Party Ribs (Individually Smoked Ribs Recipe)

Individually smoked baby back ribs affectionately called “party ribs” across social media are not only a much faster and fun way to prepare BBQ ribs, but they also are incredibly delicious and perfect for sharing at your next BBQ.

Why This Recipe Works

Packed with Flavor: These baby back ribs are smoked individually to develop a delicious bark on each rib and make them easy to serve! Party ribs are cooked in a similar way to burnt ends. They are slowly smoked with a dry BBQ rub and then coated in a buttery BBQ sauce for added flavor and moisture! Each step of preparing these individually smoked ribs infuses loads of flavor!

Shareable: The beauty of party ribs is just how easy they are to share. They are absolutely perfect for feeding a crowd! Instead of having to cut the ribs up after they are cooked, you can cut them prior to cooking. Don’t miss out on sharing these with your friends and family this summer!

Supplies Needed

• Sharp Chef’s Knife
• Wire Rack
• Foil Pan

Ingredients

• Baby Back Ribs: You will need two racks of baby back ribs for this recipe. Baby back ribs are best since they are thicker and fattier. So they won’t get dried out while slowly smoking them individually!
• Mustard: Mustard is used as a binder to make sure the BBQ dry rub will stick well to the ribs.
• BBQ Dry Rub: Use your favorite store-bought BBQ dry rub or try my all-purpose BBQ rub!
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Combine apple cider vinegar and water in a spray bottle. You will occasionally spray the ribs to develop a beautiful bark.
• For the Glaze: To make a homemade glaze, simply combine butter, honey, and BBQ sauce.

Preparation

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat the smoker to 250 F and set for indirect heat. Prepare the ribs by removing the back membrane and then with a sharp knife, individually cut each rib so they are no longer connected as one full rack.
2. Coat with Mustard: Once all the ribs are separated, lightly coat them all over in a thin layer of mustard as a binder. You can use a little olive oil or Worcestershire sauce instead if desired.
3. Coat with Dry Rub: Next, coat each rib so it has a nice even layer of BBQ dry rub coated on all sides.
4. Place on Wire Rack: Place each rib onto a wire rack, bone side up (if possible- they sometimes fall to the side). The rack will help you move these individual ribs on and off the grill more easily. Combine the apple cider vinegar and water in a spray bottle and set aside.

Smoking Party Ribs

1. Smoke: Place the wire rack onto the smoker and let the ribs smoke for about 2 hours, spraying the outside with the diluted apple cider vinegar. This will keep the ribs from drying out and will help build a better outside bark.
2. Add Glaze: When the ribs have a nice bark and the bones are beginning to show on the sides (about 2-2.5 hours) remove them from the smoker for the glaze. Add the ribs to a large foil pan and pour the BBQ sauce, honey and cubed butter over the top (just like you would if you made burnt ends). Cover with foil and place back onto the smoker for about 30 minutes or until ribs are probe tender (over 195 F).
3. Remove: Remove the party ribs from the grill and serve them on a platter. They are perfect as a main dish or appetizer for your next get together!

What To Serve With Your Ribs

The beauty of these smoked party ribs is that they can work as a lovely appetizer or a full meal! It all just depends on what you pair it with.

If you are serving these party ribs as an appetizer, try serving them alongside fried pickle dip, grilled cheese sliders with bruschetta, and Mexican street corn jalapeño poppers!

To make a full meal out of your smoked ribs, try serving them with smoked potatoes, corn on the cob or smoked cornbread.

Expert BBQ Tips and Techniques

• Definitely use baby back ribs to make party ribs! Other ribs like St. Louis style ribs and spare ribs have more meat in between the bones instead of on top of the bones. Since baby back ribs have more meat on top of the bones, they are better for smoking individually.
• While I love making a full rack of BBQ ribs, it can be way too time-consuming. To cut back on time, cut the ribs before smoking as written in this party ribs recipe!
• You will know when the ribs are done and tender when they reach a temperature of 195 F! If you aren’t sure, definitely use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.

More Recipes To Try

• Smoked Pork Shank
• Chipotle Honey BBQ Ribs
• Smoked Beef Ribs
• Smoked Sausage Burnt Ends
• Smoked Pig Shots