BBQ Baby Back Ribs

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings

Description

These BBQ Baby Back Ribs are tender, juicy, and loaded with smoky-sweet flavor. Slow-cooked until fall-off-the-bone perfection, then finished on the grill (or under the broiler) with a sticky, caramelized BBQ glaze, they’re the ultimate centerpiece for summer cookouts, backyard gatherings, or cozy weekend meals.

Ingredients

For the Ribs:

• 2 racks (about 4 lbs) baby back ribs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Dry Rub:

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)

For the BBQ Sauce (or use store-bought):

• 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Ribs
Preheat the oven to 275°F (135°C). Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs by loosening a corner with a knife and pulling it off using a paper towel for grip—this step makes the ribs more tender. Rub the ribs with olive oil, then coat thoroughly with the dry rub mixture.

Step 2: Slow Cook the Ribs
Wrap the ribs tightly in foil and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 2.5 to 3 hours, until the ribs are tender but not yet falling apart.
Alternative method: Place the ribs in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.

Step 3: Glaze and Caramelize
Preheat a grill or broiler to medium-high heat (about 400°F/200°C). Unwrap the ribs and brush them generously with the BBQ sauce mixture. Grill or broil for 5–10 minutes, flipping once and basting with more sauce, until the ribs are glossy and caramelized.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Let the ribs rest for about 5 minutes before slicing between the bones. Serve with extra BBQ sauce, and enjoy with classic sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or baked beans.

Notes

• No grill? Use the broiler for a caramelized finish.
• Want smokier flavor? Add 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke to the BBQ sauce.
• Make ahead: Slow-cook the ribs a day in advance, refrigerate, then reheat and glaze on the grill before serving.

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