Sweet Honey Party Ribs

Sweet honey party ribs are tender, juicy, and glazed with a sticky-sweet sauce that’s absolutely irresistible. I love serving these ribs when I want something easy, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress. Whether I’m hosting a gathering or just craving a hearty meal, these ribs always steal the show.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because the ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender and coated in a glossy honey glaze that’s both sweet and savory. They’re perfect for parties, potlucks, or casual dinners at home. The sauce is simple to make but packs a ton of flavor, and the ribs can be cooked in the oven or slow cooker depending on how much time I have.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs)
salt
black pepper
garlic powder
onion powder
smoked paprika
olive oil

For the honey glaze:
honey
soy sauce
ketchup
apple cider vinegar
garlic (minced)
Dijon mustard
crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

directions

1. I preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with foil.

2. I remove the membrane from the back of the ribs and pat them dry with paper towels.

3. I mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika in a small bowl and rub it all over the ribs.

4. I drizzle a little olive oil over the ribs and wrap them tightly in foil, placing them on the baking sheet.

5. I bake the ribs for 2.5 to 3 hours, until they’re tender and cooked through.

6. While they bake, I combine honey, soy sauce, ketchup, vinegar, garlic, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes in a saucepan and simmer for 8–10 minutes until slightly thickened.

7. Once the ribs are done, I carefully unwrap them, brush generously with the honey glaze, and broil them for 5–7 minutes until caramelized and sticky.

8. I let them rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4–6 people. It takes about 3 hours total: 15 minutes to prep, 2.5 hours to bake, and a few extra minutes for glazing and broiling.

Variations

Sometimes I add a splash of orange juice to the glaze for a citrusy twist. For a smoky BBQ flavor, I mix in a bit of BBQ sauce. If I’m short on time, I use a slow cooker for the ribs, then finish under the broiler with the honey glaze. I also like using beef ribs for a heartier version.

storage/reheating

I store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I wrap them in foil and warm them in a 300°F oven for 15–20 minutes. I avoid microwaving them so they stay juicy and tender.

FAQs

Can I make these ribs in a slow cooker?

Yes, I cook them on low for 6–7 hours, then glaze and broil them just before serving to get that sticky finish.

What kind of ribs should I use?

I usually go with baby back ribs for their tenderness, but spare ribs or St. Louis-style ribs also work great.

Is the glaze very sweet?

It’s sweet but balanced with savory and tangy notes from the soy sauce, mustard, and vinegar. I can adjust the honey amount to taste.

Can I grill these instead of baking?

Yes, I cook them wrapped in foil on indirect heat, then finish them directly over the flame with the glaze for a charred, caramelized finish.

How do I know when the ribs are done?

They’re done when they’re tender and the meat pulls away from the bone easily. I also check that the internal temperature reaches about 190°F–200°F for fall-apart texture.

Conclusion

Sweet honey party ribs are the ultimate combination of comfort and crowd-pleaser. I love how they come out juicy and flavorful every time with just the right amount of sticky sweetness. Whether it’s for a party, a weekend dinner, or just because, these ribs always bring big flavor and big smiles.