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Apple Butter BBQ Ribs Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4 from 53 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours
  • Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 5-6 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These Apple Butter BBQ Ribs are tender, flavorful, and coated with a tangy, sweet, and smoky apple butter barbecue sauce. Slow-baked to perfection and finished with a caramelized sauce glaze, they make for an irresistible main dish perfect for gatherings or a comforting weekend meal.

Ingredients

Ribs and Dry Rub

  • 2 racks of baby back ribs (about 4-5 pounds total)
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Apple Butter BBQ Sauce

  • 1 cup apple butter
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C) to ensure a low and slow cooking process for tender ribs.
  2. Prepare Ribs: Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs to prevent toughness and allow better flavor absorption.
  3. Make Dry Rub: In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful dry spice rub.
  4. Apply Dry Rub: Generously coat both sides of the ribs with the dry rub, massaging it into the meat to embed the spices.
  5. Wrap Ribs: Wrap the seasoned ribs tightly in aluminum foil and place them on a baking sheet, sealing in juices and moisture.
  6. Bake Ribs: Bake the ribs in the preheated oven for 2.5 to 3 hours until the meat is tender and begins to pull away from the bones.
  7. Prepare Apple Butter BBQ Sauce: While ribs bake, combine apple butter, BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce in a saucepan.
  8. Simmer Sauce: Simmer the sauce over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes until it thickens slightly and flavors meld.
  9. Increase Oven Temperature: When ribs are tender, remove from oven and raise temperature to 400°F (200°C) for caramelizing the sauce.
  10. Brush Ribs with Sauce: Carefully open foil packets, watch for steam, then brush the ribs generously with the apple butter BBQ sauce.
  11. Caramelize Sauce: Return ribs uncovered to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes until sauce is caramelized and slightly charred in spots.
  12. Rest and Serve: Remove ribs from oven, let them rest 5-10 minutes, then cut into portions and serve with extra sauce on the side.

Notes

  • Removing the membrane from ribs is key for tender texture and better flavor penetration.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper amount based on desired spiciness level.
  • Wrapping ribs in foil during baking helps retain moisture and ensures tenderness.
  • Simmering the apple butter BBQ sauce thickens it for perfect glazing and caramelization.
  • Letting ribs rest after cooking allows juices to redistribute for juicier bites.
  • Extra sauce is great for dipping or brushing on additional servings.

Find it online: https://slsrecipes.com/apple-butter-bbq-ribs-recipe/