Slow-Smoked Baby Back Ribs with Maple Bourbon Glaze

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender baby back ribs slow-smoked and glazed with a sticky maple bourbon sauce for a sweet and smoky finish. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 280 minutes pairs racks (about 3 pounds) baby back ribs, kosher salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 40 min Cook: 240 min Serves 6 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Remove the membrane from 2 racks of baby back ribs (about 3 pounds). Rub evenly with 1 tbsp kosher salt, 1 tbsp black pepper, 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp onion powder. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Soak 2 cups apple or cherry wood chips in water for 30 minutes. Preheat smoker to 225°F and add wood chips to create smoke. Place ribs bone side down on the smoker grate and smoke for 3 hours.
  3. Step 3: In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup maple syrup, 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 2 tbsp unsalted butter. Simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes until thickened and syrupy.
  4. Step 4: After 3 hours, brush the maple bourbon glaze generously over the ribs and continue smoking for another 30 minutes. Remove ribs, let rest for 10 minutes, then cut between the bones and serve with extra glaze.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Small appliances → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Smoked Baby Back Ribs with Maple Bourbon Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 280 minutes (40 min prep + 240 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Slow-Smoked Baby Back Ribs with Maple Bourbon Glaze?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep kosher salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Smoked Baby Back Ribs with Maple Bourbon Glaze?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Slow-Smoked Baby Back Ribs with Maple Bourbon Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Slow-Smoked Baby Back Ribs with Maple Bourbon Glaze?

American bbq & smoked like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

Related recipes