Dr Pepper Ribs are sticky-sweet, smoky, and fall-off-the-bone good. Here’s a foolproof version with BIG flavor.
🥤🍖 Dr Pepper Ribs
Ingredients
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2 racks pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs)
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Salt & pepper
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2 tsp paprika
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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1 tsp chili powder (optional)
Dr Pepper Glaze
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1½ cups Dr Pepper (regular, not diet)
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½ cup BBQ sauce
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¼ cup brown sugar
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2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
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1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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1 tsp mustard (optional)
Instructions
1. Prep the ribs
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Remove membrane from the back of ribs.
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Rub with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder.
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Let sit 30 minutes (or overnight if you’re feeling fancy).
2. Bake low & slow
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Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
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Place ribs on a foil-lined baking sheet, meat side up.
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Cover tightly with foil.
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Bake 2½–3 hours until tender.
3. Make the Dr Pepper glaze
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In a saucepan, combine Dr Pepper, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire, and mustard.
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Simmer uncovered 20–30 minutes until thick and syrupy.
4. Glaze & finish
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Uncover ribs and brush generously with glaze.
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Increase oven to 400°F (205°C).
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Bake uncovered 15–20 minutes, brushing once more, until sticky and caramelized.
Optional Grill Finish 🔥
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After baking, throw ribs on a hot grill 3–5 minutes per side for charred edges.
Pro Tips
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Don’t rush the glaze—reduction = flavor
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Baby backs cook a little faster than spare ribs
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Serve with extra glaze on the side (people WILL ask)
Perfect Sides
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Coleslaw
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Cornbread
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Baked beans
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Mac & cheese
These ribs are sweet, savory, slightly tangy, and straight-up addictive 🤤
Want a slow-cooker or smoker version next?