Bacon Glazed Ribs Recipe

These bacon glazed ribs are sticky, smoky, saucy, and just dramatic enough to make everyone at the cookout suddenly “not that hungry” until the platter hits the table.

Some recipes politely sit on the menu. These bacon glazed ribs kick open the backyard gate, steal the spotlight from the burgers, and announce that dinner is about to get deliciously messy.

This easy grilled ribs recipe takes a slab of pork spare ribs and gives it the kind of sweet, smoky, tangy barbecue treatment that makes napkins mandatory. The glaze starts with crispy bacon, reserved bacon drippings, onion, barbecue sauce, red wine vinegar, mustard, brown sugar, and a little flour to help everything simmer into a rich, spoon-coating sauce. Then that bacon barbecue glaze gets brushed over the ribs on the grill until every bite is savory, sticky, and packed with backyard BBQ flavor.

These ribs are perfect for summer cookouts, weekend grilling, Father’s Day, Fourth of July, game day, potlucks, and especially your Memorial Day Recipes & Party Ideas menu. Serve them with Baking Potatoes on a Camping Grill, How to Shuck and Cook Corn on the Cob, or a big bowl of Supreme Queso Dip while everyone waits for the grill magic to happen.

Why You’ll Love This Bacon Glazed Ribs Recipe

If your family loves saucy ribs, this recipe earns its spot on the grill. The bacon adds smoky depth, the brown sugar brings sticky sweetness, the vinegar keeps the sauce bright, and the barbecue sauce pulls everything together in that familiar cookout way we all crave when the weather warms up.

These ribs are also a great make-ahead-friendly cookout recipe because the bacon barbecue glaze makes about 3 cups. Use what you need for the ribs, then refrigerate the extra sauce for another round of grilled chicken, burgers, pork chops, or BBQ sandwiches later in the week.

• Big BBQ flavor: Bacon, onion, barbecue sauce, mustard, brown sugar, and red wine vinegar create a rich glaze with sweet, smoky, tangy balance.
• Great for feeding a crowd: A 6-pound slab of spare ribs slices into easy individual portions for guests and kids.
• Cookout-ready: These ribs belong on summer menus, Memorial Day tables, backyard BBQ spreads, and potluck platters.
• Sauce with bonus mileage: The glaze yield gives you enough to brush generously and save extra for later.
• Sticky in the best way: This is the kind of rib recipe where “just one more” becomes the official table motto.

Ingredients for Bacon Glazed Ribs

This recipe uses simple cookout ingredients and turns them into a bold bacon BBQ glaze. For the best flavor, cook the bacon until crisp, save the rendered bacon fat, and let the onion soften in those smoky drippings before building the sauce.

For the Ribs

• 1 slab pork spare ribs, about 6 pounds
• McCormick Grill Mates Bourbon and Brown Sugar Seasoning, prepared according to package directions

For the Bacon BBQ Glaze

• 6 slices bacon, cooked until crisp, with 1/3 cup bacon fat reserved
• 1 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup Kraft Original BBQ Sauce
• 1 1/3 cups red wine vinegar
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon deli mustard
• 8 tablespoons brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons flour
• Salt, to taste

Note: The original ingredient list included olive oil, vinegar, and water in addition to the glaze ingredients above. The instructions rely on the reserved bacon fat for sautéing and the red wine vinegar-water mixture for the sauce, so this updated version keeps the method clear and easy to follow.

How to Make Bacon Glazed Ribs

These grilled bacon glazed ribs come together in two parts: marinating the ribs and making the bacon barbecue glaze. The sauce can be made while the ribs marinate, or earlier in the day if you want less fuss when it is time to grill.

Step 1: Score the Membrane

Turn the ribs over so the bone side is facing up. Score the membrane on the back of the ribs with a sharp knife. This helps the marinade and seasoning work into the meat and makes the ribs easier to eat once cooked.

Step 2: Marinate the Ribs

Prepare the McCormick Grill Mates Bourbon and Brown Sugar Seasoning according to the package directions. Coat the ribs with the prepared marinade, then refrigerate them while the flavor settles in. If you have time, let the ribs marinate for several hours or overnight for deeper flavor.

Step 3: Cook the Bacon

Cook the bacon in a skillet until crisp. Remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve 1/3 cup of the bacon fat in the skillet.

Step 4: Sauté the Onion

Add the finely chopped onion to the reserved bacon fat. Cook over medium heat until the onion is tender and lightly browned. This step builds the smoky, savory base for the glaze, so do not rush it.

Step 5: Build the Bacon BBQ Sauce

Crumble the cooked bacon into the onion mixture. Add 1 cup Kraft Original BBQ Sauce and stir until well combined.

Step 6: Add the Vinegar Mixture

In a medium bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, 1 cup water, deli mustard, brown sugar, and salt. Pour this mixture into the bacon, onion, and barbecue sauce mixture. Stir until everything is blended.

Step 7: Thicken the Glaze

Slowly stir in the flour, whisking or stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Simmer the sauce until it reaches your desired consistency. The finished sauce should be thick enough to brush over the ribs but loose enough to spoon and spread easily.

This recipe makes about 3 cups of bacon BBQ glaze. Use what you need for the ribs, then refrigerate the rest in an airtight container. Reheat it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before using again.

Step 8: Grill the Ribs

Remove the slab of ribs from the marinade and place it on a hot grill. Brush the ribs generously with the bacon glaze.

Continue grilling, brushing with more sauce often. When the ribs are ready to flip, turn them over and repeat the process on the other side.

Step 9: Check the Temperature

Cook the ribs until they reach at least 145°F in the thickest part of the meat, then allow them to rest for at least 3 minutes. For more tender ribs, many backyard BBQ cooks continue cooking ribs past the minimum safe temperature until the meat is more tender and pulls away from the bone more easily.

Use an instant-read thermometer rather than guessing. BBQ sauce, grill marks, and caramelized edges can make ribs look done before the inside is ready.

Step 10: Slice and Serve

Once the ribs have rested, slice the slab into individual ribs. This makes them easier to serve at cookouts, especially if kids are circling the platter like tiny BBQ vultures.

Expert Tips for the Best Bacon Glazed Ribs

Score or loosen the membrane. Scoring the membrane helps the marinade reach the meat. If you prefer a more tender bite, you can remove the membrane completely before marinating.

Do not toss the bacon fat. The reserved bacon drippings are part of the flavor foundation. They help soften the onion and give the glaze that smoky, savory backbone.

Simmer the glaze until it coats a spoon. If the sauce is too thin, it may slide off the ribs. If it is too thick, add a splash of water and stir until it loosens.

Brush in layers. Do not dump all the sauce on at once. Brush, grill, flip, and brush again so the glaze can caramelize without burning.

Watch the heat. Sugar-heavy sauces can scorch over high flames. If the ribs are browning too quickly, move them to a cooler part of the grill and keep cooking with indirect heat.

Let the ribs rest. Resting helps the juices settle so the ribs slice more cleanly and stay flavorful.

Variations and Creative Ideas

Once you have the basic bacon BBQ glaze down, you can tweak the flavor to match your menu. Ribs are wonderfully flexible, and this sauce has enough backbone to handle sweet, spicy, smoky, or tangy add-ins.

Make Them Spicy

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a splash of hot sauce, or finely diced jalapeño to the glaze for bacon glazed ribs with a little kick.

Make Them Extra Smoky

Use smoked bacon, add a dash of smoked paprika, or grill the ribs over wood chips for deeper BBQ flavor.

Make Them Sweeter

Add a little honey, maple syrup, or molasses to the sauce if your family loves sweet and sticky ribs.

Try a Different Barbecue Sauce

Kraft Original BBQ Sauce gives this recipe a classic flavor, but you can use your favorite sauce. If you enjoy bold sauce experiments, you may also like the flavor twist in Hershey’s Chocolate Barbecue Sauce.

Use the Glaze on Other Meats

This bacon BBQ glaze is not a one-rib wonder. Brush it over grilled chicken, pork chops, burgers, meatloaf, pulled pork sandwiches, or even BBQ chicken sliders.

What to Serve with Bacon Glazed Ribs

These ribs are rich, smoky, and saucy, so they love side dishes that are fresh, creamy, cheesy, starchy, or crisp. Basically, the whole cookout squad is invited.

For a classic summer plate, serve bacon glazed ribs with How to Shuck and Cook Corn on the Cob, baked beans, potato salad, cucumber salad, or grilled potatoes. If you are cooking outdoors, Baking Potatoes on a Camping Grill makes an easy side dish that can cook while the ribs are on the grill.

For party snacking, set out chips with Supreme Queso Dip so everyone has something to nibble while the ribs finish. For a hearty BBQ side, try beans like Cuban Black Beans or Instant Pot Black Beans.

If you are building a full holiday weekend menu, loop this recipe into your Memorial Day Recipes & Party Ideas hub with grilled mains, cookout sides, dips, drinks, and desserts so readers can plan the whole plate from one place.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Ribs

Store leftover bacon glazed ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For the best flavor and texture, keep extra glaze in a separate container and brush it on when reheating.

To reheat, place the ribs in a covered baking dish and warm them in a low oven until heated through. Brush with extra bacon BBQ glaze before serving. You can also reheat individual ribs in the microwave, but the oven helps preserve the texture better.

How to Store Extra Bacon BBQ Glaze

The sauce yield is about 3 cups, so you may have extra glaze. Refrigerate leftover sauce in an airtight container. Reheat it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring before using.

Use leftover glaze on grilled chicken, pork chops, meatballs, BBQ sandwiches, burgers, roasted potatoes, or as a bold dipping sauce for fries. It is smoky, tangy, bacon-loaded, and far too good to let it sit forgotten in the back of the fridge.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bacon Glazed Ribs

Can I make the bacon BBQ glaze ahead of time?

Yes. Make the glaze ahead and refrigerate it in an airtight container. Reheat it before brushing it onto the ribs so it spreads smoothly.

Can I use baby back ribs instead of spare ribs?

Yes. Baby back ribs can be used, but they are usually smaller and may cook faster than a large slab of spare ribs. Watch the temperature and tenderness closely.

Do I have to use Kraft Original BBQ Sauce?

No. The original recipe used Kraft Original BBQ Sauce, but you can use your favorite barbecue sauce. A classic, not-too-spicy sauce works well because the bacon, onion, vinegar, mustard, and brown sugar add plenty of flavor.

Can I bake these ribs instead of grilling them?

Yes. You can bake the marinated ribs in a covered pan at a low temperature until tender, then brush with the bacon glaze and finish uncovered or under the broiler to caramelize the sauce. Keep a close eye on the glaze because the sugar can burn quickly.

How do I keep BBQ sauce from burning on ribs?

Use moderate heat and brush the sauce on in layers. If the grill is too hot, move the ribs to indirect heat so the glaze can caramelize without scorching.

What temperature should pork ribs reach?

Pork ribs should reach at least 145°F in the thickest part of the meat and rest for at least 3 minutes. For more tender ribs, continue cooking until the meat softens and pulls away from the bone more easily.

Can I freeze leftover ribs?

Yes. Wrap cooled ribs tightly and freeze them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating. Add extra glaze when reheating to bring back the saucy BBQ flavor.

Planning a celebration for Dad? Find even more easy Father’s Day ideas, including backyard BBQ recipes, grilling favorites, game day snacks, summer desserts, drinks, pizza night inspiration, gifts, and family-friendly activities to make Dad feel celebrated at home.

 

Final Thoughts

These bacon glazed ribs are the kind of recipe that makes a backyard cookout feel like an event. They are smoky from the bacon, tangy from the red wine vinegar, sweet from the brown sugar, and saucy enough to make everyone reach for extra napkins before they even take the first bite.

Whether you are grilling for a summer Sunday dinner, feeding a hungry crowd, or building a full holiday menu from the Memorial Day Recipes & Party Ideas hub, this bacon glazed ribs recipe brings the sticky, smoky, finger-licking BBQ energy.

Serve them hot, slice them for easy grabbing, and do not be surprised if the platter clears faster than you can say, “Who wants seconds?”

This recipe was originally published June 26, 2013, and updated May 23, 2026, with improved instructions, updates, and new photos.