These Dr Pepper Ribs are tender, flavorful, and perfect for any night of the week. Slow-cooked to perfection, the ribs soak up the rich, sweet, and slightly smoky flavor of Dr Pepper, then finish in the oven for a caramelized BBQ glaze. Everyone will be asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love These Ribs
- Tender & Juicy: Slow cooking ensures fall-off-the-bone ribs every time.
- Minimal Prep: Simple ingredients and easy steps make this a stress-free meal.
- Family-Friendly: Picky eaters will love these ribs, and they’re perfect for cookouts or weeknight dinners.
- Versatile: Works with pork or beef ribs, and pairs beautifully with potatoes, coleslaw, or grilled vegetables.
Ingredients
- 4.5 pounds country-style pork ribs
- 2 (12-ounce) cans Dr. Pepper, divided
- 3/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 teaspoons liquid smoke
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Slow Cook the Ribs
- Place the ribs in the slow cooker and pour 1 can of Dr Pepper over the top.
- Cover and cook on low for 7 hours or high for 4 hours, until tender.
- Prepare Oven & Rack
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
- Make the Glaze
- In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce, liquid smoke, garlic powder, black pepper, and the remaining 1/2 cup of Dr Pepper.
- Caramelize the Ribs
- Transfer ribs from the slow cooker to the wire rack.
- Brush generously with the BBQ glaze.
- Bake for 15 minutes, flip, brush the other side, and bake for another 15 minutes.
- Serve
- Serve hot with extra sauce for dipping and your favorite sides like creamy potato salad, coleslaw, or grilled vegetables.
Tips for Perfect Dr Pepper Ribs
- Grill Option: Finish ribs on a hot grill instead of the oven for a smoky char.
- Try Diet Soda: Substitute with diet Dr Pepper if desired.
- Beef Ribs: Great as a swap for pork; adjust cooking times slightly.
- Don’t Skip the Broiler: Adds a caramelized crust and enhances flavor.
- Experiment with BBQ Sauces: Sweet, smoky, or spicy sauces all work beautifully.
Storage & Freezing
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Cool completely, place in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) wrapped in foil, using extra sauce if desired.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 545 kcal
- Protein: 52 g
- Carbs: 18 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Sugar: 10 g
Pro Tip: Baby back ribs work best for even cooking, and using liquid smoke gives that signature grilled flavor even if you’re using the oven.