Free Pepsi Fiesta: Delicious Recipes to Celebrate Two Months of Refreshment!

Are you ready to celebrate a whole two months of free Pepsi? That’s right, you heard it! Whether you snagged a deal, won a contest, or simply have a stockpile ready to go, this is the perfect opportunity to get creative in the kitchen. Pepsi isn’t just a drink; it’s a versatile ingredient that can add a unique twist to both sweet and savory dishes. Get ready to unleash your inner chef and transform your free Pepsi into culinary masterpieces!

## Why Cook with Pepsi?

Before we dive into the recipes, let’s talk about why you should consider cooking with Pepsi. The soda’s unique flavor profile, a combination of sweetness, caramel notes, and a hint of citrus, can enhance a variety of dishes. The carbonation also plays a role, adding a tenderizing effect to meats and a light, airy texture to baked goods. Plus, the sugar in Pepsi can caramelize beautifully, creating rich, flavorful sauces and glazes.

## Tips for Cooking with Pepsi

* **Balance the Sweetness:** Pepsi is sweet, so be mindful of the other sweet ingredients in your recipe. You may need to reduce the amount of sugar or honey to avoid an overly sweet dish.
* **Reduce the Liquid:** When using Pepsi as a liquid component, consider reducing other liquids in the recipe to maintain the desired consistency.
* **Experiment with Flavors:** Don’t be afraid to experiment! Pepsi pairs well with a variety of flavors, including citrus, spices, herbs, and meats.
* **Use it as a Marinade:** Pepsi makes an excellent marinade for meats, tenderizing them and adding a delicious flavor.
* **Consider the Carbonation:** The carbonation in Pepsi can affect the texture of your dish. If you want to reduce the fizz, let the Pepsi sit for a few minutes before adding it to the recipe.
* **Don’t Overcook:** When using Pepsi in sauces or glazes, be careful not to overcook them, as the sugar can burn.

## Savory Pepsi Recipes

Let’s kick things off with some savory dishes that will surprise and delight your taste buds.

### 1. Pepsi BBQ Chicken

This classic recipe gets a Pepsi twist, resulting in a chicken that’s both tender and flavorful.

**Ingredients:**

* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 1 cup Pepsi
* 1/2 cup ketchup
* 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
* 2 tablespoons brown sugar
* 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
* 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* Salt to taste

**Instructions:**

1. In a bowl, whisk together Pepsi, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper.
2. Season chicken breasts with salt.
3. Place chicken breasts in a resealable bag or container.
4. Pour the Pepsi BBQ sauce over the chicken, ensuring it’s fully coated.
5. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
6. Preheat grill to medium heat.
7. Remove chicken from marinade, discarding the marinade.
8. Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
9. Brush with additional Pepsi BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of grilling.
10. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

**Serving Suggestions:** Serve with your favorite sides, such as coleslaw, corn on the cob, and baked beans.

### 2. Pepsi Pulled Pork

Slow-cooked pulled pork infused with the sweet and tangy flavor of Pepsi? Yes, please!

**Ingredients:**

* 3-4 pound pork shoulder (Boston butt)
* 1 can (12 ounces) Pepsi
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
* 1 teaspoon chili powder
* 1/2 teaspoon cumin
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
* Hamburger buns

**Instructions:**

1. Season pork shoulder generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using).
2. In a slow cooker, combine Pepsi, onion, and garlic.
3. Place pork shoulder in the slow cooker, ensuring it’s mostly submerged in the liquid.
4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours, until the pork is very tender and easily shreds.
5. Remove pork shoulder from the slow cooker and let it cool slightly.
6. Shred the pork using two forks.
7. Mix the shredded pork with your favorite BBQ sauce.
8. Serve on hamburger buns with coleslaw or other desired toppings.

**Serving Suggestions:** Serve with coleslaw, pickles, and potato salad.

### 3. Pepsi Glazed Ham

Add a festive touch to your ham with a Pepsi glaze that’s both sweet and savory.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 (5-7 pound) fully cooked ham
* 1 cup Pepsi
* 1/2 cup brown sugar
* 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
* 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern.
3. In a saucepan, combine Pepsi, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and ground cloves.
4. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the brown sugar is dissolved.
5. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the glaze has slightly thickened.
6. Place the ham in a roasting pan.
7. Pour half of the Pepsi glaze over the ham.
8. Bake for 1-1.5 hours, or until the ham is heated through, basting with the remaining glaze every 20-30 minutes.
9. Let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

**Serving Suggestions:** Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce.

### 4. Pepsi Beef Stew

A hearty and comforting beef stew with a surprising twist – Pepsi adds depth and richness to the broth.

**Ingredients:**

* 1.5 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
* 1 tbsp olive oil
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 3 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tsp dried thyme
* 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
* 1/4 tsp black pepper
* 1 bay leaf
* 1 cup beef broth
* 1 cup Pepsi
* 1 lb potatoes, peeled and cubed
* 1 cup frozen peas
* 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
* Salt to taste

**Instructions:**

1. Season beef cubes with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
3. Brown beef cubes in batches, then set aside.
4. Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Add garlic, thyme, rosemary, and black pepper and cook for 1 minute more.
6. Return beef to the pot.
7. Pour in beef broth and Pepsi.
8. Add bay leaf.
9. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cover.
10. Simmer for 1.5-2 hours, or until beef is tender.
11. Add potatoes and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
12. Stir in frozen peas and cook for 5 minutes more.
13. In a small bowl, whisk together flour and 1/4 cup cold water to form a slurry.
14. Gradually whisk the slurry into the stew to thicken it.
15. Simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until the stew has thickened to your desired consistency.
16. Remove bay leaf before serving.

**Serving Suggestions:** Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping.

### 5. Pepsi Ribs

These ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender and packed with flavor, thanks to a Pepsi-infused marinade and glaze.

**Ingredients:**

* 2-3 pounds pork ribs (spare ribs or baby back ribs)
* 1 can (12 ounces) Pepsi
* 1/2 cup soy sauce
* 1/4 cup brown sugar
* 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
* 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. In a bowl, whisk together Pepsi, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Place ribs in a resealable bag or container.
3. Pour the Pepsi marinade over the ribs, ensuring they’re fully coated.
4. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
5. Preheat oven to 300°F (149°C).
6. Remove ribs from marinade, discarding the marinade.
7. Place ribs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
8. Cover the ribs tightly with another sheet of aluminum foil.
9. Bake for 2.5-3 hours, or until the ribs are very tender.
10. Remove the top sheet of foil and brush the ribs with additional Pepsi marinade or your favorite BBQ sauce.
11. Broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the glaze is caramelized and slightly sticky, watching carefully to prevent burning.
12. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

**Serving Suggestions:** Serve with coleslaw, corn on the cob, and potato salad.

## Sweet Pepsi Recipes

Now for the fun part – desserts! Pepsi can add a unique sweetness and caramel notes to a variety of treats.

### 6. Pepsi Chocolate Cake

This moist and decadent chocolate cake gets its richness from the unexpected addition of Pepsi.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 box (15.25 ounces) chocolate cake mix
* 1 can (12 ounces) Pepsi
* 1/2 cup vegetable oil
* 3 eggs

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
3. In a large bowl, combine chocolate cake mix, Pepsi, vegetable oil, and eggs.
4. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes, or until well combined.
5. Pour batter into the prepared baking pan.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let cool completely before frosting.

**Frosting Suggestions:** Frost with your favorite chocolate frosting, ganache, or whipped cream.

### 7. Pepsi Floats

A classic treat made even better with the refreshing taste of Pepsi. Experiment with different ice cream flavors for a unique twist!

**Ingredients:**

* Pepsi, chilled
* Vanilla ice cream (or your favorite flavor)
* Whipped cream (optional)
* Maraschino cherries (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. Fill a tall glass about 3/4 full with chilled Pepsi.
2. Add 2-3 scoops of ice cream to the glass.
3. Top with whipped cream and a maraschino cherry, if desired.
4. Serve immediately with a spoon and a straw.

**Variation:** Try using different ice cream flavors, such as chocolate, strawberry, or coffee, for a unique twist.

### 8. Pepsi Jell-O Salad

A retro dessert that’s perfect for parties and potlucks. The Pepsi adds a subtle caramel flavor to the Jell-O.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 (3 ounce) package black cherry Jell-O
* 1 cup boiling water
* 1 cup Pepsi, chilled
* 1 (8 ounce) can crushed pineapple, undrained
* 1 cup miniature marshmallows

**Instructions:**

1. In a bowl, dissolve Jell-O in boiling water.
2. Stir in chilled Pepsi.
3. Add crushed pineapple (with juice) and miniature marshmallows.
4. Pour into a mold or dish.
5. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set.

**Serving Suggestions:** Serve chilled as a side dish or dessert.

### 9. Pepsi Caramel Sauce

This rich and decadent caramel sauce gets a unique flavor from Pepsi. Drizzle it over ice cream, brownies, or apple slices.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1/2 cup heavy cream
* 1/4 cup Pepsi
* 4 tablespoons butter
* 1/4 teaspoon salt

**Instructions:**

1. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and Pepsi.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture turns a golden amber color.
3. Remove from heat and carefully stir in heavy cream, butter, and salt.
4. Return to heat and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until smooth.
5. Let cool slightly before serving.

**Storage:** Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Reheat gently before serving.

### 10. Pepsi Brownies

These fudgy brownies are incredibly moist and have a subtle caramel flavor from the addition of Pepsi.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
* 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/2 cup Pepsi

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and flour an 8×8 inch baking pan.
3. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
4. In a separate bowl, combine melted butter and sugar.
5. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
7. Stir in Pepsi.
8. Pour batter into the prepared baking pan.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
10. Let cool completely before cutting into squares.

**Serving Suggestions:** Serve with ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of Pepsi caramel sauce.

## More Creative Uses for Your Free Pepsi

Beyond these recipes, there are many other ways to use your free Pepsi in the kitchen:

* **Meat Tenderizer:** Marinate tough cuts of meat in Pepsi for a few hours to tenderize them before cooking.
* **Plant Food:** Pepsi can provide a small boost of sugar to your plants, but use it sparingly as it can also attract pests.
* **Rust Remover:** Soak rusty tools or metal objects in Pepsi overnight to help loosen the rust.
* **Grill Cleaner:** Pour Pepsi on a hot grill to help loosen stuck-on food and grease.
* **Hair Rinse:** Some people use Pepsi as a hair rinse to add shine and volume, but be sure to rinse it out thoroughly.

## Conclusion

With two months of free Pepsi, the possibilities are endless! These recipes are just a starting point. Get creative, experiment with flavors, and discover your own unique Pepsi-infused dishes. Whether you’re grilling up a savory BBQ chicken or baking a decadent chocolate cake, Pepsi can add a surprising and delicious twist to your cooking. So, grab a can of Pepsi and get ready to unleash your inner chef!

Enjoy your free Pepsi fiesta!