Dr Pepper Slow Cooker Ribs with BBQ Sauce Recipe
Introduction
Dr Pepper Ribs are a flavorful twist on classic BBQ ribs, combining the sweetness and depth of Dr Pepper soda with smoky spices and tangy sauce. Slow-cooked until tender and finished in the oven with a rich glaze, these ribs are perfect for any casual gathering or family dinner.
Ingredients
- 4.5 pounds country style pork ribs
- 2 (12 ounce) cans Dr. Pepper soda, divided
- 3/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 teaspoons liquid smoke
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Place the pork ribs in the slow cooker and pour 1 can of Dr. Pepper over them.
- Step 2: Cover and cook on low for about 7 hours or on high for about 4 hours, until the ribs are tender.
- Step 3: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with foil.
- Step 4: Place a wire rack on the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 5: In a bowl, stir together the BBQ sauce, liquid smoke, garlic powder, black pepper, and 1/2 cup of the remaining Dr. Pepper.
- Step 6: Transfer the cooked ribs from the slow cooker onto the wire rack.
- Step 7: Brush the ribs generously with the prepared sauce and bake in the oven for 15 minutes.
- Step 8: Flip the ribs, brush with more sauce, and bake for another 15 minutes to achieve a caramelized finish.
- Step 9: Serve the ribs hot with any remaining sauce on the side for dipping.
Tips & Variations
- For extra smoky flavor, add a few drops of liquid smoke to the slow cooker before cooking.
- Use a mix of your favorite BBQ sauces to customize the glaze to your taste.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, sprinkle some cayenne pepper into the sauce mixture.
- Cooking ribs overnight on low can make them even more tender and flavorful.
Storage
Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) covered with foil to keep them moist, or microwave for shorter times. The sauce can also be stored separately and warmed before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of ribs for this recipe?
Yes, baby back ribs or spare ribs can be used, but cooking times may vary. Country style ribs work well due to their meatiness and tenderness when slow cooked.
Do I have to use Dr. Pepper soda?
Dr. Pepper adds a unique sweetness and complexity, but you can substitute with other dark sodas like cola or root beer if needed. The flavor profile will be slightly different but still delicious.
PrintDr Pepper Slow Cooker Ribs with BBQ Sauce Recipe
Succulent country style pork ribs slow-cooked in Dr. Pepper soda for tender, flavorful meat, then finished in the oven with a smoky, tangy BBQ glaze for a perfectly caramelized crust.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 7 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Ribs
- 4.5 pounds country style pork ribs
- 1 (12 ounce) can Dr. Pepper soda (for cooking)
- 1 (12 ounce) can Dr. Pepper soda (for sauce)
Sauce
- 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 pork ribs in the slow cooker and pour one 12-ounce can of Dr. Pepper soda over them. Cover and cook on low for about 7 hours or on high for about 4 hours until the ribs are tender.
- Preheat Oven: While ribs are finishing in the slow cooker, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top to allow even cooking and air circulation.
- Prepare the BBQ Sauce: In a bowl, combine 3/4 cup BBQ sauce, 2 teaspoons liquid smoke, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, and 1/2 cup Dr. Pepper soda. Stir until well blended to create a flavorful glaze.
- Arrange Ribs for Baking: Carefully transfer the cooked ribs from the slow cooker to the wire rack on the prepared baking sheet.
- Apply Sauce and Bake (First Side): Generously brush the ribs with the prepared BBQ sauce mixture. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the ribs for 15 minutes to allow the sauce to caramelize.
- Flip and Sauce the Other Side: After 15 minutes, flip the ribs over to the other side. Brush again with the BBQ glaze and bake for an additional 15 minutes to finish caramelizing the sauce and developing a nice crust.
- Serve: Remove ribs from the oven and serve hot with the remaining BBQ sauce on the side for extra dipping and flavor.
Notes
- Using Dr. Pepper soda in cooking adds a unique sweet and spicy flavor that tenderizes the meat.
- For an even smokier taste, you can add more liquid smoke to the sauce if desired.
- Country style ribs are great for slow cooking as they become very tender and juicy.
- Using a wire rack when baking ensures ribs cook evenly and sauce caramelizes nicely.
- Leftover ribs can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven.
Keywords: Dr Pepper ribs, slow cooker ribs, BBQ ribs, country style pork ribs, smoky ribs, sweet and savory ribs
