Spicy Burnt Ends with Maple Chipotle Glaze

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

Tender burnt ends caramelized in a sweet and smoky maple chipotle glaze with a spicy kick, perfect for backyard grilling. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 315 minutes turns pork brisket point, kosher salt, black pepper into a satisfying snack for between meals, packed lunches, or game-day spreads — minimal active time and easy to scale up for a crowd. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 6, so it fits into lunchboxes, road trips, or an afternoon-energy gap without derailing the day. 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: 30 min Cook: 285 min Serves 6 American cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat smoker to 250°F with 2 cups hickory wood chips to create smoke. In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp kosher salt, 1 tbsp black pepper, 1 tbsp paprika, 2 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 tsp chipotle powder.
  2. Step 2: Cut the 3 lbs pork brisket point into 1 1/2-inch cubes and toss them with the spice rub until evenly coated.
  3. Step 3: Place the cubes on the smoker rack in a single layer and smoke for 3 hours until a deep mahogany color forms.
  4. Step 4: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter with 1/4 cup maple syrup, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 1/2 cup BBQ sauce. Stir until smooth and simmer for 3-4 minutes until thickened.
  5. Step 5: Remove burnt ends from the smoker and toss them in the maple chipotle glaze until well coated.
  6. Step 6: Return glazed burnt ends to the smoker and cook for an additional 45 minutes at 250°F, allowing the sauce to caramelize and edges to crisp slightly.
  7. Step 7: Serve hot as a smoky, spicy appetizer or main dish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Burnt Ends with Maple Chipotle Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 315 minutes (30 min prep + 285 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 Spicy Burnt Ends with Maple Chipotle Glaze?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for crisp items, or in the fridge for anything dairy- or produce-based, for up to 3–5 days. Re-crisp baked snacks in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes if they soften.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Burnt Ends with Maple Chipotle 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 Spicy Burnt Ends with Maple Chipotle 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 Spicy Burnt Ends with Maple Chipotle 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.

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