Tag: BBQ recipes

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8 Creative Uses for Hot Honey Rub

8 Creative Uses for Hot Honey Rub (Sweet Heat Beyond the Grill)

Hot honey rub is the perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and savory—and it’s far more versatile than most people realize. While it shines on classic BBQ, this bold seasoning can elevate everyday meals, snacks, and even unexpected dishes.

If you’ve got a bottle of hot honey rub in your pantry, here are 8 creative ways to use it that go way beyond basic grilling.

1. Hot Honey Chicken Wings

Crispy wings and hot honey rub are a match made in flavor heaven. Toss wings with oil and hot honey rub, bake or fry until crispy, then finish with a drizzle of warm hot honey for a sticky-sweet glaze.

Best for: Game day, parties, or weeknight dinners.

2. Sweet-Heat Pork Chops

Rub thick-cut pork chops generously with hot honey rub and grill or pan-sear until caramelized. The sugars create a beautiful crust while the heat balances the natural richness of the pork.

Pro tip: Let chops rest 30 minutes with the rub before cooking.

3. Hot Honey Salmon

Sweet heat pairs surprisingly well with seafood. Sprinkle hot honey rub on salmon fillets and grill, bake, or air-fry. Finish with a squeeze of lemon to brighten the flavors.

Perfect for: Fast, flavorful weeknight meals.

4. Roasted Vegetables with a Kick

Toss Brussels sprouts, carrots, cauliflower, or sweet potatoes with olive oil and hot honey rub. Roast until tender with crispy edges for a vegetable side dish that steals the show.

Great for: BBQ sides or meal prep.

5. Sweet & Spicy Popcorn

Looking for a snack upgrade? Lightly butter fresh popcorn and sprinkle with a pinch of hot honey rub. It’s sweet, salty, spicy, and addictive.

Try this: Add roasted peanuts for a snack mix.

6. Hot Honey Grilled Shrimp

Shrimp cook fast and soak up flavor beautifully. Toss peeled shrimp with oil and hot honey rub, then grill or sauté for 2–3 minutes per side.

Serve with: Rice, tacos, or salads.

7. Roasted Sweet Potatoes or Fries

Hot honey rub brings out the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes. Use it on wedges, fries, or cubes roasted until golden and caramelized.

Bonus: Finish with a light drizzle of honey or hot honey sauce.

8. Candied Nuts & Snack Mixes

Hot honey rub isn’t just for savory dishes. Toss almonds or pecans with a touch of oil and rub, then roast for a sweet-heat snack that works on salads, charcuterie boards, or straight from the jar.

Why Hot Honey Rub Belongs in Your Pantry

Hot honey rub delivers:

  • Sweet heat without overpowering spice

  • Caramelization from natural sugars

  • Versatility across meats, veggies, and snacks

Whether you’re grilling, roasting, or snacking, this rub adds bold flavor with minimal effort.

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10 Creative Ways to Use Pops Signature Honey Mustard BBQ

Elevate Your Plate: 10 Creative Ways to Use Pops Signature Honey Mustard BBQ

If you’ve got a bottle of Pops Signature Series Honey Mustard BBQ Sauce in your pantry, you already know it’s the GOAT for pulled pork and chicken tenders. But this sauce is a total chameleon—balancing that sharp mustard tang with a velvety honey finish and just the right amount of smoky depth.

Stop saving it just for the grill! Here are 10 creative ways to use this liquid gold to transform your everyday meals.

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Fall-Off-the-Bone Smoked Ribs Recipe

Low & Slow Ribs That Melt in Your Mouth

There’s nothing quite like a rack of ribs that’s been smoked low and slow until the meat pulls clean from the bone. These fall-off-the-bone smoked ribs are tender, juicy, and packed with smoky flavor—perfect for weekend cookouts, game days, or anytime you want to impress family and friends.

Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or firing up the smoker for the first time, this recipe walks you through every step to rib perfection.

Why This Rib Recipe Works

✔ Low-and-slow smoking locks in moisture
✔ Simple seasoning lets the meat shine
✔ The wrap stage guarantees tenderness
✔ Finished with sauce for sticky, caramelized flavor

This method works beautifully with pork baby back ribs or spare ribs.

Ingredients

For the Ribs

  • 2 racks pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs)

  • Yellow mustard or olive oil (binder)

  • 3–4 tbsp dry BBQ rub (recommend Pops Rib Rub)

  • Apple juice or apple cider vinegar (for spritzing)

For the Wrap

  • Heavy-duty aluminum foil

  • 2–3 tbsp butter

  • 2 tbsp brown sugar

  • Honey (optional)

For Finishing

Step-by-Step: Fall-Off-the-Bone Smoked Ribs

1. Prep the Ribs

Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs for maximum tenderness. Lightly coat with mustard or olive oil, then season generously on all sides with your BBQ rub.

Tip: Let ribs rest for 30–60 minutes so the seasoning can absorb.

smoking grill

2. Fire Up the Smoker

Preheat your smoker to 225°F.
Use fruit wood like apple or cherry, or hickory for a deeper smoke flavor.

Place ribs bone-side down and smoke uncovered for 2.5–3 hours.

Spritz lightly with apple juice every 30–45 minutes to keep ribs moist.

3. Wrap for Tenderness (The Magic Step)

Remove ribs from the smoker and place them meat-side down on foil. Add:

  • Butter

  • Brown sugar

  • A drizzle of honey (optional)

Wrap tightly and return to the smoker for 1.5–2 hours at 225°F.

This step steams the ribs and creates that fall-off-the-bone texture.

4. Sauce & Set

Unwrap ribs carefully and place back on the smoker, bone-side down. Brush generously with BBQ sauce.

Increase heat slightly to 250°F and cook for 30–45 minutes, until the sauce tightens and becomes sticky (not wet).

5. Rest & Serve

Remove ribs and let rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. This keeps the juices locked in.

Best BBQ Sauce Pairings

These ribs pair beautifully with:

Brush sauce on at the end or serve extra on the side for dipping.

Pro Tips for Perfect Ribs

  • Don’t rush the cook – low heat equals tender ribs

  • Use a meat probe – ribs are done when internal temp reaches ~195–203°F

  • Avoid too much sauce early – it can burn

  • Foil tightly – steam is your friend

What to Serve With Smoked Ribs

  • Creamy coleslaw

  • Smoked mac & cheese

  • Baked beans

  • Cornbread

  • Grilled corn on the cob

Final Thoughts

These fall-off-the-bone smoked ribs are the kind of recipe that keeps people coming back for seconds—and asking for your secret. With simple ingredients, patience, and the right sauce, you’ll turn out ribs that rival any BBQ joint.

Fire up the smoker and make it a rib day.

 

 

 
 

 

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Sweet Heat Cajun Chicken

Turn up the flavor with this bold backyard favorite! Juicy chicken seasoned with Pop’s Cajun Seasoning, then glazed to perfection with Pop’s Sweet Heat BBQ Sauce for the ultimate balance of smoky, spicy, and sweet.

How it hits:

  • Cajun spice brings the kick

  • Sweet Heat BBQ Sauce adds a sticky, crave-worthy glaze

  • Perfect for the grill, smoker, or oven

Quick Prep Idea:

  1. Season chicken generously with Pop’s Cajun Seasoning

  2. Grill or smoke until almost done

  3. Brush with Pop’s Sweet Heat BBQ Sauce

  4. Finish until caramelized and juicy

Perfect for weeknight dinners, cookouts, or game day spreads.

Sauce it. Spice it. Serve it proud.


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