Baby back ribs: 2 racks
Pork rub: 4 tbsp
Apple juice: 1/4 cup, plus optional spritz
Brown sugar: 3 tbsp
Honey: 3 tbsp, divided
Unsalted butter: 2.5 oz, plus 1 tbsp
BBQ sauce: 20 oz
Let’s get cooking.
1. Heat the smoker to 300°F. Pat ribs dry, remove the underside membrane and loose scraps, then season.
2. Smoke meat-side up for 1 1/2–1 3/4 hours until the bark develops; lightly spritz dry spots if needed.
3. Divide juice, sugar, 2 tbsp honey and 2.5 oz butter between the racks. Seal each in foil, meat-side down. Cook approximately 1 hour, until a probe slides easily between bones.
4. Warm sauce with remaining honey and butter. Unwrap, glaze, and smoke uncovered for 15 minutes. Rest briefly and slice. Allow extra cooking time if still tough.
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JUST BBQ · Pork
Sweet-Glazed Smoked Baby Back Ribs
By tlk2drew · Published Sep 21, 2026 · Last edited Sep 21, 2026
Baby backs cooked at 300°F with a sweet foil wrap.
Equipment
Smoker or indirect covered grill; foil; thermometer; saucepan
Timing
About 3 hours; cook to tenderness
Yield
4 servings
Ingredients
Baby back ribs: 2 racks
Pork rub: 4 tbsp
Apple juice: 1/4 cup, plus optional spritz
Brown sugar: 3 tbsp
Honey: 3 tbsp, divided
Unsalted butter: 2.5 oz, plus 1 tbsp
BBQ sauce: 20 oz
Instructions
1. Heat the smoker to 300°F. Pat ribs dry, remove the underside membrane and loose scraps, then season.
2. Smoke meat-side up for 1 1/2–1 3/4 hours until the bark develops; lightly spritz dry spots if needed.
3. Divide juice, sugar, 2 tbsp honey and 2.5 oz butter between the racks. Seal each in foil, meat-side down. Cook approximately 1 hour, until a probe slides easily between bones.
4. Warm sauce with remaining honey and butter. Unwrap, glaze, and smoke uncovered for 15 minutes. Rest briefly and slice. Allow extra cooking time if still tough.