Oven-Baked Ribs Recipe

If you’re looking for a show-stopping, crowd-pleasing main dish that delivers fall-off-the-bone tenderness and intensely rich, sweet-smoky flavor, look no further than Oven-Baked Ribs. This recipe proves you don’t need a fancy smoker or a pitmaster’s badge to turn out mouthwatering ribs at home—the oven does the heavy lifting while your kitchen fills with the kind of magical aromas that spark serious anticipation. The combination of juicy baby back ribs, a sweet and zesty homemade BBQ sauce, and a bold rub transforms a humble rack into an epic centerpiece you’ll crave again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Oven-Baked Ribs keep it refreshingly simple without sacrificing complexity. Every ingredient steps up to the plate, from the headliner ribs to the homemade, lick-your-fingers BBQ sauce. There’s nothing here you can’t find at your local market, but each one plays a starring role in flavor, texture, or irresistible color.

• Baby back ribs (2 lb.): The main attraction! Choose ribs with good marbling for maximum tenderness and flavor.
• Packed light brown sugar (1/2 cup for rub, 1 cup for sauce): Adds mellow sweetness and pairs beautifully with smoky spices in both the rub and sauce.
• Garlic powder (1 Tbsp. for rub, 1/2 tsp. for sauce): Enhances everything with warm, savory depth—there’s just no substitute.
• Kosher salt (2 tsp. for rub, 1 tsp. for sauce): Vital for bringing out every nuance in the meat and balancing sweet and tangy notes.
• Freshly ground black pepper (1/2 tsp.): Delivers a subtle punch to balance the brown sugar’s sweetness.
• Ground mustard (1/2 tsp. for rub, 1/4 tsp. for sauce): Provides earthy sharpness in the rub and a classic tangy BBQ zip in the sauce.
• Paprika (1/2 tsp. for rub, 1/4 tsp. for sauce): Gives a gentle warmth and a gorgeous hint of color.
• Cayenne (1/4 tsp.): Use just a touch for a subtle lingering heat—once you try it, you’ll never want to skip it.
• Ketchup (1 1/2 cups for sauce): The tangy-sweet backbone of any classic BBQ sauce.
• Water (1/2 cup for sauce): Thins the sauce just enough to keep it perfectly pourable and glossy.
• Apple cider vinegar (1/4 cup for sauce): Adds acidity to balance the sauce’s sweetness and wake up your taste buds.
• Molasses (1 Tbsp. for sauce): Brings dark, bittersweet notes and a molasses-rich color for true barbecue character.
• Worcestershire sauce (1 Tbsp. for sauce): Subtle umami undertones that create that “can’t place it but love it” complexity.
• Onion powder (1/2 tsp. for sauce): Savory, sweet, and a secret hero in the sauce for satisfying depth.

How to Make Oven-Baked Ribs

Step 1: Prep Your Ribs

Start by preheating your oven to 300°F and lining a sturdy baking sheet with aluminum foil—the foil not only makes for hassle-free cleanup, but it keeps all the juices in, ensuring every bite is as succulent as can be. If your ribs still have that thin, silvery membrane on the underside, gently slide a knife beneath, wiggle it loose, and peel it away. This little extra effort is worth it for ultra-tender Oven-Baked Ribs, since the membrane can turn chewy during cooking.

Step 2: Mix and Rub

Next comes the magic moment when flavor meets meat. Mix together the brown sugar, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, ground mustard, paprika, and cayenne in a small bowl. This rub is bold but balanced, adding tons of character to the pork without overpowering it. Massage the mixture lovingly all over the ribs—front and back—to be sure every nook and cranny is seasoned. Place those gorgeous slabs onto your prepared sheet.

Step 3: Slow Bake Until Tender

Cover the ribs with foil so they steam gently as they bake, locking in moisture for that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture. Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for about 2 hours. Patience pays off here; slow, gentle heat is what coaxes the ribs to tender perfection—the hallmark of oven-baked ribs done right.

Step 4: Make Your BBQ Sauce

While the ribs work their magic, stir up your homemade BBQ sauce. Combine the ketchup, brown sugar, water, apple cider vinegar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, and paprika in a saucepan. Bring it all to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until beautifully thickened (about an hour). The aroma alone will draw a hungry crowd to your kitchen!

Step 5: Sauce, Broil, Caramelize

Once the ribs are impossibly tender, it’s time for the grand finale. Crank up your oven’s broiler. Remove and discard the foil from the ribs, then brush both sides generously with your homemade BBQ sauce. Broil the ribs, watching closely, for 2 to 4 minutes—just until that glaze bubbles and caramelizes into a finger-licking finish. Let the ribs rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving so those juices stay right where you want them.

How to Serve Oven-Baked Ribs

Garnishes

A little flourish goes a long way! I love showering my Oven-Baked Ribs with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives right before serving—it adds a pop of color against the sticky glaze. A few wedges of lemon or lime are a bright, tangy touch for squeezing over the ribs, and don’t forget a pile of napkins for all that delicious, saucy goodness.

Side Dishes

Ribs this good deserve fabulous sides. Classic coleslaw, creamy potato salad, or grilled corn on the cob all work wonders alongside the savory-sweet richness of oven-baked ribs. If you want something a little different, open up a loaf of fresh cornbread or put out roasted sweet potatoes. A tart cucumber salad adds a light, refreshing counterpoint to the sticky-sweet glaze.

Creative Ways to Present

Get festive! Serve your Oven-Baked Ribs on a big wooden board, scattered with fresh herbs for a rustic, shareable vibe. For parties, slice the ribs into individual portions and stack them high like a tempting tower. If you’re prepping for a picnic, wrap warm ribs in parchment and tuck into a basket with mason jars of sauce for dipping—your guests will be delighted from the very first bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When you’re lucky enough to have leftover Oven-Baked Ribs, let them cool completely before storing. Wrap the ribs snugly in foil or transfer to an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. Your ribs will keep beautifully for up to three days, and the flavors deepen overnight—hello, next-level leftovers!

Freezing

Batch-cooking is a dream with ribs: simply freeze individual or family-sized portions in heavy-duty freezer bags (with as much air pressed out as possible) for up to three months. Thaw the ribs in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to relive that BBQ magic—great for busy nights or impromptu gatherings.

Reheating

The trick to keeping leftover Oven-Baked Ribs juicy? Cover them with foil and warm gently in a 300°F oven for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. If you love a sticky glaze, brush the ribs with extra sauce before reheating. They’ll be almost as crave-worthy as when they first emerged from the oven.

FAQs

Do I really need to remove the membrane from the ribs?

It’s definitely worth the five-minute effort! Removing the membrane gives your Oven-Baked Ribs a much more tender, toothsome bite and lets all those lovely seasonings soak in. If the membrane is left on, it can turn tough and block flavors, so peel it off for the best results.

Can I make Oven-Baked Ribs in advance for a party?

Absolutely! You can bake the ribs, cool them, and refrigerate them overnight. When it’s time to serve, slather on extra BBQ sauce and broil just before your guests arrive. This way you get tender meat and fresh, sticky glaze, with less last-minute stress.

What’s the best way to get a smoky flavor without a grill?

Try adding a small amount of liquid smoke to your BBQ sauce or toss in a pinch of smoked paprika with the spice rub. While nothing beats a real wood fire, these flavor boosters bring a lovely smokiness to Oven-Baked Ribs, even when you’re cooking indoors.

Can I use a different cut of ribs for this recipe?

Yes! Baby back ribs are my personal favorite for their tenderness and size, but you can use St. Louis style spareribs or even country-style pork ribs. Just keep in mind that thicker ribs may need a bit longer in the oven to reach that perfectly tender stage.

Is there a shortcut for the homemade BBQ sauce?

If you’re short on time, it’s totally fine to use your favorite bottled sauce in a pinch, but I promise the homemade version really elevates Oven-Baked Ribs. The simmered-from-scratch sauce adds depth and richness you just can’t get from a bottle, and you can tweak the sweetness or tang to suit your crowd.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about gathering around a plate of rich, juicy Oven-Baked Ribs—every bite is a reason to celebrate. Whether you’re making them for a summer cookout or a cozy night in, these ribs guarantee big flavors with minimal fuss. Go ahead, give this recipe a try, and treat yourself and your loved ones to some finger-licking magic straight from your own oven!

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