Island Baby Back Ribs with Mustard & Honey Finish

Food & EntertainingRecipes

Apr 6

* 1-2 racks of baby back ribs

* 1/4 cup Honey or Dijon mustard

* Salt and pepper, to taste

* Jeff Ruby seasoning (preferred) or rib seasoning — about ½ tbsp

*. Note: If using Jeff Ruby seasoning, do not add smoked paprika

* Onion powder (about ½ tbsp)

* Garlic powder (about ½ tbsp) Cinnamon powder (about 1/2 tbsp)

* 3-4 bay leaves

* 1/4 cup blended oil (or enough to drizzle lightly)

* 1/4 cup honey (or to taste)

1. Preheat Oven:

2. Coat with Mustard:

Generously smear 1/4 cup of mustard over both sides of the ribs.
3. Season Generously:
Sprinkle salt, pepper, and your preferred seasoning (Jeff Ruby or rib seasoning), along with onion powder, garlic powder, and cinnamon powder—about ½ tablespoons each—on both sides.
4. Add Bay Leaves:
Place 3–4 bay leaves around or beneath the ribs.
5. Drizzle with Blended Oil:
Lightly drizzle blended oil over the ribs to keep them moist and help flavors penetrate.
6.    Finish with Honey:
Drizzle honey over the top for a sweet finish that caramelizes beautifully.
7.    Wrap and Bake:
Wrap ribs tightly in foil, place on a baking sheet, and bake for 2½ hours until tender.
8.    Sauce and Crisp:
Remove from the oven and increase heat to 350°F.
Unwrap the ribs, drain the juices, and cut into double chops.
Add approximately 2 cups (or more for extra!) of your favorite BBQ sauce — we love Montgomery Inn or Sweet Baby Ray’s!
Return to the oven, uncovered, for 5–10 minutes until the tops caramelize and the edges get slightly crisp.
9. Serve:
Let rest briefly. Slice and serve warm with your favorite sides.