Oven Baked Ribs
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Posted: 04/21/24
Updated: 07/05/24
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Looking for the perfect recipe for tender, flavorful oven baked ribs? Follow our easy step-by-step instructions for the best mouthwatering ribs you’ve ever tasted! The trick to fall off the bone, tender ribs is cooking them low and slow in the oven.
Skip the grill or smoker and make the most perfect fall-off-the-bone ribs in the oven instead! This easy, fail proof method works every single time. It’s great for those who don’t have a grill or smoker, or just need a simple method to make some tasty ribs. While the cooking method takes a while, it’s still pretty hands off and is so easy that even unexperienced cooks can make it.
Oven pork ribs are a great game day favorite, and wonderful for a hearty dinner too. Pair them with some gooey mac and cheese, corn on the cob, or crock pot baked beans for all the classic flavor of a delicious comfort food meal. This incredible recipe is sure to become a go-to for perfect ribs!
Why You’ll Love Oven Baked Ribs
- While the total time that it takes to make easy oven baked ribs may look daunting, the prep time and active time is very minimal. Really, it’s just a game of patience to wait for these perfect ribs to be finished!
- This recipe is easily adaptable since the cooking method will stay the same no matter what spices you use. Make these ribs with whatever seasonings you want!
- Follow these step by step instructions and you’ll end up with tender and juicy ribs every single time. So hearty and full of flavor!
Ingredients for Oven Baked Baby Back Ribs
- BBQ sauce – Grab a bottle of your favorite BBQ sauce or make your own homemade BBQ sauce.
- Sweet and smoky rub – I’m partial to our delicious Gimme Some Grilling Sweet and Smoky Rub, but any store-bought seasoning mix will work. You can also make your own spice rub if you want!
- Brown sugar – Sticky sweet ribs are made perfect with a bit of brown sugar mixed in with the sauce.
- Apple cider vinegar – Using apple cider vinegar in the basting liquid helps make the most tender, fall off the bone oven-baked ribs.
- Honey – Make the BBQ sauce extra sticky sweet with a bit of honey mixed in. It pairs so well with the underlying sweet flavor of the dry rub.
- Baby back pork ribs – For best results, buy some high quality baby back pork ribs. You can also use this same method for beef ribs, but the cook time may be a bit different.
- Mustard – The secret ingredient to a perfect rack of ribs is yellow mustard! Trust me, don’t skip this ingredient.
How to Make Oven Baked Ribs
Preheat your oven to 275 degrees Fahrenheit and then generously apply mustard over the ribs with a basting brush. Sprinkle the sweet and smoky rub over both sides of the ribs and rub it in, focusing specifically on the meat side.
Wrap the rack of ribs in aluminum foil so that they are completely covered. Then place them in a large baking sheet lined with foil.
Bake the ribs for 2 hours. While they bake, combine the apple cider vinegar and BBQ sauce to create the basting liquid.
After two hours of cooking, remove the ribs from the oven and gently lift the foil to expose the top of the ribs. Brush the basting liquid over the top of the ribs, then rewrap them in aluminum foil and bake for 2 more hours.
While they bake for the second time, mix together the honey, brown sugar and BBQ sauce.
Once the baby back ribs have baked for another two hours, take them out of the oven, unwrap and turn the oven on high broil.
Brush the ribs with the BBQ sauce mixture, then place them unwrapped into the oven. Broil on high for 3-4 minutes, or until the BBQ sauce starts to bubble and turn brown.
Take out of the oven and serve immediately!
How to Store Oven Baked Ribs
FRIDGE: Allow the ribs to cool down, and then transfer to an airtight container. Alternatively, you can wrap the ribs tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Store leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days.
FREEZER: Believe it or not, you can freeze leftover oven baked ribs too! Wrap tightly in aluminum foil and place into a freezer bag. Label them with the date they were cooked, and store for 2-3 months. Allow to thaw before reheating.
How to Reheat Leftover Ribs
There are a few different ways to reheat leftovers, but my favorite is the oven. It tends to produce the best results and keep the oven baked baby back ribs tender and flavorful.
Place the leftovers into a baking dish and preheat your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Cover the baking dish with foil to keep the ribs from drying out while they reheat. Bake in the oven for 20-30 minutes until they reach a safe internal temperature.
You can reheat them in the microwave if you want, but the texture likely won’t be super great.
Do you flip ribs when baking in the oven?
It is not necessary to flip ribs when you bake them in the oven. However, you do need to make sure that you are following the cooking method properly so that they cook evenly and thoroughly. Just follow these recipe instructions and you’ll be good to go!
Is it better to cook ribs meat side up or down?
I recommend baking your rack of ribs meat side up. Wrap the entire rack of ribs completely in foil to ensure even cooking and help the heat of the over distribute over the meat.
What to Serve with Oven Baked Ribs
Easy oven baked ribs pair wonderfully with classic sides like potato salad or corn on the cob. Baked beans and broccoli salad are great classic to serve alongside ribs too!
For a super healthy side, serve some roasted veggies with your tender ribs. And if you need a really easy side dish, then make some delicious air fryer potato wedges. But any of your favorite side dishes will work wonderfully!
Pro Tips for the Best Oven Baked Baby Back Ribs
- When you use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of your ribs, be sure you’re only temping the meat and the thermometer isn’t touching the bone. This will ensure an accurate temperature reading.
- Let the finished ribs rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. This will ensure that every bite is juicy and tender!
- Low and slow cooking is the key to fall-apart ribs. Don’t rush the process and up the temperature of your oven! If you cook ribs too quickly, they dry out and become tough.
These delicious oven pork ribs are a favorite around here! I know you’re going to love them too!
More BBQ Favorites You’ll Love!
- Cook outside of the box and make some amazing Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Legs for dinner tonight!
- Crock Pot BBQ Chicken is one of my favorite easy weeknight meals. So yummy!
- Make Air Fryer Burgers when you want a juicy hamburger and don’t want to fire up the grill.
- Instant Pot Pulled Pork is downright drool-worthy. Loaded with flavor, so tender, and juicy!
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!
Oven Baked Ribs
Mouthwatering, tender and flavorful Oven Baked Ribs are so easy to make with only a few steps!
Video
Ingredients
- 3 pounds baby back pork ribs about 1 large rack, trimmed & cut
- 4 Tablespoons mustard
- 4 Tablespoon Sweet and Smoky Rub
Basting Liquid
- 4 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 3 Tablespoons BBQ sauce
Topping Sauce
- ¾ cup BBQ sauce
- 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 Tablespoons honey
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 275 degrees Fahrenheit. Rub the ribs with the mustard then sprinkle all of the Sweet and Smoky Rub over both sides of the ribs and rub it in, focusing on the meat side.
- Wrap each piece of the rack of ribs by itself tightly with aluminum foil so they are completely covered. Place these in a large pan lined with foil.
- Bake for 2 hours in a preheated oven at 275 degrees Fahrenheit. While the ribs bake, combine the basting liquid, vinegar and BBQ sauce and set aside.
- After 2 hours of cooking, remove from the oven, gently lift the foil just to expose the top of the ribs. Brush the basting liquid mixture on the top of the ribs.
- Rewrap with aluminum foil and bake for another 2 hours.
- After 2 hours take the ribs out of the oven and unwrap the ribs and turn the oven on high broil.
- Brush the ribs with the barbecue sauce mixture.
- Place the ribs, unwrapped in the oven. Broil the ribs on high for 3-4 min or until the BBQ sauce starts to bubble and turn brown.
- Take out of the oven and serve immediately.
Tips
FRIDGE: Allow the ribs to cool down, and then transfer to an airtight container. Alternatively, you can wrap the ribs tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Store leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days.
FREEZER: Believe it or not, you can freeze leftover oven baked ribs too! Wrap tightly in aluminum foil and place into a freezer bag. Label them with the date they were cooked, and store for 2-3 months. Allow to thaw before reheating.
There are a few different ways to reheat leftovers, but my favorite is the oven. It tends to produce the best results and keep the oven baked baby back ribs tender and flavorful.
Place the leftovers into a baking dish and preheat your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Cover the baking dish with foil to keep the ribs from drying out while they reheat. Bake in the oven for 20-30 minutes until they reach a safe internal temperature.
You can reheat them in the microwave if you want
Nutrition Information
Calories: 674kcal (34%), Carbohydrates: 45g (15%), Protein: 42g (84%), Fat: 36g (55%), Saturated Fat: 13g (81%), Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g, Monounsaturated Fat: 15g, Trans Fat: 0.3g, Cholesterol: 148mg (49%), Sodium: 1043mg (45%), Potassium: 758mg (22%), Fiber: 2g (8%), Sugar: 37g (41%), Vitamin A: 313IU (6%), Vitamin C: 1mg (1%), Calcium: 144mg (14%), Iron: 4mg (22%)
Steve says
Was wondering, should the membrane on the backside of the ribs be taken off before cooking?
Julie Evink says
Yes, you should remove the membrane before cooking.