Tender, smoky-sweet ribs made entirely in the oven—no grill required! Perfect for weeknights or feeding a crowd.
Ingredients (serves 4-6)
- 2 racks baby back ribs (about 4 lbs total)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or any neutral oil)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp paprika (smoked paprika adds extra flavor!)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp chili powder (skip if you dislike spice)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (optional, for brightness)
Why You’ll Love These Ribs
No fancy equipment needed – just an oven and baking sheet!
Melt-in-your-mouth tender with a sticky BBQ glaze.
Customizable – adjust sweetness or spice to your taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Ribs
- Heat oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Remove the membrane: Flip ribs meat-side down. Slide a knife under the thin membrane on the bone side, lift, then pull it off with a paper towel for grip. (This step ensures tender ribs!)
- Rub ribs all over with olive oil.
2. Make the Spice Rub
- In a bowl, mix: brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, chili powder (if using), and apple cider vinegar. It’ll look like a thick paste.
3. Season & Bake
- Massage the spice rub onto both sides of the ribs.
- Lay ribs meat-side up on a foil-lined baking sheet. Cover tightly with foil.
- Bake for 2.5 hours (for fall-off-the-bone) or 3 hours (extra tender).
4. Add BBQ Sauce
- Uncover ribs (save the foil!). Brush a thick layer of BBQ sauce on top.
- Return to oven, uncovered, for 20-30 minutes until the sauce is sticky and caramelized. (Baste once more halfway for extra flavor!)
5. Rest & Serve
- Let ribs rest 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve with extra sauce!
Pro Tips
- No brown sugar? Use honey or maple syrup.
- Short on time? Bake at 325°F for 2 hours, then add sauce.
- Crispy edges? Broil 2-3 minutes after saucing (watch closely!).
Serving Ideas
Pair with: Creamy coleslaw, roasted potatoes, or cornbread.
Great with: Iced tea, lemonade, or a cold beer!
FAQs
Q: Can I make these ahead?
A: Yes! Bake (without sauce) up to 2 days early. Add sauce and reheat at 300°F for 30 minutes.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Keep in the fridge 3-4 days. Reheat in foil at 300°F until warm.
Q: Are these ribs spicy?
A: Not if you skip the chili powder! The BBQ sauce controls the heat level.