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4 from 1 vote

Oven-Roasted Baby Back Ribs

This oven-baked baby back ribs recipe is made with a smoky dry rub, baked low and slow until tender, then finished with barbecue sauce under the broiler.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time2 hours 40 minutes
Total Time3 hours
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

Ribs

  • 2 racks baby back ribs (about 4–5 pounds total)
  • ¼ cup Dijon mustard

Dry Rub

  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoons fine sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

For Finishing

  • 1 to 1½ cups barbecue sauce

Instructions

  • Prep the ribs. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a large baking sheet with heavy-duty aluminum foil. Flip the ribs bone-side up. If the thin membrane (silver skin) is still attached, slide a butter knife under it to loosen, then grab it with a paper towel and pull it off. This helps the ribs turn extra tender.
  • Season. Pat the ribs dry with paper towels. Brush both sides lightly with Dijon mustard (this won’t make them taste mustardy — it just helps the rub adhere and adds depth). In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, sea salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne (if using). Sprinkle the dry rub evenly over both sides of the ribs, pressing it in gently so it sticks.
  • Bake low and slow. Place the ribs meat-side up on the prepared baking sheet. Tightly cover with another sheet of foil, sealing the edges well. Bake for 2½ to 3 hours, until the ribs are very tender and the meat pulls back from the bones. (You should be able to insert a knife easily between the bones.)
  • Sauce and broil. Remove the ribs from the oven and carefully discard the top layer of foil. Increase the oven temperature to broil (high). Brush the tops generously with barbecue sauce. Place the ribs under the broiler for 3–5 minutes, watching closely, until the sauce is bubbling and caramelized with some charred edges. If you'd like them extra saucy, brush with another layer of sauce and broil for 1–2 more minutes.
  • Rest and serve. Let the ribs rest for 5–10 minutes, then slice between the bones and serve warm with extra barbecue sauce on the side.