Fall-off-the-Bone Baby Back Ribs in Oven

Introduction

There’s nothing quite like sinking your teeth into tender, succulent baby back ribs that fall effortlessly off the bone. By using your oven, you can achieve this melt-in-your-mouth texture every time—no smoker needed! These Fall-off-the-Bone Baby Back Ribs in Oven are perfect for family gatherings, holiday feasts, or any weeknight when you crave barbecue magic without the outdoor grill.

Why These Oven-Baked Ribs Are a Must-Try

What sets these ribs apart is the foolproof, low-and-slow method which locks in moisture and infuses the meat with bold, smoky flavors—right in your kitchen. With a savory rub and a sticky glaze, the ribs develop a perfect caramelized crust that rivals any restaurant’s offering. Plus, cleanup is a breeze, and there’s no need for babysitting the grill.

The Secret to Fall-off-the-Bone Texture

For truly tender ribs, the trick lies in slow-cooking at a gentle heat—sealing in juices and allowing the connective tissue to break down. A tightly wrapped foil packet acts as a mini-steam oven, keeping everything moist. After the slow roast, a quick blast under the broiler delivers that irresistible charred finish.

How to Prep and Bake the Perfect Baby Back Ribs

Start with a quality rack of baby back ribs and trim away the membrane for ultra-tender results. Coat the ribs in a generous dry rub to build flavor as they roast. Once wrapped in foil, the ribs go low and slow until gloriously tender. Finish with your favorite barbecue sauce and caramelize under the broiler.

Serving Suggestions for Oven-Baked Baby Back Ribs

These ribs are a show-stopper on their own, but try pairing them with classic sides: creamy coleslaw, roasted corn, or baked potatoes. Add pickles or a fresh green salad for balance, and serve with a side of extra barbecue sauce for dipping.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe serves around 4 people, with each portion (including a generous helping of sauce) averaging 450–500 calories, depending on the sauce and any side dishes. They’re a hearty, satisfying main course—best enjoyed as a special treat.

Fall-off-the-Bone Baby Back Ribs in Oven (Recap)

These oven-baked baby back ribs deliver deep barbecue flavor, a caramelized crust, and unbeatable tenderness—without fussing over a grill. They’re a crowd-pleaser sure to impress guests and satisfy any rib lover’s cravings.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and meal planning.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a large baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.
2. Remove the thin membrane from the back of the rib rack (slide a knife under the membrane, grip with a paper towel, and peel off).
3. Mix salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, and chili powder in a small bowl.
4. Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the ribs. For extra tenderness, drizzle ribs with apple cider vinegar before seasoning.
5. Wrap the ribs tightly in aluminum foil. Place—a meat side up—on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 2.5–3 hours, or until the ribs are tender and nearly falling off the bone.
7. Carefully open the foil (watch out for hot steam) and drain any excess juices. Brush the ribs generously with barbecue sauce.
8. Switch oven to broil. Place ribs under broiler for 3–5 minutes, watching closely, until the sauce is bubbling and caramelized.
9. Let the ribs rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving with additional sauce.

Weekly Meal Planning

This rib recipe is a perfect addition to your weekly meal planning, offering versatility for both weeknights and special events. Save and schedule this recipe for any day of the week and instantly generate a consolidated shopping list for all your planned meals.

**Planning Benefits:**
– Automatically adds up ingredient quantities across all recipes
– Groups shopping list items by grocery store department
– Prevents duplicate purchases and forgotten staples
– Streamlines your meal prep for the entire week

Pro tip: Planning multiple meals? Schedule your recipes in CookifyAI and see overlapping ingredients—helping you buy just the right amount and minimize food waste.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2.5–3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes (including broiling and resting time)