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Home » Main Dishes

Tender Baby Back Ribs 

Updated: Jun 4, 2025 · Published: Aug 14, 2024 by Misty Tannery · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

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If you’re craving fall-off-the-bone Tender Baby Back Ribs, you’re in for a treat! This easy oven-baked ribs recipe is a true Southern favorite—and for good reason. These tender, juicy ribs are packed with flavor thanks to a bold dry rub with just the right amount of kick. Best of all, they’re finished under the broiler for that irresistible caramelized crisp on top. Whether you're hosting a backyard cookout or planning a cozy weekend dinner, this foolproof method delivers mouthwatering ribs every single time. Impress your family and friends without the fuss of a grill—you’re going to love how simple and satisfying this recipe is!

Close-up of saucy baby back ribs with mac and cheese and green beans.
Tender ribs paired with rich mac and cheese and southern green beans.

These ribs can be served ALL YEAR LONG! Whether it's "just because", July 4th celebration or a "Texas" themed Christmas party, I know you will love them!

Need another main dish that is great all year and especially for gatherings? Try my Baked Ham, it is guaranteed to be a hit too!

Jump to:
  • Ingredients
  • Instructions
  • Foil Instructions
  • Equipment
  • Sides
  • Tips
  • Desserts to Try!

Ingredients

  • baby back ribs
  • brown sugar
  • chili powder
  • granulated garlic
  • paprika
  • smoked paprika
  • cajun seasoning
  • pepper
  • liquid smoke
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • fav bbq sauce

See exact quantities in recipe below!

Instructions

This recipe is so yummy and not hard at all! I have a video below if you like to see it in action.

Pull the silver skin from the ribs and trim of any major fat. Combine all the dry spices and rub this all over the ribs, coating it very well. Add to a foiled lined pan (see those instructions below). Roll up in foil tightly and bake! After a couple hours they will be falling off the bone and ready. Then add the liquid smoke, worcestershire and big sauce and broil. This will give them the classic slight crunch we love!

See this video for more instructions:

Foil Instructions

This is important! Using a sheet pan (Half or Full) lay down Heavy Duty foil in the bottom rolling the sides over the edges. Next lay down two more sheets. These sheets will be for each rack of ribs. You need it long enough to wrap around the rack and rolled down tightly. This way not only makes your clean up SO MUCH EASIER, but also locks in all that glorious flavor and makes those ribs fall apart.

Equipment

I suggest using Heavy Duty foil as it will not rip as easily. A solid sheet pan is important as well. These ribs can be heavy and you do not want anything flimsy. Other than that you will have everything ready to go in your kitchen!

Baby back ribs with classic sides on a white dinner plate.
A classic summer meal: tender, fall off the bone ribs and sides!

Sides

Let's be honest. The sides are just as important as the main dish! I suggest Southern, delicious, make you crave them sides. Here are some ideas for you!

  • A serving of creamy shells and cheese with tender ribs on a white plate.
    Quick Shells and Cheese 
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    Cheesy Orzo with Broccoli
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    Twice Baked Potatoes
  • Sheet pan filled with roasted herbed smashed potatoes, garnished with fresh herbs and ready to serve.
    Herbed Smashed Potatoes

Tips

After removing the silver skin be sure to pat dry the rack of ribs. This will help your dry rub to cling to your meat. Rub that dry rub ALL OVER your ribs. Use your hand and get into all the crevices. You will be so thankful later!

Desserts to Try!

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    Santa's Favorite Cookies
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    Halloween Oreo Bark
See more Desserts →

A half rack of baby back ribs with classic sides
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Tender Baby Back Ribs

Tender, oven-baked Baby Back Ribs with a bold dry rub and crisp broiled finish. Easy to make and full of flavor—perfect for any BBQ craving!
Prep Time15 minutes mins
Cook Time2 hours hrs 20 minutes mins
Total Time2 hours hrs 35 minutes mins
Course: Main Course
Keyword: baked ribs, bbq, best ribs, pork ribs, ribs, tender ribs
Servings: 4 -6
Author: Misty Tannery - www.learneditfrommymom.com

Ingredients

  • 2 racks baby back pork ribs
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 ½ Tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 ½ Tablespoon granulated garlic
  • ¾ Tablespoon Paprika
  • ¾ Tablespoon smoked Paprika
  • ½ Tablespoon Cajun Seasoning
  • 2 teaspoons pepper
  • 4 teaspoon Liquid smoke
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire
  • Bbq Sauce

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400℉. Using a sheet pan, place a layer of heavy duty folio the bottom and over the edges. Next measure out 2 more sheets of foil, one for each rack that can wrap and roll down tightly over the entire rack.
  • Pat ribs dry and remove silver skin.
    Mix dry ingredients together in a bowl.
    Lay each rack in its own layer of heavy duty foil.
    Rub dry rub all over each rack evenly.
    Roll foil down tightly and place on foil lined baking sheets to catch any spills. Bake at 400℉ for 20 minutes. Lower temperature to 350 and bake for another 1½ to 2 hours. (Check at 1½ hours to see the meat pulls away from the bone easily. If not cook additional 30 minutes.)
    Turn oven from bake to broil.
    Remove from foil or roll foil down on sides. Add a couple teaspoons of liquid smoke to each rack along with several shakes of Worcestershire sauce. Layer on some bbq sauce.
    Place back in oven under broiler and broil until desired crispiness. 4-8 minutes usually.

Notes

Be sure and visit my website for a video tutorial! 
www.learneditfrommymom.com

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    Quick and Easy Beef and Broccoli

Comments

  1. Madelyn Tannery says

    July 10, 2025 at 12:23 pm

    5 stars
    These are the best ribs!! The only rib recipe I’ll ever make now

    Reply
    • Misty Tannery says

      July 10, 2025 at 4:58 pm

      The fact that this recipe is so easy makes it a keeper! I am so glad you like it so much! Thank you!

      Reply

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Misty Tannery-Learned it from My Mom Profile

Thank you for being here! I’m a home cook and food blogger sharing easy, delicious recipes made with love—just like my mom taught me! From quick weeknight dinners to sweet Southern desserts, I post new recipes daily to keep your kitchen inspired. Follow for family favorites, holiday treats, and everyday meals you’ll actually want to make!

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