Apple Butter BBQ Ribs

Who doesn’t love a good rack of ribs?

But hold onto your hats, folks, because we’re about to take your taste buds on a wild ride!

Imagine the sweet, caramelized goodness of apple butter mingling with the smoky, tangy flavors of BBQ sauce. It’s a match made in culinary heaven!

Did you know that apple butter has been a staple in American cuisine since the 1700s? Now we’re giving this classic spread a modern makeover by using it to create the most irresistible BBQ ribs you’ve ever tasted.

Trust me, once you try these Apple Butter BBQ Ribs, you’ll never look at ribs the same way again!

Ingredients

  • 2 racks of baby back ribs (about 4-5 pounds total)
  • 1 cup apple butter
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

The Magic Behind the Flavor

Preparing the Ribs

  • Remove the membrane: This crucial step ensures tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs
  • Create the dry rub: Combine spices for that perfect flavor foundation
  • Let it marinate: Give those ribs time to soak up all that goodness

Crafting the Apple Butter BBQ Sauce

  • Mix it up: Combine apple butter, BBQ sauce, and seasonings
  • Simmer to perfection: Let the flavors meld and intensify
  • Taste and adjust: Make it your own by tweaking the sweetness or heat

Cooking to Perfection

  • Low and slow: The secret to tender, juicy ribs
  • Baste with love: Layer on that delicious sauce
  • Finish with a sizzle: Get that perfect caramelized crust

Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Get Cooking!

  1. Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).
  2. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. This tough layer can prevent flavors from penetrating and make the ribs chewy.
  3. In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to create your dry rub.
  4. Generously apply the dry rub to both sides of the ribs, massaging it into the meat.
  5. Wrap the ribs tightly in aluminum foil and place them on a baking sheet.
  6. Bake the ribs for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the meat is tender and starting to pull away from the bones.
  7. While the ribs are cooking, prepare the Apple Butter BBQ sauce. In a saucepan, combine the apple butter, BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce.
  8. Simmer the sauce over medium-low heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
  9. Once the ribs are tender, remove them from the oven and increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C).
  10. Carefully open the foil packets (watch out for steam!) and brush the ribs generously with the Apple Butter BBQ sauce.
  11. Return the ribs to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce is caramelized and slightly charred in spots.
  12. Remove from the oven, let rest for 5-10 minutes, then cut into portions and serve with extra sauce on the side.
close up Apple Butter BBQ Ribs

The Finishing Touch: Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with classic sides: Coleslaw, cornbread, or potato salad
  • Add some green: Grilled vegetables or a fresh salad balance the rich flavors
  • Don’t forget the napkins: These ribs are deliciously messy!

Recipe FAQ’s

Can I make these ribs on the grill?

Absolutely! Follow the same process, but use indirect heat on your grill for the initial cooking phase.

What if I don’t have apple butter?

You can substitute with applesauce mixed with brown sugar and spices, but the flavor won’t be quite as rich.

Can I make these ribs ahead of time?

Yes! Cook them through step 6, then refrigerate. Finish with the sauce and high-heat cooking just before serving.

Are these ribs spicy?

The heat level is moderate but adjustable. Reduce or omit the cayenne for milder ribs.

Apple Butter BBQ Ribs

Apple Butter BBQ Ribs Recipe

Our Apple Butter BBQ Ribs are the perfect balance of sweet and savory, with a touch of smoky heat. These ribs are guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Whether you're hosting a backyard BBQ or looking for a special weekend treat, this recipe delivers big on flavor and satisfaction.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 5 Servings
Calories 465 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 racks of baby back ribs about 4-5 pounds total
  • 1 cup apple butter
  • ½ cup BBQ sauce
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to taste
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).
  • Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. This tough layer can prevent flavors from penetrating and make the ribs chewy.
  • In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to create your dry rub.
  • Generously apply the dry rub to both sides of the ribs, massaging it into the meat.
  • Wrap the ribs tightly in aluminum foil and place them on a baking sheet.
  • Bake the ribs for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the meat is tender and starting to pull away from the bones.
  • While the ribs are cooking, prepare the Apple Butter BBQ sauce. In a saucepan, combine the apple butter, BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce.
  • Simmer the sauce over medium-low heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
  • Once the ribs are tender, remove them from the oven and increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C).
  • Carefully open the foil packets (watch out for steam!) and brush the ribs generously with the Apple Butter BBQ sauce.
  • Return the ribs to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce is caramelized and slightly charred in spots.
  • Remove from the oven, let rest for 5-10 minutes, then cut into portions and serve with extra sauce on the side.
Keyword Apple Butter BBQ Ribs

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