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.
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.