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Dr Pepper Glazed Jalapeno Meatballs

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This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser, Dr Pepper. All opinions are my own. #OneOfAKindFan

Juicy, tender meatballs with a spicy jalapeno kick and a sweet, sticky Dr Pepper glaze.

pin2If you follow this blog, you know I love football season, both the food aspect and the actual games.  What I have not disclosed to you guys yet, is what makes my household unique when it comes to football season, and what traditions I hold that categorize me as a #OneOfAKindFan.

Boy and I root for rival state college teams.  But, if you ask me, his fandom is not as genuine and blood deep as mine.  I cheer for my alma mater (obviously), and he didn’t even attend the school he cheers for.  So naturally, I feel like my love trumps his.  Trust, and believe, I mention that fun fact every chance I can get.  But what makes things even more interesting during football season is, my sister is a huge fan of the same team as Boy… and you guessed it, she didn’t go to school there either!  #traitors

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Dr Pepper Meatbals-47Dr Pepper Meatbals-36So each year, when the big game rolls around, and our teams play each other, we make the occasion a family affair.  Filled with lots of great food, school colors, hoots and hollers… and bickering of course.  Needless to say, these Dr Pepper Glazed Jalapeno Meatballs will be making an appearance at our family football party.

Dr Pepper Meatbals-145These meatballs are succulent, juicy, tender, meaty, a smidge spicy and overall wickedly delicious.  But, that is just the plain ole’ meat-a-balla.  I picked up some Dr Pepper at Target, and the Dr Pepper glaze is what makes these bad boys taste magical.  The glaze is sweet, sticky, and savory with the perfect amount of refreshing Dr Pepper flavor.  I must warn you, these meatballs are seriously addicting!  Boy and I were popping these into our mouth, one after another, with abandon.  #YouHaveBeenAdvised

Dr Pepper Meatbals-71 Dr Pepper Meatbals-106To help make these Dr Pepper Glazed Jalapeno Meatballs a reality for your next College Football Tailgating Party, it is giveaway time!  From Nov. 2 – Dec. 13, those who upload an Instagram photo showing how they are a #OneOfAKindFan of Dr Pepper will be entered for a chance to win a $100 Target GiftCard™. A winner will be awarded each week. Must be 18 or older to enter.

GIVEAWAY CLOSED

On top of that fun Target giveaway, Dr Pepper has a Cartwheel for Dr Pepper.  From Nov. 1 – Dec. 12, use Cartwheel to receive 5% off of 12-packs and 2-liters of Dr Pepper or 10% off of 6 or 8-packs of bottles and cans.

Dr Pepper Meatbals-129So, get your tailgate loving self to your closest Target, grab some Dr Pepper, and become a one-of-a-kind fan with these flavorful and fabulous meatballs!  Until next time, Cheers – to friendly competition and game day grub!  #CollectiveBias

-xoxo-

Cheyanne

*To check out more fun tailgating ideas using Dr Pepper, click here.

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4.93 from 13 votes
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Dr Pepper Glazed Jalapeno Meatballs
Prep Time
1 hr
Cook Time
40 mins
Total Time
1 hr 40 mins
 

Juicy, tender meatballs with a spicy jalapeno kick and a sweet, sticky Dr Pepper glaze.

Course: Appetizer, Snack, starter
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6
Calories: 603 kcal
Author: Cheyanne Holzworth-Bany
Ingredients
  • Meatballs:
  • 3 Slices White Bread – crusts removed and torn into roughly ½’’ pieces (roughly 3 ounces)
  • ½ Cup Milk (2% or Whole)
  • 1 TBS Unsalted Butter
  • 1 Medium Yellow Onion – grated and divided
  • 1 medium Jalapeno - seeded, ribbed and minced
  • 2 Large Cloves Garlic – minced
  • 1 Pound Ground Beef Chuck (80/20)
  • 1 Pound Ground Pork
  • 1 TBS Fresh Parsley Leaves - minced
  • 2 large Eggs
  • 2 tsp Kosher Salt , plus more to taste
  • 1/2 tsp Ground White Pepper
  • Canola Oil for Frying
  • Glaze:
  • 2 Large Jalapenos – seeded, ribbed and minced
  • 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
  • Pinch Ground White Pepper
  • ¾ Cup Light Brown Sugar
  • 1 (16.9 oz) Bottle Dr Pepper
  • ½ Cup Beef Stock
  • 2 TBS Cornstarch
Instructions
  1. In a medium sized mixing bowl combine the bread cubes and the milk. Toss to coat. Set aside and allow bread to soak in milk until soft, about 8-10 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, melt butter in a small skillet over medium-high heat. Add half of the minced onion and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. Add jalapeno and cook until onion is golden and jalapeno is softened, an additional 2 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, 30 seconds – 1 minute.
  3. Transfer to the bowl of a stand mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment. To the bowl add the beef, pork, soaked bread and milk, remaining raw onion, parsley, eggs, salt and pepper.
  4. Starting on the lowest speed, beat mixture, increasing speed to medium slowly, until all ingredients are thoroughly combined, about 45 seconds-1 minute. Set aside.
  5. Prepare a large baking sheet or work surface with parchment paper. Use your hands to roll/form mixture into meatballs roughly 1 ½’’ - 2 tablespoon in size (dip your hands lightly in water or spray with nonstick cooking spray, to prevent meat from sticking if necessary). Transfer meatballs to prepared baking sheet.
  6. Preheat oven to 200 degrees and insert a wire rack into a clean baking sheet.
  7. In a large, wide skillet, heat 1/4’’ of oil over medium to medium-high heat. Working in batches, add meatballs and fry, turning occasionally until well browned all over, about 2 minutes total. Remove and transfer meatballs to wire rack and keep warm in the oven. Repeat with remaining meatballs.
  8. Dump out the oil in the pan, reduce heat to medium, and add a glug (roughly 2 teaspoons) of fresh oil. Add in the jalapenos, salt and pepper for the glaze. Cook for 2 minutes, until softened. Add the brown sugar, Dr Pepper, and beef stock. Increase heat to medium high and bring contents to a boil, stirring occasionally. Cook until thickened, about 8-10 minutes. Meanwhile, whisk the cornstarch with ¼ cup of water and whisk to combine. Slowly whisk the cornstarch mixture (slurry) into the Dr Pepper Glaze. Continue to simmer an additional 1 minutes.
  9. Add the meatballs to the glaze and stir to coat. Reduce heat to medium low, cover, and simmer until meatballs are cooked through, about 8-12 minutes.
  10. Serve immediately and enjoy
Recipe Notes

Yield: 35-40 Meatballs

Nutrition Facts
Dr Pepper Glazed Jalapeno Meatballs
Amount Per Serving
Calories 603 Calories from Fat 315
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 35g 54%
Saturated Fat 13g 65%
Cholesterol 177mg 59%
Sodium 1204mg 50%
Potassium 585mg 17%
Total Carbohydrates 38g 13%
Sugars 29g
Protein 30g 60%
Vitamin A 4.7%
Vitamin C 4%
Calcium 11.6%
Iron 17.8%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

 

 

 

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Comments

  1. I love finding new ways to sneak unusual ingredients into foods! These meatballs look fantastic, Cheyanne! I bet the Dr Pepper gives this dish such a great flavor. And this would be perfect for game days, as I’m always looking for new snacks to make for my husband and I. Love this dish! Pinned!

    Reply

    • Thank you so much for the sweet comment and the Pin, Gayle! You are terrific at sneaking in unusual ingredients and turning them into fabulous dishes, so I am thrilled you like these meatballs! 🙂 Cheers, my dear!

      Reply

      • 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.

        Reply

    • Haha! These meatballs possibly motivating you to sit down and watch the game is a HUGE compliment, Liz! I am not a fan-fan of ALL football, just my teams! (<--Because naturally they are the best) 😉 Thanks so much for the love, girlfriend! Cheers!

      Reply

  4. Well, these pretty much sound perfect. I love spicy and how could you possibly go wrong with a Dr. Pepper glaze? I really like Dr. Pepper on ham, so this sounds terrific!

    Reply

  8. Hahaha – Cheyanne, I love your reasoning behind why your team love trumps Boy’s and your sisters’! Though, you’d think they’d go along with anything and everything you say when you are the one feeding them eats like these sticky glazed meatballs! I love my balls with a spicy kick – so using jalapenos in that glaze along with Dr Pepper is pretty genius girl!!!

    Reply

    • Lol, Thanks, Shahi! Glad you are on board with my reasoning… or I at least made you laugh! You would think that Boy and my sister would go along with my reasoning, right?! I think they just like to be difficult 😉 Thanks so much for the sweet comment, my dear! Cheers! <3

      Reply

  10. I’m lovin’ everything about these scrumptious little meatballs Cheyanne! They look like the perfect game day food for my husband Tom, and me for that matter!! Your photos are leaving me majorly hungry!! They look so incredibly juicy! These are going straight to the top of the list of great game day food!! Thanks for sharing and have an awesome week!

    Reply

    • Thank you so much, Mary Ann! If you husband is anything like mine, he will LOVE these! 😉 You are too sweet with your kind words! Thanks for making me smile! Cheers to YOU and a fantastic week, my dear!

      Reply

    • Lol, you are hilarious, AiPing! I’m sure Dr Pepper isn’t really the love of your hubs life… it’s probably just tied with you 😉 I completely understand, because I’m convinced my hubs is the same! Thanks so much for the giggles and the comment! Cheers!

      Reply

  12. I am all for addicting recipes…especially bite sized meatballs like this. I love how you and the hubs are supporting opposite teams…makes it fun to watch the games I am sure.

    Reply

    • I concur, Zainab! You are right, supporting other teams does make the game more fun to watch… but sometimes I want to lock him in the basement. 😉 Thanks for the sweet comment, my dear! Cheers! <3

      Reply

  13. Haha too funny that your sister and hubs support the same rival team – I would totally be cheering alongside with YOU though especially if these meatballs were joining us! 🙂 They look so juicy and flavorful! Love the Dr. Pepper and jalapenos in here!

    Reply

    • Thanks so much Kelly! Luckily my mother and MOD are fans of THE correct team (my team), so I have some moral support! I’m glad you would be a good friend and cheer with me! You are always so sweet, girlfriend! Thanks so much for the love (and support!)! Cheers, my dear!

      Reply

  16. It’s kind of sad … with my husband and I in the middle of moving from Minneapolis to Des Moines, I’ve hardly had any time to watch football! 🙁 I am so ready to be moved into the new place, and these meatballs would be an excellent way to celebrate FINALLY watching a big game. Haha. Beautiful photos Cheyanne!

    Reply

    • I know you guys have been packing to move, and trust me I feel for you since I recently relocated myself. I hope it goes smoothly for you guys! AND no worries, football isn’t going anywhere! Thanks for the lovely comment, doll! Cheers! <3

      Reply

  17. I definitely agree that your love is truer for your team since you actually went to college there! I didn’t know you guys were so hard-core football fans – although I didn’t know you yet last season. 🙂 We don’t really have college favorites because out of the 4 universities Chris and I attended NONE of them have football teams. Lame. We are die hard Panther’s fans though and the last two games had us screaming at the TV! But we are still 8-0! Woot! I wish we would have had some of these meatballs for yesterday’s game. I’ve had meatballs glazed with grape jelly before but never Dr. Pepper! Crazy genius business!

    Reply

    • Haha! SO glad you agree, Rachelle!! Wow 4 universities and NO team? Dang! I guess I am going to have to consider liking the Panthers. Don’t kill me but we are huge Jax Jags fans 🙂 But I have to admit, having a little rivalry is always fun! I’ve had the meatballs with grape jelly you are talking about, these Dr Pepper ones are way better. (toot. toot.) 🙂 Thanks for the comment, my dear! Cheers!

      Reply

  18. My husband and I are fans of rival teams as well! But we both did attend the schools of our teams, so I think your reasoning is perfectly legit 🙂 And I am loving these sweet and spicy meatballs! I bet the Dr. pepper gives an awesome flavor. Bravo, lady!

    Reply

    • That’s so cool, Meghan! At least your rivalry is a little bit more well balanced than ours, since yall went to the actual schools! I just want to tell my husband to shut up and he is a fake fan when he cheers for his team. lol. (<--insert angel face here) Thanks so much for the sweet comment, my dear! Cheers!

      Reply

  19. Wow! These look incredibly amazing. All my guys would scarf up these yummy meatballs in a skinny minute, Cheyanne. We are big Pats fans around here, college football isn’t such a big deal in the north. Glad you’re the real deal, true to your football love. Back to meatballs. I think the biggest challenge to making these meatballs would be hiding the Dr. Pepper from my kids so I’d have it for the recipe. They love it that much. Can’t wait to try these wickedly delicious meatballs, and may YOUR team win. Love ya. XOXO

    Reply

    • We are Jags fans, so we definitely watch NFL too! 🙂 BUT i’m totally the real deal with my college team. lol! Dr Pepper is pretty addictive, so I’d say hide some in a good place for these meatballs! These are definitely a kid pleaser, because they aren’t spicy at all. The jalapeno has a very mild flavor. Thanks so much for the kind words, my dear! Cheers!! xoxo

      Reply

  20. Oooooo, I’m bringing these to our friend’s next football game day party. So perfect and I can keep them warm in the lil’ slow cooker. And they would be a great addition to a Christmas Eve buffet!! And then I could make them again for the Super Bowl party! Hahaha! I think this is my kind of recipe 🙂 PS, my team is University of Tn so that’s who y’all need to be rooting for.

    Reply

    • These would totally keep well in a slow cooker on warm! Hope you do bring them to your friends party and let me know how they go over! Wish you lived here, we could scarf em down together! (<--- reason #500 for you to move here. tell J). 🙂 Thanks for the love, girlie! Cheers! XO P.S. No TO TENNESSEE 😉

      Reply

  28. Sadly I am not a big sports fan, still love me? Kidding aside I am loving these – especially because of the beef/pork mix plus that wonderful bite from the jalapeno! That should definitely work with that Dr. Pepper. As a kid I was told it was made of prune juice, what a nasty folk tale, but I still hear it from people today. You can look it up, it is not and started back in the 1930s for whatever reason. I love it iced cold. These look great – Pinned for later snackin’!

    Reply

    • Of course I still love ya, Kevin! I’m so glad you approve of these meatballs and like the beef/pork mix! That makes my day! I have heard that myth about prune juice and Dr Pepper before, but I didn’t know it started in the 30’s! Fun fact of the day. 🙂 Thanks for the comment and the pin, buddy! Cheers to a stellar day!

      Reply

  29. We’re BIG on game day food and the game! Dr. Pepper and jalapeno is totally worthy of game day — these flavors sound so delicious and I’d love to dig into those meatballs! Pinned. 🙂

    Reply

  30. Wow these meatballs look deeeelicious! The glaze is stunning Cheyanne, such a delicious flavour. I love how you used Dr. Pepper to make it too, that’s such a great idea!!! Yum!

    Reply

  34. Holy cow, Chey! (I hope this doesn’t sound offensive regarding the ingredients). I don’t know a thing about football so let’s talk about these delicious, succulent, and juicy meatballs. Actually, I’ve already said whatewer I could. Do you remember our old Sweden friend Karlsson-on-the-Roof? Then he would love these meatballs and gobble them up in no time! I mean he would do that with any food, but you should be pleased anyways:)

    Reply

    • Hahah, holy cow is totally appropriate here, Ben! I don’t know a thing about Karlsson-on-the-roof, but I’d be up for chowing down on these meatballs on the roof! lol. Thanks for the comment, buddy! Cheers!

      Reply

  35. Nope…I never met a meatball I didn’t like and these are no exception! They look so tender and juicy – yep, I’d say succulent is the correct word! I’d be dangerous around this plate. I know it’s nice to share but I think I’d have a tough time remembering that! Lovely dish, my dear! xo

    Reply

  39. A little armchair competition makes the game that much more fun to watch, in my opinion. Your photos are gorgeous! The meatballs are picture perfect—I want to stare at them all day! The glaze with Dr. Pepper and jalapeños sounds AMAZING…sticky, spicy, sweet, and yummy!! Pinning.

    Reply

    • Hahaha! LOVE that – a little armchair competition! So cute! You are right, Thao, it does make the game a bit more fun to watch… but I prefer when my team wins! 😉 Thanks so much for the sweet comment and the pin, my dear! Cheers!! <3

      Reply

  40. Dayum, Subourbon Cottage is where it’s at for football games (and just any event where food takes place)! Girl, these meatballs look out of this world. Sweet, spicy, salty, meaty! It’s perfect game day grub! This seriously looks phenomenal, which honestly can be hard to do with meatballs. Like you said, we’ve all seen meatball recipes, but this just goes beyond. That glaze is everything! I would cheer for you and your team (even tho I have no clue what’s what when it comes to football) just for the sake of getting on your good side and bribing you into making more of these! I’d grab one of those parker house rolls you made, slice ’em open, and stuff it with one of these meatballs. Then I’d fill up my beer cup from your pumpkin keg and just never leave your house again! 😀 Aren’t you glad I’m all the way here in CA?? :p hehe Yet again another fantastic recipe, pretty girl!! Much love XOXOXO

    Reply

    • Hahahahah! Oh My gawsh, Beeta, just when I thought I couldn’t love you any more, or you couldn’t make me laugh any harder, you do! Actually, I’m not glad you live alllllll the way in CA! I wish you lived here and we were neighbors! Thank you so much for the love, girlfriend! You rock! Cheers! XOXO

      Reply

    • Thank you so much, Phi! I bet your house is a fabulous place to watch the games! I KNOW you have terrific food! I’m honored you think these meatballs are a winner! 🙂 Cheers, my dear!

      Reply

  45. I never would have thought to do a Dr. Pepper glaze on meatballs but it sounds just delicious! I like sweet and spicy meatballs so I think I would totally love these, and I definitely want to try cooking with Dr. Pepper now 🙂

    Reply

  47. Oh yes! These are definitely perfect football food!! They look awesomeee. I get annoyed with my husband when he cheers for Duke! I went to Wake Forest and while we are terrible at sports (Wake Forest I mean) he should root for my school!!! haha He didn’t even go to Duke!! Men. 🙂

    Reply

  48. In our house, we are completely united in our support of our Clemson Tigers, who are currently ranked NUMBER ONE IN THE COUNTRY, thank you very much! Go Tigers!!! I think we need to celebrate our NUMBER ONE (did I mention that???) status with some Dr. Pepper meatballs!! Fight Tigers Fight!

    Reply

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