There’s something downright joyful about serving up a Hot Honey Barbecue Platter for friends and family. Imagine tender baby back ribs, crispy-edged chicken wings, and smoky sausage, all glazed in a sticky, sweet-and-spicy sauce that’s utterly irresistible. This party-worthy spread brings together crowd-pleasing barbecue classics, amped up with a kick of hot honey and a punchy tang of apple cider vinegar. Whether you’re cooking for a backyard bash or simply shaking up your weeknight dinner routine, this platter promises a delicious, satisfying feast with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for this Hot Honey Barbecue Platter is refreshingly straightforward, but every item truly counts for both flavor and texture. Each savory bite owes its richness, color, and addictive sweetness to these essentials.
- Baby Back Ribs (1 lb): The king of barbecue! Juicy, meaty, and perfect for soaking up that dreamy glaze.
- Chicken Wings (1 lb): For crispy, finger-licking bites that pair beautifully with spicy-sweet barbecue sauce.
- Smoked Sausage (1 lb; sliced into 2-inch pieces): Adds a smoky depth and savory snap to your platter.
- Barbecue Sauce (1/2 cup): Your favorite bottled sauce works great; it’s the sweet, bold backbone of your glaze.
- Hot Honey (1/4 cup): The star ingredient, bringing sweet heat that makes this platter unforgettable.
- Apple Cider Vinegar (2 tbsp): For a balancing tang that keeps all that richness in check.
- Brown Sugar (1 tbsp): Adds molasses-y depth, helping caramelize the meats to sticky perfection.
- Smoked Paprika (1 tsp): Gives a gentle smokiness that echoes those slow-cooked barbecue vibes.
- Garlic Powder (1 tsp): For a warm, savory undertone that rounds out every bite.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Essential for bringing all the flavors to life—don’t skimp!
- Black Pepper (1/2 tsp): Grounds the sweetness and adds a subtle bite.
- Olive Oil (1 tbsp): Helps those wings crisp up and adds a gentle richness.
- Fresh Parsley (for garnish): For a burst of color and a fresh, herby finish right before serving.
How to Make Hot Honey Barbecue Platter
Step 1: Make the Signature Sauce
Start by whisking together the barbecue sauce, hot honey, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. You’ll immediately notice the aroma—smoky, sweet, and just a hint of spice. This luscious sauce is honestly the heartbeat of the Hot Honey Barbecue Platter and will do double duty as both a glaze and a finishing touch.
Step 2: Bake the Ribs Low and Slow
Place the baby back ribs on a foil-lined baking sheet and generously brush them with about half of your sauce mixture. The foil makes cleanup a breeze and helps keep things moist. Cover the ribs tightly with foil and pop them into a 300°F (150°C) oven for two hours. This gentle heat breaks down the fat and collagen, giving them that coveted fall-off-the-bone tenderness.
Step 3: Prep and Bake the Chicken Wings
While the ribs are turning melt-in-your-mouth tender, toss the chicken wings with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until evenly coated. Arrange them on a baking rack set over a baking sheet (this keeps them crisp on all sides) and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway through. For the final 10 minutes, brush the wings generously with your barbecue-hot honey sauce to build up a sticky, caramelized crust.
Step 4: Grill or Sear the Smoked Sausage
Next up, heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Grill the sausage slices for about 5–7 minutes, turning once or twice, until they’re golden, crispy around the edges, and heated through. Right at the end, toss them with a few spoonfuls of your sauce for that shiny, finger-licking finish.
Step 5: Broil and Glaze the Ribs
After the ribs have finished their low-and-slow bake, uncover them and brush on another generous layer of sauce. Slide them under the broiler for about 5 minutes, keeping a close eye—this is when the sauce bubbles, thickens, and takes on a gorgeously caramelized sheen. If you love a little burnished char, don’t be afraid to let the edges get just a tad crispy.
Step 6: Assemble the Hot Honey Barbecue Platter
Arrange the ribs, wings, and sausage on a big serving platter, letting the colors and textures mingle. Drizzle everything with a final flourish of hot honey and a flurry of fresh parsley. The result? A show-stopping Hot Honey Barbecue Platter that honestly looks as good as it tastes—totally worthy of any celebration.
How to Serve Hot Honey Barbecue Platter
Garnishes
A Hot Honey Barbecue Platter always comes alive with the right finishing touches. Sprinkle plenty of chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and brightness. If you’re feeling bold, scatter thinly sliced scallions or a dusting of extra smoked paprika over the top for an extra visual and flavorful flourish. And don’t forget an extra drizzle of hot honey just before serving—it provides a glossy, spicy crown for all your hard work.
Side Dishes
When it comes to sides, think cool and refreshing to balance the bold heat and richness of your meats. Creamy coleslaw is an instant classic, bringing crunch and a welcome tang. Buttery cornbread, grilled corn on the cob, or roasted veggies are all fantastic choices for rounding out the meal. Even a simple green salad with lemony vinaigrette works beautifully alongside the Hot Honey Barbecue Platter’s deep, smoky-sweet flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
To give your Hot Honey Barbecue Platter extra wow factor, serve it “family style” on a big wooden cutting board amidst piles of fresh herbs, lemon wedges, and pickles. For a party spread, skewer the sausages and wings on toothpicks for bite-sized enjoyment. Or, arrange the platter atop a mound of herbed rice or on a tray alongside small bowls of extra sauce, so everyone can dunk and drizzle to their heart’s content. Presentation should be fun and generous—don’t be afraid to get a little playful!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep beautifully in the fridge. Simply arrange any extra ribs, wings, or sausage pieces in an airtight container along with a spoonful or two of leftover sauce. They’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to three days, ready to transform tomorrow’s meals or late-night cravings.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can absolutely freeze portions of the Hot Honey Barbecue Platter. Let everything cool to room temperature, wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap, and pop into freezer bags or containers. The meats will keep well for up to two months, retaining their juiciness and punchy barbecue flavor when reheated.
Reheating
To bring your Hot Honey Barbecue Platter leftovers back to life, reheat them gently in a 300°F (150°C) oven, covered with foil to keep things moist, for about 15–20 minutes. If you’re in a rush, the microwave works too—just reheat on medium power in short bursts to avoid toughening the meats. Brush with a little fresh sauce or hot honey to refresh the glaze, and they’ll be good as new!
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of meat for the Hot Honey Barbecue Platter?
Absolutely! You can swap in boneless ribs, chicken drumsticks, or even pork chops depending on your preferences or what’s available. Just adjust cooking times as needed to keep everything juicy and tender.
How spicy is this Hot Honey Barbecue Platter?
The heat level is present, but balanced with plenty of sweetness and tang. If you love extra spicy food, just add a splash of your favorite hot sauce or a pinch of chili flakes to the honey-barbecue mixture for an extra kick.
What’s the best way to make this platter gluten-free?
This Hot Honey Barbecue Platter is naturally gluten-free as long as your barbecue sauce and smoked sausage are certified gluten-free. Always double-check labels, and you’re good to go!
Can I make parts of this platter ahead for a party?
Definitely! You can prep and bake the ribs a day in advance, store them chilled, then glaze and broil just before serving. The sauce can be made up to a week ahead, and sausage reheats well on the grill or in a skillet.
Does the hot honey have to be store-bought?
Not at all! If you don’t have hot honey, simply warm regular honey and stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. You get the same spicy-sweet effect, totally customized to your taste.
Final Thoughts
Nothing brings people together quite like a Hot Honey Barbecue Platter, bursting with juicy ribs, sticky wings, and smoky sausage—all lacquered in that craveable, fiery-sweet glaze. It’s a total winner for casual cookouts or any time you want to celebrate. I hope you give this platter a try soon and share it with the folks you love—trust me, your table will be the happiest place around!
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Hot Honey Barbecue Platter Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Hot Honey Barbecue Platter is a mouthwatering combination of tender baby back ribs, crispy chicken wings, and savory smoked sausage, all glazed with a sweet and spicy hot honey barbecue sauce. Perfect for a summer grill-out or party, this platter is sure to be a hit with your guests!
Ingredients
Baby Back Ribs:
1 lb baby back ribs
Chicken Wings:
1 lb chicken wings
Smoked Sausage:
1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into 2-inch pieces
Barbecue Sauce:
1/2 cup
Hot Honey:
1/4 cup
Apple Cider Vinegar:
2 tablespoons
Brown Sugar:
1 tablespoon
Smoked Paprika:
1 teaspoon
Garlic Powder:
1 teaspoon
Salt:
1/2 teaspoon
Black Pepper:
1/2 teaspoon
Olive Oil:
1 tablespoon
Fresh Parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, hot honey, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the ribs: Place ribs on a foil-lined baking sheet, brush with the sauce mixture, cover with foil, and bake for 2 hours until tender.
- Cook the wings: Toss the chicken wings with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Arrange wings on a baking rack set over a sheet pan and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway through. During the last 10 minutes, brush with the sauce.
- Prepare the sausage: Grill or pan-sear the smoked sausage for 5–7 minutes until browned and heated through, then toss with a bit of the sauce.
- Finalize the ribs: When the ribs are done, uncover, brush with more sauce, and broil for 5 minutes until caramelized.
- Assemble the platter: Arrange everything on a large serving platter, drizzle with additional hot honey, and garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add extra hot sauce or chili flakes to the honey barbecue mixture.
- This platter pairs perfectly with coleslaw, cornbread, or grilled vegetables.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of platter
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
