Competition Baby Back Ribs

Glazed barbecue pork ribs on plate with salad
07/14/2026 | Smith & Sons BBQ Sauce |

These baby back ribs are smoked low and slow until tender, then finished with a light glaze of Smith & Son’s Original BBQ Sauce for the perfect balance of smoke and sweetness.

Prep Time20 min
Cook Time5–6 hrs
Rest Time15 min
Servings4–6
DifficultyModerate
Smoker / Target225°F / 198–203°F

Recommended Wood: Apple, Cherry, Hickory, or Oak

Ingredients

  • 2 racks baby back ribs
  • ½ cup favorite pork BBQ seasoning
  • ¼ cup apple juice
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp light brown sugar
  • ¾ cup Smith & Son’s Original BBQ Sauce

Directions

Remove the membrane from the ribs and season generously. Preheat the smoker to 225°F and smoke the ribs for about 3 hours until a rich bark develops. Wrap each rack with the apple juice, butter, and brown sugar and continue cooking until tender. During the final 20–30 minutes, brush lightly with Smith & Son’s Original BBQ Sauce and return to the smoker until the glaze sets. Rest 15 minutes before slicing.

Perfect Pairings

Smoked baked beans, cornbread, creamy coleslaw, grilled corn.

Leftover Ideas

Rib tacos, nachos, barbecue pizza, loaded baked potatoes.

1SG Gary’s Pitmaster Tip

Tender ribs should bend easily and show slight cracking when lifted. Let the meat tell you when it’s done.

Championship St. Louis Style Ribs

Meaty St. Louis style ribs are perfect for slow smoking. Finished with Smith & Son’s Original BBQ Sauce, they’re a crowd favorite every time.

Prep Time20 min
Cook Time5½–6½ hrs
Rest Time15 min
Servings4–6
DifficultyModerate
Smoker / Target225°F / 198–203°F

Recommended Wood: Hickory, Apple, Cherry, or Oak

Ingredients

  • 2 racks St. Louis style ribs
  • ½ cup favorite pork BBQ seasoning
  • ½ cup apple juice
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp light brown sugar
  • ¾ cup Smith & Son’s Original BBQ Sauce

Directions

Season the ribs generously and smoke at 225°F for approximately 3 hours. Wrap with apple juice, butter, and brown sugar and continue cooking until probe tender. Brush lightly with Smith & Son’s Original BBQ Sauce during the final 20–30 minutes and allow the glaze to caramelize before resting and serving.

Perfect Pairings

Macaroni and cheese, baked beans, roasted potatoes, coleslaw.

Leftover Ideas

Sliders, tacos, breakfast hash, quesadillas.

1SG Gary’s Pitmaster Tip

Cook to tenderness, not the clock. A toothpick should slide between the bones with little resistance.

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