Cola Meatballs

There is something different about this recipe. I don’t know what a can of soda changes, but this is the best crockpot meatball recipe ever. Our Cola Meatballs are easy to make and easy to serve at your next party or event! Just add a container of toothpicks, and make copies of the recipe because your friends will be asking for it before they leave.

Whether it’s because you needed party food or just because meatballs sounded yummy, you’ll love this recipe and return to it over and over. We have quite a few recipes that make amazing appetizers in our Freezer Meals 101 Club. For another sneak peek, be sure to try our recipe for Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeños. Your guests will also love Pull-Apart Pizza Bombs.

Cola Meatballs Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 3/4 lb. meatballs, frozen, pre-cooked
• 18 fl. oz. BBQ sauce
• 1 cup cola

Assembly Instructions

1. Place all ingredients in a large, resealable freezer bag.
2. Mix gently together to combine.
3. Remove excess air, seal, and freeze.

Cooking Instructions

1. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
2. Cook in a slow cooker on low for 2-3 hours or on high for 1-2 hours.

Does it matter what kind of meatballs I get?

Any pre-cooked meatballs will do. Buy them from the store or make your own. Or you can substitute meatless meatballs and turn this into a vegetarian dish.

Does it matter what kind of soda I use?

You can vary the cola to add a little variety to the recipe. Cherry cola, Dr. Pepper, root beer, and even orange soda create a fun new flavor profile. And of course, you can also change up the BBQ sauce you use. BBQ sauce variations seem as numerous as the stars in the sky, so there is no lack of variety there.

Cola Meatballs Recipe Ideas

If your crockpot has a warm setting, that will be perfect for keeping the meatballs warm and safe during the party without overheating them.

Set a container of toothpicks next to the crockpot so that the meatballs can be classified as a finger food. Make it easier for your guests at a party.

If you would like a little more sweetness, add a few large scoops of jelly. It should be jelly and not jam or preserves, both of which have chunks of fruit in them. Jelly is typically clarified and strained so that it is made of pure juice, which will blend in better with the sauce and stick to the meatballs better.

Notice you only need one cup of soda, which is not the full can. One cup is equal to eight ounces or about 236 milliliters.

How do I store Cola Meatballs?

Place leftovers in the refrigerator in a sealed container until you are ready to reheat them. Meatballs reheat well in the microwave as long as you don’t cook them too long. Too long in the microwave and they become rubbery. For a more controlled reheat, try using a skillet or the oven.

What to Serve with Cola Meatballs

While these are a fantastic, versatile party food and perfect as an appetizer, they also work well as the protein for your meal, served over rice with steamed or roasted veggies. I recommend a bag of steam-in-the-bag peas that you can throw in the microwave for a few minutes right before you eat. This is actually how we use up our party leftovers!

If you are looking for more appetizers for your party, be sure to try our goat cheese stuffed dates or this hot corn and crab dip.

Our Appetizer Stack makes party planning easy! Just prepare one or two of each appetizer in the stack and stash it away in your freezer and planning your parties is a breeze. In fact, an impromptu party is in the bag! Finding something to take to a party your kids forgot to tell you about is no longer stressful. It’s another mom-only superpower to add to your list, along with finding things and knowing secrets. Keeping a variety of appetizers on hand is also perfect for when you have unexpected guests.