Get ready to fire up your taste buds with this mouthwatering recipe for Savory Smoked Bacon Ribs with Maple BBQ Glaze! Tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs are infused with a savory-sweet maple barbecue flavor, creating a dish that’s both comforting and craveable. Whether you’re a backyard grilling enthusiast or a fan of smoky, slow-cooked meats, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Savory Smoked Bacon Ribs with Maple BBQ Glaze
Indulge in the cozy, juicy, and crispy goodness of these savory smoked bacon ribs. The combination of tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat, a sticky-sweet maple BBQ glaze, and a smoky, bacony flavor will have your taste buds dancing with delight. This recipe is the perfect blend of comfort and sophistication, making it a showstopper for any backyard barbecue or intimate gathering. Prepare to wow your guests with this epic, flavor-packed dish that’s sure to become a new seasonal staple.
Ingredients
Gather your essential ingredients, including meaty pork ribs, smoky bacon, a blend of warm spices, and a rich, maple-infused barbecue sauce. This recipe celebrates the natural, zesty flavors of the season, creating a truly satisfying and comforting meal.
- 2–3 lbs (900–1350 g) – Meaty pork ribs (St. Louis or baby back)
- 6 slices – Thick-cut smoked bacon, cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces
- 2 tbsp – Brown sugar
- 1 tbsp – Smoked paprika
- 2 tsp – Garlic powder
- 1 tsp – Onion powder
- 1 tsp – Dried thyme
- 1 tsp – Kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp – Black pepper
- 1 cup – Maple BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Maple Syrup: Substitute honey for a similar sweet-and-sticky flavor profile.
- Barbecue Sauce: Swap in your favorite store-bought or homemade barbecue sauce if you prefer a different flavor.
How to Make Savory Smoked Bacon Ribs with Maple BBQ Glaze
Prepare to be transported to barbecue heaven as you follow these simple steps to create the ultimate savory smoked bacon ribs with a maple-infused glaze.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by removing the tough membrane from the back of the ribs. This will allow the seasoning and smoke to penetrate the meat more effectively. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Rub this flavorful seasoning all over the ribs, making sure to cover every inch. Finally, layer the crispy bacon pieces over the top of the ribs, pressing them gently to adhere.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Preheat your smoker to 225°F (110°C) or your oven to 300°F (150°C) for low-and-slow cooking. Place the ribs, meat-side up, on the smoker grate or a baking sheet lined with foil. Smoke or bake the ribs for 2–3 hours, or until they’re tender and the meat is starting to pull away from the bone. Baste the ribs generously with the maple BBQ sauce every 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and create a sticky, caramelized crust.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Once the ribs are tender and infused with smoky, savory-sweet flavor, it’s time to finish them off. Preheat your broiler or grill to high heat. Carefully transfer the ribs to the broiler or grill, then baste them one last time with the maple BBQ sauce. Broil or grill for 2–3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning, until the edges are crispy and charred. Remove from heat, baste with any remaining sauce, and serve immediately.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Creamy Contrast: For an extra indulgent twist, try adding a sprinkle of crumbled blue cheese or a drizzle of creamy ranch dressing to these savory smoked bacon ribs.
- Spice It Up: Experiment with different spice blends, like a smoky chipotle rub or a zesty Cajun seasoning, to create a unique flavor profile.
- Sauce Swap: Swap in your favorite barbecue sauce for the maple BBQ glaze if you prefer a different flavor.
- Low and Slow: Remember, the key to perfect ribs is patience and attention to detail – low and slow is the way to go for the most tender, flavorful results.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Creamy coleslaw, loaded baked beans, or a fresh, zesty corn salad.
Storage: Wrap the ribs tightly in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat the ribs in the oven or on the grill to recapture that crispy, caramelized finish.
Make-Ahead: The maple BBQ glaze can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, making it easy to assemble this dish when you’re ready to cook.
Nutrition Information
Indulge in the cozy, comforting flavors of these savory smoked bacon ribs with the knowledge that they’re also packed with essential nutrients. Each serving boasts a hearty dose of protein, along with various vitamins and minerals from the spices and barbecue sauce. While these ribs are certainly a treat, they can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation.
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 580 kcal
- Protein: 40 g
- Carbs: 28 g
- Fat: 34 g
- Sodium: 1,080 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of ribs should I use for this recipe?
This recipe works best with meaty pork ribs, such as St. Louis-style or baby back ribs. The extra fat and connective tissue in these cuts helps the ribs become tender and fall-off-the-bone when cooked low and slow.
How do I ensure the ribs are tender and fall-off-the-bone?
The key to tender, juicy ribs is patience and a low-and-slow cooking method. Whether you’re using a smoker or the oven, aim for a cooking temperature around 225-300°F and plan to cook the ribs for 2-3 hours, or until the meat is pulling away from the bone.
Can I make the maple BBQ glaze in advance?
Absolutely! The maple BBQ glaze can be made up to 1 week in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This makes it easy to quickly assemble and baste the ribs when you’re ready to cook.
How do I get that perfect, crispy char on the ribs?
To achieve a delicious, caramelized crust on the ribs, be sure to baste them with the maple BBQ sauce during the final few minutes of cooking, either under the broiler or on a hot grill. This will create that coveted sticky, charred exterior.
Can I adapt this recipe for the oven or slow cooker if I don’t have a smoker?
Yes, you can easily make these ribs in the oven or slow cooker if you don’t have access to a smoker. For the oven, follow the same low-and-slow cooking method at 300°F. In the slow cooker, cook the ribs on low for 6-8 hours until tender.
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Savory Smoked Bacon Ribs with Maple BBQ Glaze
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Total Time: 270 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: 🔥 BBQ, Grilling & Smokehouse
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These savory smoked bacon ribs are a delightful blend of flavors, coated in a sweet and sticky maple BBQ glaze. Perfect for your next BBQ gathering!
Ingredients
2 racks of pork ribs
1 lb of thick-cut bacon
1 cup maple syrup
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon black pepper
Salt to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1.
2. 1. Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C).
3. 2. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs and season with salt and pepper.
4. 3. Wrap each rack of ribs with bacon, securing with toothpicks if necessary.
5. 4. In a bowl, mix together maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper to create the glaze.
6. 5. Place the wrapped ribs in the smoker, bone side down, and smoke for 3 hours.
7. 6. After 3 hours, brush the ribs with the maple BBQ glaze and continue to smoke for an additional 1 hour, reapplying the glaze every 20 minutes.
8. 7. Once done, remove the ribs from the smoker and let them rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
9. 8. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.
10.
Notes
– For extra flavor, you can marinate the ribs in the glaze overnight before smoking.
– If you don’t have a smoker, you can achieve a similar flavor in the oven using a broiler and smoked salt.
– Adjust the sweetness of the glaze by adding more or less maple syrup according to your taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 rib with bacon
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: bbq, ribs, smoked, bacon, maple glaze