Smoked Party Ribs
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Crowd-pleasing Smoked Party Ribs—baby back ribs cut into individual pieces, tossed with a simple binder and BBQ rub, smoked to tender, then finished in a sweet, sticky glaze. Handheld, saucy, and perfect for game day, tailgates, and backyard cookouts.

Pick up a fresh rack of baby back ribs at the local butcher to make the most mouthwatering dish of ribs this weekend! You are going to wow your family and friends with these smoked party ribs. Sticky, sweet, tender and perfect for all of your get togethers, smoked ribs are an elevated version of crowd-pleasing ribs thanks to the added smoky flavor.
Slice them up before seasoning, saucing and smoking to make them super easy for guests to grab and enjoy. Smoking baby back ribs couldn’t be easier, and this party friendly method for preparation will help you really enjoying the process.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The seasonings and sauces for this smoked rib recipe are all made with pantry staples to keep it nice and simple.
- Smoke the ribs with just the dry seasoning then add the sauce and smoke again. The end result is irresistible sticky and sweet ribs that will disappear.
- Slicing the ribs ahead of cooking means more surface area to cover with that saucy, smoky flavor!

Ingredients For Smoked Party Ribs
- Baby back ribs – Make sure the membrane is removed before cooking. You can ask the butcher to do this for you, to save a step at home.
- Yellow mustard – Use this as a binder for the seasoning. The acid in the mustard will also help tenderize the ribs.
- BBQ rub – Use your favorite store bought BBQ rub or make homemade to keep on hand.
- Butter – Adding butter to the ribs enhances their rich flavor.
- Brown sugar – Brown sugar adds a sweetness to the sauce but also gives them that nice caramelized, sticky finish.
- Honey – Liquid honey sweetens the saucy ribs while also giving it a great smooth texture.
- BBQ sauce – Use your favorite store bought BBQ sauce or make it homemade.
How To Make Smoked Party Ribs
- Use a sharp knife to cut racks into individual ribs. Place the cut ribs into a large mixing bowl.
- Add mustard and toss ribs until well coated with mustard. Add the BBQ rub to the bowl, toss to coat.
- Place the ribs on the smoker lying on their side for about 60-70 minutes, flipping them over halfway.
- Once the ribs reach internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, transfer to a foil pan. Mix together brown sugar, honey and BBQ sauce in a bowl until combined. Pour the sauce over the ribs in the foil pan and mix until all the ribs are coated, then cut up the butter and place on the top of the sauce.
- Cover tightly with aluminum foil and return to the smoker for another 45-60 minutes, until ribs have reached between 200-208 degrees Fahrenheit internally.
- Remove from the smoker and let rest for 15 minutes before serving.




Pro Tips
- When smoking ribs, hickory, apple, cherry or pecan are great flavor options for wood chips.

You’ve got to add these smoked party ribs to your next game day or cookout menu. Everyone will go crazy for them!
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @gimmesomegrilling or #gimmesomegrilling so I can see your grilling masterpieces!

Smoked Party Ribs Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 racks baby back ribs
- ½ cup yellow mustard
- ½ cup BBQ rub
- 4 Tablespoons butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 ½ cups BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your smoker to about 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Pat the ribs dry with a paper towel. Remove the membrane on the back of the ribs and then use a sharp knife to cut them into individual ribs. Place the cut ribs into a large mixing bowl.
- Add the mustard to the mixing bowl and toss the ribs until all the ribs are coated with mustard. Then add the BBQ rub to the bowl and toss until all the ribs are coated.
- Place the ribs on the smoker lying on their side for about 60-70 minutes (or until they reach an internal temperature near 165 degrees Fahrenheit), flipping them over halfway.
- Once the ribs reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees, transfer the ribs to a foil pan. In a medium sized mixing bowl mix together the brown sugar, honey and BBQ sauce until combined. Pour the sauce over the ribs in the foil pan and mix until all the ribs are coated. Cut up the butter and place on the top of the sauce.
- Cover pan tightly with aluminum foil and return to the smoker for another 45-60 minutes, until they've reached between 200-208 degrees Fahrenheit internally.
- Remove from the smoker and let rest for 15 minutes before serving.
Tips
Nutrition Information
Storage And Reheating
Fridge: Store leftover party ribs in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Cool completely before freezing individual ribs on a sheet pan. Once frozen, store in a freezer bag or airtight container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat smoked party ribs low and slow, wrapped in foil in the smoker or on the grill. You can also use the microwave in increments until the ribs are hot throughout.
How To Serve Smoked Party Ribs
A big platter of smoked party ribs is great as an appetizer or a main dish. Either way, we love to offer a Grilled Corn Salad, Coleslaw or even Easy Smoked Vegetables. Another side dish that’s always a hit is BBQ Baked Beans and it goes so well with these tender ribs.
More Great Smoked Ribs
- Beginners on the smoker need this classic Smoked Ribs recipe to learn the basics for mouthwatering ribs every time. Juicy, tender and saucy, exactly how they should be.
- If you like a little kick, Spicy Smoked Ribs are a great dish to try out on your smoker. Well seasoned, sticky and spicy, they will not disappoint.
- With a sweet and tangy glaze, Honey Mustard Ribs are a unique take on the classic roadhouse-style dish. This recipe is one worth adding to the regular rotation!
- Well-seasoned Beef Ribs on the smoker are a game changer. Tender beef loaded with delicious, savory flavor, there’s nothing better.





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