Fall-Apart Tender Baked Country Style Ribs Recipe

Hearty country style ribs bring comfort straight to your dinner table with a mouthwatering slow-cooked technique.

Southern kitchens cherish these tender meat cuts for their incredible flavor and simplicity.

Robust marinades infuse each bite with rich, smoky goodness that makes everyone lean in closer.

Meaty ribs demand attention when they emerge from the oven, golden and glistening with delectable sauce.

Home cooks appreciate how little effort produces such magnificent results from this classic dish.

One bite transports you to a rustic farmhouse porch, where meals are shared with genuine warmth.

The secret lies in patience and understanding how low, steady heat transforms tough meat into something magical.

Grab a fork and get ready to savor every single succulent morsel.

How To Cook Baked Country Style Ribs With Ease

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to 300F (150C). Grab a large baking dish and create a foil liner for super easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prep Those Meaty Beauties

Grab paper towels and gently blot the ribs until completely dry. Massage a light layer of olive oil over every surface to help seasonings cling perfectly.

Step 3: Create Flavor Magic Seasoning

• Brown sugar
• Smoked paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Kosher salt
• Cracked black pepper
• Cayenne pepper

Step 4: Massage The Flavor Explosion

Sprinkle the spice blend generously over the ribs. Use your hands to work the seasoning deep into every crevice of the meat, ensuring total flavor coverage.

Step 5: Slow And Low Cooking

Place seasoned ribs into the foil-lined dish. Tightly cover with aluminum foil. Slide into the oven and let them cook for 2 hours until meat becomes meltingly tender.

Step 6: Craft Sticky Sauce

• Barbecue sauce
• Honey
• Apple cider vinegar
• Worcestershire sauce

Step 7: Glaze And Crisp

Remove ribs from oven and discard foil. Brush generously with sauce. Boost oven temperature to 400F (200C). Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes, recoating with sauce midway. For killer caramelization, broil 2-3 minutes watching carefully to prevent burning.

Step 8: Serve With Southern Charm

Let ribs rest briefly. Plate with extra sauce on the side. Watch everyone dive in with pure delight!

Tips For Juicy Baked Country Style Ribs

• Select the Right Cut: Choose well-marbled country-style ribs for maximum tenderness and flavor, ensuring juicy meat that falls apart easily when cooked.
• Control Moisture Perfectly: Cover ribs tightly with foil during initial baking to lock in moisture, preventing the meat from drying out and maintaining succulent texture.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust cayenne pepper amount in the dry rub to match your heat preference, from mild to spicy, without compromising the overall flavor profile.
• Master Caramelization Technique: Watch carefully during broiling stage to achieve beautiful golden-brown exterior without burning the barbecue sauce glaze.
• Boost Flavor with Resting: Allow ribs to rest 5-10 minutes after cooking, which helps redistribute juices and ensures each bite remains incredibly moist and delicious.

Storing Baked Country Style Ribs The Right Way

• Refrigerate leftover ribs in an airtight container within two hours of cooking.
• Properly stored ribs will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing in the container to prevent moisture loss.
• Reheat gently in the oven at 300F, covered with foil, to maintain tenderness and prevent drying out.
• For longer storage, freeze the ribs for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly before serving.
• Always check for any signs of spoilage before consuming stored meat.

Sides That Go Great With Baked Country Style Ribs

• Pair with Robust Red Wines: Complement the rich, smoky flavors of the country-style ribs with bold red wines like Zinfandel or Syrah. These wines match the meat's intense taste and stand up to the barbecue sauce's sweetness.
• Serve with Crisp Coleslaw: Balance the ribs' heavy, savory profile with a tangy, crunchy coleslaw. The fresh cabbage and creamy dressing provide a refreshing contrast to the tender, saucy meat.
• Match with Craft Beer Selection: Select a hoppy IPA or a smooth amber ale to cut through the ribs' richness. The beer's carbonation and bitter notes help cleanse the palate between delicious bites.
• Add Southern-Style Sides: Complete the meal with classic Southern accompaniments like baked beans, cornbread, or mac and cheese. These hearty sides enhance the comfort food experience and complement the ribs' robust flavors.

Try Flavor Swaps For Baked Country Style Ribs

• Smoky Spice Fusion: Replace smoked paprika with chipotle powder for an intensely smoky, spicy kick that transforms the classic rib flavor profile.
• Asian-Inspired Glaze: Swap barbecue sauce with a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, honey, and hoisin sauce to create an umami-rich coating that adds complex depth.
• Caribbean Rum Infusion: Incorporate dark rum into the sauce and mix with brown sugar, allspice, and thyme for a tropical-inspired marinading experience that brings Caribbean warmth to the dish.
• Mustard Southern Style: Blend whole grain mustard with brown sugar and apple cider vinegar to create a tangy, robust sauce that highlights traditional Southern cooking techniques.

FAQs For Baked Country Style Ribs

• What makes country style ribs different from traditional ribs?

Country style ribs are actually cut from the pork shoulder area, making them meatier and more tender compared to traditional bone-in ribs. They have more marbling and fat, which helps keep the meat juicy during slow cooking.

• Can I prepare the dry rub in advance?

Absolutely! You can mix the dry rub ingredients and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. This makes meal preparation faster and allows the spices to blend their flavors more deeply.

• How do I know when the ribs are perfectly cooked?

The ribs are done when they’re fork-tender and easily pull apart. At 300F, after about 2 hours of slow cooking, the meat should be so tender that it nearly falls apart when touched with a fork.

• Is this recipe suitable for people who don't like spicy food?

Yes! The cayenne pepper is optional, so you can skip it entirely or reduce the amount. The recipe’s flavor comes from a balanced blend of sweet (brown sugar) and savory (smoked paprika) seasonings that everyone can enjoy.

Why Baked Country Style Ribs Are Big On Flavor

• Effortless Flavor Explosion: This recipe delivers mouthwatering country-style ribs with minimal kitchen skills required, making it perfect for both novice and experienced home cooks who want maximum taste with minimal effort.
• Slow-Cook Comfort: The low and slow baking method transforms tough meat into incredibly tender, fall-apart ribs that melt in your mouth, creating a truly comforting meal that feels like a warm hug from grandma's kitchen.
• Customize Your Spice: The flexible dry rub allows you to adjust heat and flavor levels, letting you personalize the recipe to suit your family's taste preferences, from mild to wild with just a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.
• Minimal Cleanup Magic: By lining the baking dish with aluminum foil and using a simple one-pan technique, this recipe ensures an easy cleanup, saving precious time after enjoying a delicious meal with loved ones.

Everything You’ll Need For Baked Country Style Ribs

• Country Style Ribs: Tender, flavorful meat perfect for slow cooking and rich seasoning. Choose well-marbled, meaty cuts for best results. Pork ribs with good fat content will ensure juiciness.

• Brown Sugar, Smoked Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper: Spice blend that creates a complex, sweet and savory coating. Provides depth of flavor and helps create a delicious crust on the meat. Fresh, high-quality spices will enhance the overall taste.

• Olive Oil: Helps seasoning adhere to the meat and promotes even browning. Use extra virgin for best flavor.
• Barbecue Sauce, Honey, Apple Cider Vinegar, Worcestershire Sauce: Creates a sticky, tangy glaze that caramelizes during cooking. Balances sweet and acidic notes for a rich, complex flavor. Choose a robust barbecue sauce with good consistency.

• Aluminum Foil: Helps with easy cleanup and traps moisture during slow cooking. Ensures ribs remain tender and prevents burning.

Baked Country Style Ribs Recipe

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4.8 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
• Yield: 10 1x

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Description

Succulent country style ribs bring rustic Southern comfort straight to dinner tables with rich, tender meat that melts in your mouth. Garlic, herbs, and slow-roasting create a mouthwatering meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 3 lbs (1.36 kg) country-style pork ribs (bone-in or boneless)

Seasoning and Rub:

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional, for a bit of heat)

Cooking and Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

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Instructions

1. Prepare the culinary workspace by positioning an oven rack in the middle position and heating to 300F (150C). Line a deep baking tray with aluminum foil to simplify post-cooking cleanup and prevent stuck-on residue.
2. Meticulously dry the country-style ribs using clean kitchen towels, removing excess moisture. Gently massage a thin layer of olive oil across the entire surface to enhance seasoning adhesion and promote even browning.
3. Craft a robust dry rub by combining brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a mixing vessel. Ensure thorough blending of spices to create a harmonious flavor profile.
4. Liberally coat the ribs with the prepared spice mixture, pressing the seasoning into the meat’s surface. Rotate and massage to guarantee complete and uniform coverage, allowing the flavors to penetrate deeply.
5. Transfer the seasoned ribs to the foil-lined baking tray, arranging them in a single layer without overcrowding. Seal the tray completely with aluminum foil to lock in moisture and promote tender meat development.
6. Slow roast the ribs in the preheated oven for approximately 2 hours, allowing the connective tissues to break down and create a meltingly tender texture. The meat should begin to separate easily from the bone.
7. While the ribs are cooking, whisk together barbecue sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce in a separate bowl. This glaze will provide a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess.
8. After the initial cooking period, remove the foil and generously brush the ribs with the prepared sauce. Increase oven temperature to 400F (200C) to initiate caramelization and create a glossy exterior.
9. Continue baking uncovered for 15-20 minutes, reapplying sauce midway through cooking. For an enhanced finish, activate the broiler and carefully monitor the ribs, rotating as needed to achieve an even, slightly charred glaze.
10. Remove from the oven and allow the ribs to rest for 5-7 minutes, permitting the juices to redistribute. Serve with additional sauce on the side, inviting diners to customize their culinary experience.

Notes

• Enhance moisture by wrapping ribs in parchment paper before aluminum foil, preventing them from drying out during the slow cooking process.
• Customize the dry rub by adjusting spice levels or substituting ingredients like replacing cayenne with smoked chili powder for a milder heat.
• Select fatty country-style ribs for maximum tenderness, as the marbling helps keep the meat juicy during extended cooking time.
• Prepare ribs a day ahead and refrigerate after seasoning to allow flavors to deeply penetrate the meat, intensifying the overall taste profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours 15-20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 10
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg