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!

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. If it’s present (some stores will have already removed it for you), remove the silver skin membrane from the bone side of the rib racks. You should be able to accomplish this with a sharp paring knife and your fingers.
2. Place the ribs in a single layer on a a rimmed baking pan. You can cut the racks into two or three pieces each if that makes it easier for them to fit!
3. Rub the ribs all over with the dry rub, and then let them stand at room temperature while your oven preheats.
4. Add a bit of water to the bottom of the pan, and then cover the pan tightly with foil.
5. Transfer the pan to the oven and cook 2 hours or until the meat is nearly falling off the bone.
6. Brush the ribs with barbecue sauce, and then if you want to, lightly char them under the broiler so they get some crusty bits.
7. Cut and eat!

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.

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 Feta Salad

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