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Charcoal Cowboys' Ribs, Sauce & Mac & Cheese

Updated: Feb 4

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Ken Woods, pitmaster and founder of Charcoal Cowboys, has spent years perfecting his BBQ craft. His team has competed across the Southeast, winning over 50 national BBQ awards and even securing victory on BBQ Pitmaster Memphis Challenge in 2014.


“We have competed in BBQ contests all over the Southeast, from Florida to Texas. We have over fifty National BBQ awards.”

Ken and his team have mastered everything from perfectly smoked ribs to award-winning brisket. Now, he’s sharing some of his signature recipes for ribs, sauce, and Mac and Cheese so you can bring bold BBQ flavors to your own table.


Cherry BBQ Sauce

“This sauce has the perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and tangy,” says Ken. “It pairs great with ribs, brisket, or even grilled chicken.”

Ingredients

  • 18 ounce jar Cherry Jam

  • 18 ounce bottle commercial Hickory flavored BBQ Sauce

  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

  • 1/8 tsp Chipotle powder


Method

  1. Mix all ingredients in a Saucepan, Bring to low boil, simmer for a minute to blend and thicken slightly. Let cool before serving.


Pork Spare Ribs

“This is a crowd favorite,”

Ken says.

“It’s rich, creamy, and has just the right amount of heat from the chipotle powder.”

Method

  1. Remove Membrane from back side (use paper towel to help grab & handle of spoon to start if needed)

  2. Rub both sides with: Pork Rub & Sweet Heat Rub


    Daytime Cook Time & Temp:

  3. Smoke at 275* for 2 hours

  4. Wrap in double layer of foil and add 1/2 cup of Apple Juice

  5. Put 1/4 cup Brown Sugar on foil first and put Meat side down

  6. Cook for another 1 hours until tender

  7. Ready to slice and serve to order

Charcoal Cowboys Mac & Cheese

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces Elbow Noodles

  • 5 cups shredded Sharp Cheddar

  • 5 cups shredded Mexican blend Cheese

  • 3 TBS Flour

  • 2 tsp Kosher Salt

  • 2 tsp Mustard

  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper

  • 1/4 tsp Chipotle Powder

  • 1 3/4 cups Heavy Cream

  • 2 1/4 cups Half & Half

  • 1 1/3 cup Ricotta Cheese

  • 3 Eggs beaten

  • 1 1/2 tsp Worcestershire


Method

  1. Cook Noodles

  2. Combine all ingredients and mix into cooked noodles

  3. Top with a bit extra shredded sharp cheddar

  4. Cook in covered half pan until bubbly hot and delicious 275* for 1 hour’ ish



Ken Woods continues to share his passion for BBQ with the community, bringing authentic, competition-style flavors to backyards everywhere.

“BBQ isn’t just about cooking—it’s about tradition, family, and making memories around the table.”

Try these Charcoal Cowboys favorites and experience the flavors that have made Ken’s BBQ legendary.

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