Dinner

Spicy Sausage Balls with Coca-Cola Glaze Recipe

ByNoah Steele January 2, 2026January 2, 2026

Introduction

Spicy Sausage Balls are a flavorful, bite-sized appetizer perfect for parties or game day. These savory treats combine spicy sausage, cream cheese, and cheddar, then get a sweet and tangy Coca-Cola glaze for an irresistible finish.

A white plate filled with about sixteen golden-brown meatballs, each with a slightly crispy texture and sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs, mostly parsley. Each meatball has a wooden toothpick inserted vertically in the center, and the meatballs are stacked closely, creating a small mound on the plate. The plate sits on another white plate, all placed on a white marbled surface. In the background, slightly blurred, is a bottle of Coca-Cola lying down. Small bits of parsley are scattered lightly around the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb. spicy ground sausage
½ teaspoon cayenne

1 teaspoon hot sauce
8 oz. cream cheese (softened)

2 cups grated cheddar cheese*
1 ¼ cups Baking Mix (like Bisquick)

Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnishing)
1 cup Coca-Cola
½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)

1 tablespoon corn starch

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the spicy ground sausage, cayenne, hot sauce, softened cream cheese, grated cheddar cheese, and baking mix. Use your hands to mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well combined and form a uniform mixture.

Step 3: Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on greased baking sheets, spacing them evenly.
Step 4: Bake the sausage balls for 20 minutes.
Step 5: While the sausage balls bake, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the Coca-Cola and brown sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring continuously.

Step 6: Whisk in the corn starch, then increase heat to medium-high until the mixture just begins to bubble lightly. Reduce heat to medium-low and stir occasionally to thicken.
Step 7: Check the sausage balls after 20 minutes. They should be lightly browned; if not, bake for up to 5 additional minutes.
Step 8: Remove the sausage balls from the oven and, in batches, dip them into the Coca-Cola glaze, coating all sides. Place glazed balls onto a serving dish as you coat them.

Step 9: Insert toothpicks into the sausage balls for easy serving. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and enjoy while warm.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, add more cayenne or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the sausage mixture.
If you prefer a milder flavor, use mild sausage and reduce or omit the cayenne and hot sauce.

These sausage balls can be kept warm in a Crock-Pot set to low, perfect for parties or gatherings.
Add finely chopped green onions or garlic powder to the mixture for an extra flavor boost.

Storage

Store leftover sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or warm them in a Crock-Pot on low to maintain moisture. The glaze may thicken upon cooling; you can warm it slightly before serving for best results.

How to Serve

A white plate is filled with around fifteen golden-brown meatballs, each topped with finely chopped green herbs and shiny from a glaze or sauce. Several toothpicks stick upright from the meatballs, making them easy to pick up. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with some scattered herbs around it. In the background, there is a tilted Coca-Cola bottle that adds a casual touch to the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these sausage balls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sausage balls and glaze in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and coat the balls with glaze just before serving. They also reheat well in a Crock-Pot on low heat.

What type of baking mix works best?

Any all-purpose baking mix like Bisquick works well for this recipe, providing the right texture and helping bind the mixture without needing extra flour or eggs.