Baby Back Ribs in Oven Recipe
Easy Baked Ribs are succulent, fall-off-the-bone tender, and packed with smoky, savory flavor—all without a smoker or grill. Perfect for oven cooking year-round.
This foolproof method transforms baby back ribs into juicy, caramelized perfection with minimal prep. Ideal for family dinners, game days, or casual cookouts.
The Flavor Core of These Easy Baked Ribs
Baby back ribs (2½ – 3 lbs) – The star of the show. These lean yet tender ribs are ideal for oven baking, delivering juicy meat with a natural sweetness.
BBQ sauce (½ cup or to taste) – Adds moisture, sweetness, and that sticky, caramelized crust once baked. Choose your favorite brand or homemade blend.
Salt (2 tsp) – Enhances every bite and balances the sweetness of the sauce.
Black pepper (1 tsp) – Adds subtle heat and rounds out the savory notes.
Garlic powder (1 tsp) – Deepens the umami flavor profile, giving the ribs a rich, mouthwatering base.
Onion powder (½ tsp) – Lends a savory depth and complements the garlic for a full-bodied spice blend.
Cumin (½ tsp) – Adds earthy warmth and a smoky edge without overwhelming the ribs.
Smoked paprika (½ tsp) – Boosts the smokiness, mimicking the flavor of traditional smoked ribs.
Cayenne pepper (¼ tsp, optional) – For those who like a spicy kick, this brings subtle heat that lingers.
How to Prepare Easy Baked Ribs in the Oven
This low-and-slow oven method guarantees juicy, flavorful ribs that practically fall off the bone. The spice rub infuses every bite, while a final brush of BBQ sauce creates a glossy, caramelized finish. For best results, allow time for the rub to penetrate the meat before baking.
Tips to Perfect Your Easy Baked Ribs Every Time
When baking ribs, time and temperature are everything. Low heat and a long cook time ensure tender meat. Always remove the silver skin for maximum flavor absorption, and don’t skip resting—it’s essential for juicy ribs. Adjust cooking time for racks larger than 3 lbs and rotate pans if cooking multiple racks. For sauce, use a favorite brand like Stubb’s or experiment with smoky or sweet varieties to suit your taste.
How to Store Leftover Easy Baked Ribs
Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, wrap ribs tightly in foil and freeze for up to two months. Reheat gently in a 300°F oven, covered with foil to retain moisture, until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use spare ribs instead of baby back ribs?
Yes, but adjust cooking time. Spare ribs are larger and fattier, so they may need an additional 30–60 minutes of baking.
Do I have to marinate the ribs overnight?
Not necessarily, but marinating for at least 2 hours improves flavor. Overnight marinating offers even deeper seasoning.
Can I make these ribs ahead of time?
Absolutely. Bake the ribs ahead and refrigerate. When ready to serve, brush with BBQ sauce and reheat at 300°F until warmed and caramelized.
Do I need to flip the ribs during baking?
No flipping is necessary. Keeping the ribs flat and covered ensures even cooking and tender results.
Easy Baked Ribs
Ingredients
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 slab baby back ribs 2-1/2 to 3 lbs total
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce adjusted to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
Instructions
- Line a half sheet pan with aluminum foil and set aside.
- Remove the silver skin from the underside of the rib rack if present, then trim any overly thick sections of fat, ensuring some remains for flavor.
- Combine all spice rub ingredients in a small bowl. Evenly distribute half over the top of the ribs and rub to coat. Flip the ribs and apply the remaining rub. Wrap the seasoned ribs in plastic wrap and place on the prepared sheet pan. Refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, or up to 24 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 250°F. Remove plastic wrap from the ribs and position them directly on the foil-lined pan. Cover tightly with another piece of foil and bake for 3 hours and 30 minutes.
- Remove the top foil layer with care and discard any accumulated liquid from the pan. Brush the ribs generously with BBQ sauce. Return to the oven for an additional 30 minutes, allowing the sauce to caramelize.
- Let the ribs rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
When preparing multiple racks, use separate baking sheets and rotate midway through cooking.
Stubb’s BBQ Sauce is recommended, though any preferred variety will work.
