Smoked Maple Bacon Party Ribs

Smoked Maple Bacon Party Ribs Recipe: A Viral Trend You Need to Try

When it comes to viral trend recipes, few things can compete with the bold, smoky, and sweet flavors of Smoked Maple Bacon Party Ribs.

This party ribs recipe is a great way to elevate your barbecue game, giving you juicy ribs packed with tons of flavor. Whether you’re hosting a cookout or just want to try something new, these individual ribs are the perfect addition to your smoker.

Why You Need to Make Party Ribs

Party ribs are a good reason to fire up your smoker. Unlike a full rack of ribs, cutting them into individual ribs allows for better smoke penetration and faster cooking.

The result is incredibly juicy ribs that are packed with tons of flavor. Plus, the combination of crispy bacon, maple syrup, and BBQ sauce makes them an instant crowd-pleaser.

Whether you’re looking for a viral trend recipe or just want a great way to enjoy pork ribs, this dish won’t disappoint. And let’s be honest—who doesn’t love the idea of bacon-wrapped, sauce-drizzled, smoky ribs?

Baby Back Ribs vs. Spare Ribs vs. St. Louis Style Ribs

Understanding the different types of pork ribs can help you choose the best cut for your party ribs recipe.

• Baby Back Ribs: These are usually thicker and have more meat on them, coming from the upper part of the ribcage. They cook faster and are more tender.

• Spare Ribs: Cut from the lower section of the ribs, they have more fat and connective tissue, making them extra flavorful. Spare ribs also have cartilage in them which can be a turn off for people when eating them.

• St. Louis Style Ribs: These are spare ribs with the cartilage and tips removed for a more uniform shape. They offer a balance of meatiness and tenderness. These are traditionally used in competition style barbecue.

For this recipe, a rack of baby back ribs is the best choice, as they are easy to portion and cook evenly.

Ingredients for Smoked Maple Bacon Party Ribs

• 1 rack of baby back ribs – thick cut
• 3 tbsp BBQ rub
• 1 pound thick-cut bacon
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup pure maple syrup
• ¼ cup BBQ sauce
• 2 tbsp yellow mustard (binder)

How to Make Smoked Maple Bacon Party Ribs

1. Prepare the Ribs

Start by cutting your rack of baby back ribs into individual ribs. A sharp knife will help you slice between each bone cleanly.

Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Removing moisture ensures better smoke absorption and a flavorful crust.

2. Season the Ribs

Coat each rib with yellow mustard as a binder, ensuring the seasoning sticks well.

Generously sprinkle BBQ rub all over, covering the back of the ribs, top of the ribs, and sides of the ribs. Let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to allow the rub to adhere.

3. Smoke the Ribs

Set your pellet smoker to 250°F and place the ribs directly on the smoker grate. Use wood chips like hickory or applewood for added smoky flavor.

Smoke the ribs for about 2.5 hours, allowing them to develop a flavorful bark. Make sure to position them evenly on the grill grate to ensure even cooking.

Spritz the ribs with apple juice or water every 45 minutes to keep them moist.

4. Prepare the Bacon Mixture

While the ribs are smoking, cut your raw bacon into ½-inch chunks. This will speed up the cooking process of the bacon and make the pieces more crispy.

Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the bacon pieces until they are crispy and golden brown.

Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Set aside for later use.

5. Wrap the Smoked Maple Bacon Party Ribs

Once the ribs have developed a nice bark, transfer them to a foil pan.

Add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, ¼ cup of brown sugar, ½ pound of crispy crumbled bacon, ½ cup of pure maple syrup, and ¼ cup of BBQ sauce.

Tightly cover the foil pan with heavy duty  foil to trap the moisture and flavors.

6. Continue Smoking

Place the wrapped ribs back on the smoker for another hour. During this stage, the ribs will braise in the mixture, making them incredibly tender.

The internal temperature should gradually rise as the ribs absorb all the delicious flavors. Be sure to check that your smoker maintains a steady temperature of 250°F for consistent cooking.

7. Finish and Serve

Check the internal temperature of the ribs using a meat thermometer. Once they reach 200°F, they are ready to come off the smoker.

Drizzle with extra maple syrup on top. Let them rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute. Enjoy these smoky, sweet, and savory ribs while they’re hot!

Other Party Ribs Recipes to Try

If you love making smoked party ribs, be sure to give these variations a try next time:

• Sweet Honey Party Ribs: Swap out the maple syrup for honey and add a dash of cinnamon for a sticky, sweet twist.
• Pineapple Bourbon Party Ribs: Add crushed pineapple and a splash of bourbon for a tropical, smoky bite.
• Raspberry Chipotle Party Ribs: Mix raspberry preserves with chipotle peppers for a smoky-sweet, slightly spicy glaze.
• Hot Honey Party Ribs: Use hot honey and a touch of cayenne for a sweet-heat flavor explosion.

Best Side Dishes to Serve with Smoked Maple Bacon Party Ribs

Pair your party ribs with these delicious side dishes:

• BBQ Baked Beans: Slow-cooked beans with brown sugar, bacon, and BBQ sauce for a smoky, hearty side.
• Smoked Mac & Cheese: Creamy, cheesy pasta infused with a subtle smoky flavor from the grill grate.
• Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad: A zesty mix of black beans, corn, peppers, and pasta tossed in a tangy dressing.
• Bacon Ranch Potato Salad: Creamy potatoes with crispy bacon, ranch seasoning, and fresh herbs for a rich and savory side.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Ribs

If you have leftover ribs, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, place them in a foil pan with a splash of BBQ sauce and cover with aluminum foil to keep them moist. Heat in the oven at 300°F until warmed through.

This Smoked Maple Bacon Party Ribs recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s easy, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to be a hit at your next barbecue. Fire up your pellet smoker and enjoy!

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