You can easily adjust this glazed jalapeno meatballs recipe to be super spicy or not spicy at all.

To reduce the heat, be sure to remove all the seeds and membranes from the jalapeno peppers as these contain most of the heat. You can also reduce the amount of peppers to tame the heat. Or, you can add a bit of honey or brown sugar to the glaze to balance the pepper’s spiciness with a bit of sweetness.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely, you can use ground chicken or turkey as a substitute for the ground beef in this meatball recipe. Just keep in mind that since these alternatives are leaner meats, they might result in slightly drier meatballs. Therefore, you may want to consider adding a bit more moisture (panade) to help compensate for the moisture loss.

How do I ensure the meatballs stay moist?

To ensure the glazed meatballs are tender, moist, and perfectly plump, you’ll be making a panade, which is just a fancy French word for “bread soaked in liquid” – in this case bread soaked in milk. And, to make sure the jalapeno meatballs stay moist, avoid over-mixing the ground beef mixture.

Can I make these meatballs with soda in advance?

You can prepare this Dr pepper meatball recipe up to 2 days in advance.

To prepare meatballs ahead of time: Mix the meatball ingredients together and form the meatballs. Transfer the meatballs to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you are ready to serve, bake the meatballs, prepare the sauce, toss the two together and enjoy homemade coca cola meatballs.

How many pepper meatballs per person?

The number of coca cola glazed meatballs per person to serve at a party greatly depends on how many other appetizers or starters you are serving. As a general rule of thumb, plan on three to five Dr Pepper Meatballs per person.

Pro-tip:  Serving these at a party?  Transfer the baked balls and sauce to a slow cooker. Turn the slow cooker to the “warm” setting to keep them warm and fresh!

Can I make these meatballs in a slow cooker?

You bet! I recommend browning the meatballs in a skillet on the stovetop first for extra flavor. Then, transfer the browned jalapeno meatballs to a slow cooker with the soda glaze and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Using the slow cooker or crockpot to make this recipe for coca cola meatballs is especially great if you need to make a large batch and keep them warm during serving.

serving jalapeno meatballs

Common Serving Suggestions

  • Classic Meatball Sub: Stuff the Dr Pepper meatballs and sautéed peppers and onions inside a sub roll, top with cheese and bake until melted. Then, finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a hearty and satisfying sub sandwich.
  • Party Appetizer: If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, serve this dr pepper glazed meatball recipe on a platter with toothpicks. Garnish with plenty of parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes, and serve with a side of the Dr Pepper glaze for dipping.
  • Over Rice or Noodles: Serve the baked beef meatballs over a bed of steamed rice or noodles. Be sure to drizzle the dish with extra glaze before serving for a comforting main dish.
  • Meatball Skewers: Thread the glazed meatballs and candied jalapenos onto skewers for a casual and fun serving idea or a fun family meal. 
  • Game Day Spread: Include these sweet and spicy meatballs as part of your next football spread along with your other game day favorites, like slow cooker little smokies, baked potato skins, and salt & vinegar wings.

Unique Serving Suggestions

  • Dr Pepper Meatball Pizza: Top a pizza crust with dr pepper glaze, shredded cheese, and sliced meatballs for a creative twist on traditional pizza.
  • Meatball Stuffed Peppers: Hollow out red bell peppers and fill them with soda meatballs and a bit of dr pepper sauce. Then bake until the peppers are tender for a delicious and visually appealing entree.
  • Dr Pepper Meatball Sliders: Place the meatballs on mini buns and add spicy sweet jalapeno coleslaw or pickled jalapeno peppers for a flavorful slider option that’s perfect for parties.
  • Meatball-Stuffed Baked Potatoes: Scoop out baked potatoes and mix the flesh with some of the Dr Pepper glaze. Then stuff the mixture back into the potato skins along with meatballs for a hearty and unique potato dish.
  • Tasty Meatball Tacos: Give taco night a twist by serving the glazed meatballs inside flour tortillas or hard taco shells. Top with jalapeno and mango salsa for burst of tropical vibes.
Close-up photo of jalapeno meatballs with a glaze made from doctor pepper soda.

Storing leftovers

Storage Instructions

  • Refrigerator: Allow leftover Dr Pepper meatballs to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat the spicy sweet meatballs in the microwave, on the stove over low heat, or covered in the oven until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Freezing Instructions

  • Freezing Meatballs: After cooking this dr pepper meatball recipe, allow the baked meatballs to cool completely. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the pepper meatballs to a freezer-safe bag or container.
  • Freezer Storage: Store the frozen meatballs in a freezer-safe bag or airtight storage container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  • Reheating Frozen Meatballs: To reheat, you can bake the frozen meatballs in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until warm throughout. Alternatively, reheat them directly from frozen in a slow cooker or simmer them in sauce on the stovetop until warm.
Close-up photo of six Dr Pepper glazed meatballs with slices of jalapeno and fresh parsley.

Do your next game day or holiday party right, and be sure to include these delicious coca cola meatballs on the menu!

Until next time, friends, cheers!

Cheyanne

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Overhead photo of two dozen Dr Pepper meatballs garnished with slices of jalapeno pepper and lime wedges.

Dr Pepper Meatballs

5 from 5 votes
Author: Cheyanne Holzworth
Total Time: 45 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Get ready to wow with this recipe for Dr Pepper meatballs! Featuring juicy, tender jalapeno flavored beef meatballs drenched in an irresistible soda glaze that brings the perfect blend of sweetness and heat. These easy-to-make cocktail balls are effortlessly baked and easy to reheat, making them a party favorite that’s as convenient as they are delicious.

Equipment

  • 2 Mixing Bowls
  • 1 Wire Rack
  • 1 Rimmed Baking Sheet
  • 1 Large Saucepan

Ingredients 

Jalapeno Meatballs

Dr Pepper Glaze

Instructions

  • Make Panade: Place the bread crumbs into a small bowl and then pour the milk over breadcrumbs. Use a whisk or spoon and stir the ingredients to fully combine.
    Then set the bowl aside and let the breadcrumbs soak in the milk while you continue on preparing the recipe.
  • Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Adjust the oven rack to the center position. Then preheat the oven to 400-degrees F.
    Place a wire rack on top of a large rimmed baking sheet. Then, spray the wire rack generously with non-stick cooking oil and set the pan aside.
  • Start Jalapeno Meatball Mixture:  In a large bowl, whisk the egg.
    Then, add the onions, jalapeños, parsley, Worcestershire, and season with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and a scant ½ teaspoon pepper. Stir the ingredients well to combine.
  • Add Ground Beef and Breadcrumbs: Add the soaked breadcrumbs (panade you made in step 1) and ground meat to the egg mixture. 
    Next, use your hands to gently mix everything together until the ingredients are *just* blended, but NOT over-mixed. (Note: Avoid over-mixing or overly holding the ground beef mixture. The meatball mixture should be moist.)
  • Form the Meatballs:  With wet hands (to keep meatballs from sticking) or a small ice cream scooper, portion out a 1 ½ tablespoon-sized meatball. Then use your hands to gently roll the mixture into a small ball. Once you've rolled the meatball, transfer it onto the prepared wire rack.
    Continue shaping and forming meatballs until all the meat is used – transferring the meatballs onto the prepared rack and arranging them so they are about a 1/2-inch apart.
  • Bake Meatballs:  Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until browned and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the middle of the meatball registers 165 degrees F. 
    Remove the baking sheet from oven and IMMEDIATELY transfer the meatballs to a large bowl.
  • While the Meatballs are Baking, Make the Dr Pepper Glaze: To a large saucepan, add alll the ingredients for the dr pepper soda glaze. Then, season to taste with salt and pepper. 
    Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Once boiling, immediately lower the heat to maintain a simmer. 
    Simmer, whisking occasionally, until coca cola glaze has thickened to a syrup consistency and is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 10-12 minutes. 
    Taste the glaze and adjust for seasoning with salt and pepper. 
    If needed, keep the sauce warm on the stove while the meatballs finish baking – stirring occasionally
  • Glaze the Meatballs: Pour enough sauce over the meatballs to generously coat them and then gently toss to coat.
  • Garnish and Serve: Transfer the dr pepper glazed jalapeno meatballs to a serving platter and garnish with thinly sliced jalapenos, chopped fresh parsley, and/or snipped chives. Enjoy immediately with any remaining dr pepper sauce on the side.
    Overhead photo of two dozen Dr Pepper meatballs garnished with slices of jalapeno pepper and lime wedges.

Notes

  • Onion: Make sure you grate the onion using the large holes on a box grater.
  • Jalapeno Peppers: If you don’t like a ton of heat, remove the seeds and ribs from the jalapeno before mincing.
  • Ground Meat: For the most flavor, use a combination of meats – ½ a pound ground beef (80/20 chuck) and ½ a pound pork.
  • Dr Pepper Glaze:  The recipe makes a good amount of sauce.  If you don’t like saucy meatballs, cut the sauce recipe in half. Alternatively, you can double the meatball portion of the recipe.
  • To make in advance:  Meatballs can be prepared and rolled up to 2 days in advance.  Store meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use.
  • Serving these at a party?  Transfer the baked meatballs and sauce to a slow cooker.  Turn the slow cooker to the “warm” setting to keep them warm and fresh!
  • Need to Scale the Recipe? Hover your mouse over the number of servings in the recipe card. You’ll see a sliding scale pop up, you can use that to scale the recipe up or down as needed.
  • Got questions? I’ve got answers! If you ever run into an issue, have a question, or need any clarification – please feel free to drop them in the comments section. I’m happy to help when I can! 
  • Yield: approximately 25 Meatballs
  • Recipe Serves:  6-8
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and the nutrition facts are an estimate based upon 8 servings. Exact information will depend upon the brands of ingredients and precise measurements used.

Nutrition

Calories: 232kcal    Carbohydrates: 35g    Protein: 15g    Fat: 4g    Saturated Fat: 2g    Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g    Monounsaturated Fat: 2g    Trans Fat: 0.2g    Cholesterol: 59mg    Sodium: 581mg    Potassium: 410mg    Fiber: 1g    Sugar: 28g    Vitamin A: 266IU    Vitamin C: 7mg    Calcium: 58mg    Iron: 2mg
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American

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