If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser with irresistible southern charm, the Hot Honey Barbecue Platter easily becomes the star of any gathering. Picture fall-off-the-bone ribs, crispy wings, and smoky sausage, all glazed in a sticky, sweet-hot barbecue sauce—each bite delivers the perfect balance of savory, spicy, and luscious flavors that everyone raves about. This dish is simple enough for a weeknight family feast, but impressive enough for summer cookouts or game day spreads. Dive in and discover why the Hot Honey Barbecue Platter is my absolute favorite way to feed a group of hungry friends!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a mile-long list of ingredients to create a spectacular Hot Honey Barbecue Platter. Every item here earns its keep, either lending big flavor, juicy texture, or beautiful presentation. Here’s what to grab before you get started:
- Baby back ribs (2 lbs, membrane removed): Tender and meaty, perfect for that fall-off-the-bone experience.
- Chicken wings (1 lb): A party must-have, they soak up all that smoky-sweet glaze.
- Smoked sausage (1 lb, sliced into 2-inch pieces): A hearty, savory addition that’s incredibly easy to grill or broil.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp): Ensures even browning on the wings, plus a hint of richness.
- Smoked paprika (1 tsp): Lends deep, earthy smokiness—essential for that BBQ vibe.
- Garlic powder (1 tsp): Adds aromatic warmth and punches up the flavor of every bite.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Brings out all the savory notes without overpowering.
- Black pepper (1/2 tsp): A gentle kick of heat that boosts the entire platter.
- Barbecue sauce (1 cup): Go with your favorite store-bought or a homemade classic—the saucier, the better!
- Hot honey (1/3 cup): The sweet heat that ties the platter together—store-bought or homemade both work perfectly.
- Apple cider vinegar (2 tbsp): Adds brightness and rounds out the glaze beautifully.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Just a sprinkle brings freshness and gorgeous color to your platter.
- Pickles and coleslaw (optional): Crunchy, tangy sides that make the Hot Honey Barbecue Platter pop (and help cool down the heat!).
How to Make Hot Honey Barbecue Platter
Step 1: Prepare the Ribs
First, start with the baby back ribs. Remove the membrane for extra tenderness, then rub them thoroughly with the smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Wrap tightly in foil, sealing in the flavor, and set them on a baking sheet. Pop them into a preheated oven at 300°F for about 2.5 hours—this low-and-slow approach is what transforms the ribs into buttery-soft perfection.
Step 2: Roast the Wings
While the ribs are getting cozy, prep your chicken wings. Toss them in olive oil, a sprinkle of salt, and some black pepper. Spread them evenly on a separate baking sheet, ensuring they’re not crowded (hello, extra crispiness!). Bake at 400°F for 40 minutes, flipping halfway so every side gets golden and irresistible.
Step 3: Simmer the Hot Honey Barbecue Glaze
In a small saucepan, combine your barbecue sauce, hot honey, and apple cider vinegar—this mix is what turns basic barbecue into the unforgettable Hot Honey Barbecue Platter. Simmer over low heat for 5 minutes, stirring every so often so the flavors meld together into a thick, glossy glaze.
Step 4: Glaze and Caramelize
Once your ribs and wings are cooked through, brush them liberally with the hot honey barbecue sauce. Don’t forget the sliced sausage—each piece should get a generous coating. Whether you use your grill or broiler, this final blast of high heat (about 5–10 minutes) caramelizes the glaze and gives you that signature BBQ char and sticky finish.
Step 5: Build and Serve the Platter
Arrange the glazed ribs, wings, and sausage pieces on a generous serving platter. Scatter chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color. Serve—and watch your guests’ faces light up! For the full Hot Honey Barbecue Platter effect, add some pickles and crunchy coleslaw on the side.
How to Serve Hot Honey Barbecue Platter
Garnishes
Don’t be shy with the finishing touches: a shower of freshly chopped parsley instantly brightens the entire Hot Honey Barbecue Platter. For extra zip and crunch, throw on some pickle slices or jalapeños. If you really want your table to turn heads, a smattering of crushed red pepper flakes adds color and heat (just warn your spice-shy friends!).
Side Dishes
Complete the experience by pairing your Hot Honey Barbecue Platter with tangy coleslaw and a pile of classic pickles. Soft Hawaiian rolls, loaded potato salad, or corn on the cob would also be right at home. These sides bring out different notes in your platter, from creamy to tangy and crisp to sweet.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve everything on a rustic wooden board or big, colorful platter to invite your guests to dig in family-style. Small bowls of extra hot honey and barbecue sauce for dipping add fun (and a bit of extra mess, in the best way). For casual parties, portion the platter onto individual plates with coleslaw and pickles nestled beside the meats. Want a true Hot Honey Barbecue Platter centerpiece? Layer the meats in a circle around a bowl of sauce for dipping, and don’t forget tongs for easy serving!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The Hot Honey Barbecue Platter is just as delightful the next day! Store leftover meats in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep sides like coleslaw and pickles separate to maintain their crispness, and always let everything cool to room temperature before storing.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this platter down the line, freeze any unused ribs, wings, or sausage in a tightly sealed bag or container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months—just remember to label your containers and keep the portions recipe-sized for easy thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, place ribs, wings, or sausage on a foil-lined baking sheet, brush lightly with extra barbecue sauce, and cover with foil. Warm them in a 300°F oven until heated through, about 15–20 minutes. For that just-made, caramelized finish, run them under the broiler for a minute or two right before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of meat in the Hot Honey Barbecue Platter?
Absolutely. Feel free to swap in pork shoulder, beef short ribs, or even boneless chicken thighs. Just adjust cooking times as needed and keep that luscious glaze front and center!
What’s the best way to make hot honey if I can’t find it in stores?
You can whip up homemade hot honey in minutes! Simply mix your favorite honey with a squirt of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes for the flavors to blend, and you’re good to go.
How spicy is this platter?
The Hot Honey Barbecue Platter delivers a gentle, family-friendly heat. If you love serious spice, boost it with extra hot honey, a dash of cayenne, or more red pepper flakes in your glaze and garnish.
Can I make the barbecue platter ahead for a party?
Definitely! Prep and bake the meats a day in advance, then reheat, glaze, and broil or grill them just before serving. This game plan makes party hosting much less stressful!
Is the Hot Honey Barbecue Platter gluten-free?
It can be! Just double-check your barbecue sauce and smoked sausage labels to ensure they’re gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients naturally fit a gluten-free diet.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say the Hot Honey Barbecue Platter delivers pure joy to any table—there’s something for everyone, and every bite sings with flavor. I hope you give this recipe a try and watch it become your new go-to for gatherings big or small. Fire up that oven or grill and enjoy making memories (and a little delicious mess) with your loved ones!
Print
Hot Honey Barbecue Platter Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors of this Hot Honey Barbecue Platter featuring tender baby back ribs, crispy chicken wings, and savory smoked sausage glazed in a sticky hot honey barbecue sauce. Perfect for a game day feast or summer cookout!
Ingredients
Baby Back Ribs:
- 2 lbs baby back ribs, membrane removed
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Chicken Wings:
- 1 lb chicken wings
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Smoked Sausage:
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into 2-inch pieces
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/3 cup hot honey
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Pickles and coleslaw, for serving (optional)
Glaze:
For Serving:
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat to 300°F (150°C). Season and bake the ribs wrapped in foil for 2.5 hours.
- Bake the wings: Toss wings with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 40 minutes.
- Make the glaze: Simmer barbecue sauce, hot honey, and vinegar in a saucepan. Brush over cooked meats.
- Grill or broil: Caramelize the glazed meats for 5-10 minutes. Garnish and serve with pickles and coleslaw.
Notes
- You can substitute hot honey with regular honey and a dash of hot sauce.
- For extra heat, add crushed red pepper flakes to the glaze.
- This platter is perfect for game day or summer cookouts.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 1020mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
