Soda pop isn't just for drinking! It can be used in cooking, too. Try it in cakes, waffles, pulled pork, chicken and more!
41 Recipes That Use Soda Pop
Updated on Sep. 18, 2024
1/40
Coca-Cola Cake
Total Time
50 min
Servings
15 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We live in Coca-Cola country, where everyone loves a chocolaty, moist sheet cake made with the iconic soft drink. Our rich version does the tradition proud. —Heidi Jobe, Carrollton, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 491 calories, 20g fat (12g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 346mg sodium, 78g carbohydrate (63g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
2/40
Mexican Shrimp Cocktail
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 servings (3/4 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator:
It's up to you how to enjoy this cocktail—eat it with a spoon as a chilled soup, or use tortilla chips or crackers for scooping. —Erin Moreno, Arcadia, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 142 calories, 5g fat (0 saturated fat), 122mg cholesterol, 826mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 14g protein.
3/40
7UP Pound Cake
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My grandmother gave me my first cake recipe—a pound cake using 7UP—which her grandmother had given to her. On top of being delicious, this cake represents family tradition, connection and love. —Marsha Davis, Desert Hot Springs, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 457 calories, 19g fat (11g saturated fat), 104mg cholesterol, 177mg sodium, 69g carbohydrate (50g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
4/40
Light and Fluffy Waffles
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 waffles
From the Recipe Creator:
These melt-in-your-mouth waffles are so tender that you can skip butter and syrup, but why would you want to? —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
2 waffles: 312 calories, 14g fat (2g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 421mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
5/40
Coconut Chicken and Shrimp
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I was looking for a fun, easy weeknight dinner based on our favorite shrimp dish that was healthier than fast food. This has become a favorite! —Susan Seymour, Valatie, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 659 calories, 31g fat (14g saturated fat), 123mg cholesterol, 735mg sodium, 69g carbohydrate (39g sugars, 4g fiber), 29g protein.
6/40
Root Beer Apple Baked Beans
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
All nine men in our family love roughing it outdoors. My beans with bacon and apples is a "must " to keep their outdoor energy going. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 255 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 778mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 9g fiber), 10g protein.
7/40
Caribbean Chipotle Pork Sliders
Total Time
8 hours 35 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Our favorite pulled pork sliders combine the heat of chipotle peppers with a cool tropical coleslaw. The robust flavors make these a big hit with guests. —Kadija Bridgewater, Boca Raton, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 265 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 430mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 2g fiber), 16g protein.
8/40
Cherry Dew Dumplings
Total Time
55 min
Servings
16 dumplings
From the Recipe Creator:
I’ve never seen a recipe like this one, where filled crescent dough and Mountain Dew are baked together. It’s such a treat. I have to confess, sometimes we eat it for breakfast. —Heidi Swope, Toledo, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 dumpling: 261 calories, 17g fat (8g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 323mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
9/40
Meat ‘n’ Potato Kabobs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
They're summery, but these kabobs really stick to your ribs. A microwave makes quick work of cooking the potatoes, so grilling is done in a flash. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
2 kabobs: 279 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 321mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch.
10/40
Root Beer Float Pie
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is the kind of recipe your kids will look back on and always remember. And you don't even need to use an oven! —Cindy Reams, Philipsburg, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 184 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 268mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
11/40
Root Beer Pulled Pork Nachos
Total Time
8 hours 50 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I count on my slow cooker to do the honors when I have a house full of summer guests. Teenagers especially love DIY nachos. Try cola, ginger ale or lemon-lime soda if you’re not into root beer. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 391 calories, 23g fat (8g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 287mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 25g protein.
12/40
Cola Hot Wings
Total Time
55 min
Servings
about 2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These delectable wings are so easy to make, and they offer year-round versatility, from summer cookouts to autumn tailgates. My husband likes them so much he'll stand out in the snow to grill them! —Lisa Linville, Randolph, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken wing (calculated without salad dressing): 57 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 48mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
13/40
Sangria Gelatin Ring
Total Time
15 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This gelatin is enjoyed by everyone because you just can't go wrong with fresh berries. —Nicole Nemeth, Komoka, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 117 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 52mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
14/40
How to Grill Ribs
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I first marinate each rack of ribs, then add a zesty rub before grilling them. They always turn out moist and flavorful. —Iola Egle, Bella Vista, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 647 calories, 41g fat (13g saturated fat), 123mg cholesterol, 2345mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (29g sugars, 1g fiber), 37g protein.
15/40
General Tso’s Cauliflower
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Cauliflower florets are deep-fried to a crispy golden brown, then coated in a sauce with just the right amount of kick. General Tso's cauliflower is a fun alternative to the classic chicken dish.—Nick Iverson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup with 1 cup rice: 584 calories, 17g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1628mg sodium, 97g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 5g fiber), 11g protein.
16/40
Epiphany Ham
Total Time
3 hours 10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I wanted to cook a ham but didn't have the ingredients for my usual glaze recipe, so I made substitutions. You can, too! Instead of black cherry, try another flavored soda, or use sweet-and-sour sauce in place of duck sauce. —Edith Griffith, Havre de Grace, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
6 ounces cooked ham: 303 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 133mg cholesterol, 1659mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 45g protein.
17/40
Root Beer Brats
Total Time
6 hours 15 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's an easy recipe that's versatile, too. Serve the saucy brats over rice for one meal and have them on buns the next. For extra punch, add a splash of root beer concentrate to the sauce. —Pam Thompson, Girard, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 563 calories, 30g fat (10g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 1575mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein.
18/40
Coke Cake
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8-10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I get a great response every time I serve this cake, and it seems like I'm forever sharing the recipe! Folks are always curious about the ingredients, and when I tell them the cake has cola in it, they are really surprised. The unusual combination of ingredients makes it moist and delicious. —Anna Baker, Blaine, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 772 calories, 36g fat (18g saturated fat), 117mg cholesterol, 434mg sodium, 109g carbohydrate (83g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein.
19/40
Sparkling Oranges
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We were living in Texas when I found the recipe for this simple yet elegant salad. I was thrilled— we had a surplus of fresh oranges! All you do at the last minute is garnish and serve. —Janie Bush, Weskan, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 234 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 21mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (49g sugars, 5g fiber), 3g protein.
20/40
Cola Burgers
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend who's an excellent cook shared this hamburger recipe with me, and it has since become a family favorite. The unusual combination of cola and French salad dressing added to the ground beef gives it fabulous flavor. The mixture is also used as a basting sauce on the moist burgers.
-Melva Baumer, Millmont, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger: 461 calories, 24g fat (8g saturated fat), 112mg cholesterol, 714mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 29g protein.
21/40
Tender Barbecued Chicken
Total Time
4 hours 15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
After a long day at work, a slow-cooked meal is a great help. One of my family's favorites is this moist slow-simmered chicken. For an appealing look, choose a darker brown barbecue sauce. —Jacqueline Blanton, Gaffney, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked chicken: 478 calories, 20g fat (5g saturated fat), 104mg cholesterol, 965mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (31g sugars, 1g fiber), 34g protein.
22/40
Root Beer Float Cake
Total Time
45 min
Servings
15 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I add root beer to both the cake batter and fluffy frosting of this summery dessert to get that great root beer float taste. Serve this moist cake to a bunch of hungry kids and watch it disappear! —Kat Thompson, Prineville, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 203 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 216mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
23/40
Slow-Cooked Pork Barbecue
Total Time
5 hours 15 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You need only five ingredients to fix this sweet and tender pork for sandwiches. Feel free to adjust the sauce ingredients to suit your family's tastes. —Connie Johnson, Springfield, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 410 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 886mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 35g protein.
24/40
Sparkling Fruit Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Pineapple chunks, mandarin oranges, strawberries and grapes are treated to a dressing of wine and sparkling club soda in this delightful salad. Serve in dessert dishes or set the whole bowl on the table for a fetching presentation. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 87 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 6mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
25/40
Apple Dumplings with Crescent Rolls
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I received this recipe for baked apple dumplings with Mountain Dew from a friend of mine, then tweaked it to suit my family's tastes. The soda is definitely the secret ingredient in this rich apple dessert. —Chris Shields, Monrovia, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
2 dumplings: 414 calories, 20g fat (9g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 510mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (35g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
26/40
Pulled Beef Sandwich
Total Time
8 hours 35 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Chuck roast makes delicious slow-cooker barbecue beef sandwiches after simmering in a rich, homemade sauce all day. The meat is tender and juicy and takes minutes to prepare for a weeknight dinner or potluck. —Tatina Smith, San Angelo, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 458 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 1052mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 1g fiber), 30g protein.
27/40
Light 'n' Crispy Waffles
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 waffles
Nutrition Facts:
2 waffles: 348 calories, 26g fat (4g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 533mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
28/40
Pina Colada Molded Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My gelatin ring gets a tropical twist from coconut, pineapple and macadamia nuts. It's a wonderful anytime treat. Now that I'm retired from teaching, I have more time for kitchen experiments. —Carol Gillespie, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 331 calories, 20g fat (11g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 82mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (33g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
29/40
Hearty Pork Chops
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Just six ingredients are required for the tasty mix that marinates these well-seasoned chops. Whip up the combination to marinate overnight, and you'll have dinner on the table in no time tomorrow. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop: 227 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 387mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat.
30/40
Root Beer Cupcakes
Total Time
35 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Root beer barrel candies and a spice cake-like batter give these cupcakes an old-fashioned flavor. Kids will especially love them! —Dot Kraemer, Cape May Court House, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 279 calories, 10g fat (7g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 144mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
31/40
Pork, Bean & Rice Burritos
Total Time
6 hours 25 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The combination of spices is key to this slow-cooked pork—it's my family's favorite burrito filling. The aroma that fills the air as the pork slowly simmers is like a Mexican restaurant. A perfect recipe for tailgate parties. —Valonda Seward, Coarsegold, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 burrito: 575 calories, 21g fat (7g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 1717mg sodium, 61g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 6g fiber), 34g protein.
32/40
Pulled Pork Taters
Total Time
6 hours 15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is as hearty as it gets. Part barbecued pork, part potatoes, the taters are as wholesome as they are delicious. My family can't get enough of this comforting dish. —Shannon Harris, Tyler, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 795 calories, 29g fat (18g saturated fat), 145mg cholesterol, 1677mg sodium, 89g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 7g fiber), 44g protein.
33/40
Pistachio Bundt Cake
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Pistachio pudding mix gives this moist cake a pretty tint of green. As it bakes, the outside browns nicely to form a slightly crunchy crust. The cake slices beautifully and would make a fun dessert for St. Patrick's Day.
-Becky Gant, South Bend, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 406 calories, 20g fat (4g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 415mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (34g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
34/40
Root Beer Float Fudge
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 3 pounds
From the Recipe Creator:
My children have always loved root beer floats, so I came up with this fudgy treat just for them. Sweet and creamy with that familiar root beer flavor, it's always a bestseller at school bake sales. —Jennifer Fisher, Austin, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 74 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 19mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
35/40
Cola BBQ Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My dad has been making a basic version of this family favorite for years. I've recently made it my own by spicing it up a bit with hoisin sauce and red pepper flakes. Sometimes I let the chicken and sauce simmer in my slow cooker. —Brigette Schroeder, Yorkville, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh with 2 tablespoons sauce: 213 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 298mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 0 fiber), 21g protein.
36/40
Root Beer Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Total Time
8 hours 50 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband is a huge fan of pulled pork sandwiches, so my sister shared this incredibly easy recipe with me. At potlucks and family dinners, nobody can get enough of this root beer-braised version. —Carolyn Palm, Radcliff, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 453 calories, 14g fat (4g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 907mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
37/40
Cherry Cola Cake
Total Time
55 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Cherry cola and marshmallows make a zippy chocolate dessert that is scrumptious topped with vanilla ice cream. — Cheri Mason, Harmony, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 591 calories, 28g fat (17g saturated fat), 103mg cholesterol, 369mg sodium, 83g carbohydrate (60g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
38/40
Taco Pizza
Total Time
45 min
Servings
2 pizzas (8 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
Convenient prebaked crust makes this tasty taco pizza as easy as can be. It's a great recipe, especially if you have teenagers. I keep the ingredients on hand so that we can whip up this filling meal anytime. —Mary Cass, Baltimore, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
2 pieces: 310 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 747mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 15g protein.
39/40
Best Hamburger
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Grill these easy hamburgers and add your favorite toppings. Not into grilling? Make the patties on the stovetop, in the oven or even in the air fryer. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger: 265 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 495mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 21g protein.
40/40
Pistachio and Coconut Cake
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This coconut cake is good any time of the year, but the color is perfect for St. Patrick's Day. The secret is adding instant pistachio pudding mix into the cake mix and the frosting. —Dora May Meredith, Rockford, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 380 calories, 21g fat (6g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 431mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
