Barbecue Combination Plate 🍖🔥
A classic barbecue combination plate features a selection of smoky meats served with traditional Southern-style sides. This recipe serves four and lets everyone enjoy a little of everything.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 3–5 hours (depending on the meats; less if using pre-cooked smoked meats)
Total Time: 3½–5½ hours
Servings: 4
Ingredients
BBQ Meats
- 1 lb smoked brisket, sliced
- 1 rack baby back ribs (about 2 lb), cooked and cut into portions
- 1 lb pulled pork
- 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced into 2-inch pieces
Barbecue Sauce
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
Classic Side Dishes
- 2 cups creamy coleslaw
- 2 cups baked beans
- 2 cups macaroni and cheese
- 4 slices cornbread
- Dill pickle slices
- Sliced red onion
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Pickled jalapeños (optional)
Instructions
1. Warm the Meats
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Arrange brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and sausage in a baking dish.
- Cover with foil and heat for 20–30 minutes, until warmed through.
2. Prepare the BBQ Sauce
- In a small saucepan, combine:
- Barbecue sauce
- Honey
- Apple cider vinegar
- Smoked paprika
- Simmer for 3–5 minutes.
- Brush over the meats or serve on the side.
3. Heat the Side Dishes
- Warm baked beans and macaroni and cheese.
- Slice the cornbread if needed.
- Chill the coleslaw until ready to serve.
4. Assemble Each Plate
Arrange on each plate:
- 2–3 slices smoked brisket
- 2–3 pork ribs
- A scoop of pulled pork
- 2–3 slices smoked sausage
- Coleslaw
- Baked beans
- Macaroni and cheese
- Cornbread
- Pickles and onions
Garnish with parsley and serve with extra barbecue sauce.
Optional Additions
- Smoked chicken
- BBQ turkey
- Grilled corn on the cob
- Potato salad
- French fries
- Jalapeño cheddar cornbread
Tips
- Slice brisket against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Let smoked meats rest before slicing to keep them juicy.
- Offer several barbecue sauces—sweet, spicy, and vinegar-based—for variety.
Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 1,150–1,400
- Protein: 60–75 g
- Carbohydrates: 65–80 g
- Fat: 65–80 g
- Fiber: 6–8 g
This platter is perfect for family dinners, backyard cookouts, or game-day gatherings, delivering the full barbecue experience with a generous assortment of smoked meats and comforting sides.