Get ready to fire up your taste buds with this irresistible Smoky Bourbon BBQ Bacon Ribs with Maple Glaze recipe! Tender, juicy ribs are coated in a bold, smoky-sweet sauce that’s infused with the rich flavor of bourbon, then finished with a delectable maple glaze. This dish is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for backyard barbecues, game-day gatherings, or any occasion when you want to bring people together with big, bold flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Smoky Bourbon BBQ Bacon Ribs with Maple Glaze
Sink your teeth into these ribs and you’ll be met with a symphony of flavors and textures. The tender, fall-off-the-bone meat is complemented by a deliciously crispy bacon layer, while the bourbon-infused BBQ sauce adds a sophisticated depth of taste. The maple glaze takes it over the top, creating a sticky-sweet caramelized coating that will have your guests licking their fingers. This dish is a true celebration of summer’s best flavors, perfect for making memories and bringing people together around the table.
Ingredients
Gather up these flavorful ingredients to create your Smoky Bourbon BBQ Bacon Ribs with Maple Glaze: pork baby back ribs, thick-cut bacon, brown sugar, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. The maple glaze is made with pure maple syrup, honey, and a touch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Vinegar: Feel free to experiment with different types of vinegar, such as cider or balsamic (they’ll provide a similar tanginess).
- Bourbon: You can use your favorite bourbon brand to suit your taste preferences (a smoky bourbon will add extra depth).
How to Make Smoky Bourbon BBQ Bacon Ribs with Maple Glaze
Start by removing the membrane from the back of the ribs, then season them generously with salt and pepper. Lay the ribs out in a single layer and cover them with a thick layer of bacon slices. In a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, chili powder, and garlic powder to make the bourbon BBQ sauce. Pour the sauce over the ribs, making sure to coat them evenly. Cover the ribs and marinate for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours for maximum flavor.
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by removing the membrane from the back of the ribs, then season them generously with salt and pepper. Lay the ribs out in a single layer and cover them with a thick layer of bacon slices.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Preheat your grill or smoker to 300°F. Place the ribs on the grates, cover, and cook for 2-3 hours, or until the ribs are tender and the bacon is crispy. Baste the ribs with the bourbon BBQ sauce every 30 minutes during the cooking process.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
In a small saucepan, combine the maple syrup, honey, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then brush it generously over the cooked ribs. Let the ribs continue to cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the glaze is caramelized and sticky.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Smoky Flavor: For an extra smoky flavor, try using a smoky bourbon or adding a few drops of liquid smoke to the BBQ sauce.
- Wood Chips/Pellets: You can also experiment with different types of wood chips or pellets in your grill or smoker to enhance the smokiness.
- Bacon-Free Option: If you’re short on time, you can skip the bacon and just focus on the bourbon BBQ sauce and maple glaze. Just be sure to baste the ribs frequently to keep them moist and flavorful.
- Oven Baking: If you don’t have access to a grill or smoker, you can bake the ribs in the oven at 300°F, covered with foil, for 2-3 hours until tender. Remove the foil, brush with the bourbon BBQ sauce, and broil for 5-10 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: coleslaw, baked beans, mac and cheese, or roasted corn on the cob.
Storage: The ribs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Gently reheat the ribs in the oven or on the grill before serving.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the ribs and marinate them in the bourbon BBQ sauce up to 24 hours in advance. On the day of serving, simply grill or bake the ribs as directed, then finish with the maple glaze.
Nutrition Information
These Smoky Bourbon BBQ Bacon Ribs with Maple Glaze are a deliciously indulgent treat, but they can still be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. Each serving (about 1/2 rack of ribs) provides approximately 450 calories, 25g of fat, 38g of carbohydrates, and 29g of protein.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make the ribs extra tender?
To ensure the ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender, be sure to remove the tough membrane on the back of the ribs before cooking. Marinating the ribs in the bourbon BBQ sauce for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours, will also help break down the connective tissue and make the meat super tender.
Can I make this recipe in the oven?
Absolutely! If you don’t have access to a grill or smoker, you can bake the ribs in the oven. Preheat your oven to 300°F, then place the ribs on a foil-lined baking sheet and cover tightly with foil. Bake for 2-3 hours, or until the ribs are tender. Remove the foil, brush with the bourbon BBQ sauce, and broil for 5-10 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
How can I make the bacon extra crispy?
For the crispiest bacon, be sure to use thick-cut slices and cook them until they’re golden brown and crispy. You can also try partially cooking the bacon in the oven or microwave before wrapping it around the ribs to help it get extra crispy.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can definitely make these Smoky Bourbon BBQ Bacon Ribs with Maple Glaze in advance. Prepare the ribs and marinate them in the bourbon BBQ sauce up to 24 hours ahead of time. On the day of serving, simply grill or bake the ribs as directed, then finish with the maple glaze.
What should I serve with these ribs?
These ribs pair perfectly with classic barbecue sides like coleslaw, baked beans, mac and cheese, or roasted corn on the cob. For a lighter option, try a fresh garden salad or grilled vegetables. And don’t forget the cornbread or rolls to soak up all that delicious sauce!
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Smoky Bourbon BBQ Bacon Ribs with Maple Glaze
- Prep Time: 120 minutes
- Cook Time: 180 minutes
- Total Time: 300 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: 🔥 BBQ, Grilling & Smokehouse
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Smoky Bourbon BBQ Bacon Ribs are a mouthwatering delight, glazed with a rich maple syrup that complements the smoky flavors perfectly. Ideal for BBQ lovers!
Ingredients
4 lbs pork ribs
1 cup bourbon
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
8 strips of bacon
Instructions
1. Preheat your grill to medium-low heat (about 250°F).
2. Prepare the ribs by removing the membrane from the back.
3. In a bowl, mix bourbon, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, maple syrup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper.
4. Coat the ribs generously with the marinade, cover, and let them marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight.
5. Wrap the ribs in aluminum foil and place them on the grill. Cook for 2.5 to 3 hours.
6. After cooking, remove the ribs from the foil and brush them with additional marinade.
7. Wrap the bacon around the ribs, securing with toothpicks if necessary.
8. Grill the ribs uncovered for an additional 30-40 minutes, basting with the maple glaze, until the bacon is crispy and caramelized.
9. Let the ribs rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
For an extra smoky flavor, use wood chips on your grill.
You can adjust the sweetness of the glaze by adding more or less maple syrup.
Pair these ribs with coleslaw and cornbread for a complete BBQ meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 rib
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: ribs, BBQ, bourbon, bacon, glazed