Baby Back Ribs in the Oven
These Oven Baked Baby Back Ribs require minimal effort but deliver maximum taste and tenderness. These fall-off-the-bone ribs are a crowd pleaser for any occasion.
This Baby Back Ribs in Oven recipe couldn’t be easier!
When it comes to the most amount of deliciousness for the least amount of effort, oven baked baby back ribs take the grand prize, in my opinion.
You only need three ingredients – the ribs, seasoning rub (either homemade or store bought) and some barbecue sauce (I always use store bought).
After a quick five minutes of prep work, your oven will literally do all of the work for you.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout or just craving some succulent ribs, this recipe will become a go-to for you!
Why you will love these Oven Baby Back Ribs
- You only need one pan. No transferring to the grill, and we’re not making homemade sauce. One rimmed sheet pan is the only dish you’ll have to do.
- No flipping. Put the ribs in the oven and forget about them for 2 hours!
- Recipe can easily be scaled up or down to make more or less servings.
What are Baby Back Ribs?
Baby back ribs are small, succulent ribs that come from the upper part of a pig’s ribcage.
They’re known for their rich flavor and tender meat, making them a popular choice for barbecue lovers.
Baked Baby Back Ribs ingredients
- baby back ribs – the star of the show, and once they’re cooked, the meat will be fall-off-the-bone tender.
- dry rub for ribs – use my homemade dry rub for ribs recipe or a comparable store-bought barbecue seasoning rub. This gives the meat big flavor and helps create a nice crust.
- barbecue sauce – prepared, store-bought barbecue sauce is easiest, and there are some great varieties available these days. The sauce will finish the baby back ribs in oven with a tangy and sweet glaze.
Baby Back Ribs Oven Recipe substitutions and additions
- rub – switch up the dry rub by experimenting with different spice blends for baby back ribs in the oven. Add more cayenne to make it spicy, or add Chinese five spice powder for an Asian-inspired rub.
- sauce – you can experiment with all kinds of homemade or store bought barbecue sauces with this recipe. Try the root beer barbecue sauce from my root beer ribs, or even something like a Korean bbq sauce.
How to Cook Baby Back Ribs in the Oven
1. REMOVE SILVER SKIN. If necessary, remove the silver skin membrane from the bone side of the rib racks. Place the ribs in a single layer on a rimmed baking pan. If you need to, cut the rib racks into halves or thirds to fit onto the pan easier.
2. RUB. Rub the ribs all over with the dry rub, then let them stand at room temperature 15 minutes.
3. BAKE. Add 1/2 cup water to the bottom of the pan, then cover tightly with foil. Transfer to the middle rack of a preheated oven and cook 2 hours or until the meat is nearly falling off the bone.
4. BROIL. Brush the ribs with barbecue sauce. If desired, char the ribs a little bit under the broiler, then cut and serve.
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How long to cook Baby Back Ribs in the Oven
I’ve found that 2 hours at 350 degrees F is the perfect cooking time and temperature for baby back ribs. Some cooks will go lower and slower, but this works for me every time.
Baby Back Ribs Internal Temp when done
About 190 to 200 degrees F is what you’re looking for fall-off-the-bone tender rib meat.
Home Chef Tips for Baby Back Ribs in the Oven
- If you’ve never removed silver skin from a rack of ribs before, watch this video first. Despite the guy in the video trying to scare you, I promise you that it’s super easy. You should be able to accomplish it with a sharp paring knife and your fingers.
- While the recipe below uses the oven start to finish, you can char the ribs on a grill in Step 5 instead of under the broiler, if you want! I do this for my Crockpot Ribs Recipe.
How to serve Oven Baked Baby Back Ribs
Serve the ribs hot with the sides for ribs that you like best. Some of my very favorites are:
- Elote Corn Salad
- Dr. Pepper Baked Beans
- Pickle Pasta
- Bacon Potato Salad
- Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint
How to store Baked Baby Back Ribs
If you have any leftover oven baby back ribs, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or on a grill until warmed through.
Baby Back Ribs in Oven FAQs
It’s essential to bake the ribs covered with foil to keep them moist and tender!
If you can get a rack right into the middle of your oven, that’d be perfect for this baby back ribs oven recipe. It will allow even heat distribution, resulting in perfectly cooked ribs.
No, that’s not necessary at all when making oven baked baby back ribs.
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Oven Baby Back Ribs
Ingredients
- 2 racks baby back ribs
- ½ cup Dry Rub for Ribs
- 1 cup prepared barbecue sauce
Instructions
- Remove silver skin membrane from bone side of rib racks. Place ribs in single layer on rimmed baking pan. If necessary, cut rib racks into halves or thirds to fit onto pan easier.
- Rub ribs all over with dry rub. Let stand at room temperature 15 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Add 1/2 cup water to bottom of pan with ribs; cover tightly with foil. Transfer to middle rack of oven and cook 2 hours or until meat is nearly falling off the bone.
- Brush ribs with barbecue sauce. If desired, char ribs a little bit under the broiler: preheat broiler to HIGH. Place ribs under broiler and broil 2 to 3 minutes or until lightly charred, watching carefully. Cut ribs and serve immediately.
Notes
- If you’ve never removed silver skin from a rack of ribs before, watch this video first. Despite the guy in the video trying to scare you, I promise you that it’s super easy.
- While the recipe below uses the oven start to finish, you can char the ribs on a grill in Step 5 instead of under the broiler, if you want! I do this for my Crockpot Ribs Recipe.
