Description
Tender and flavorful baby back ribs slow-cooked in a sweet and tangy Dr Pepper and barbecue sauce mixture, finished with a quick broil for a caramelized glaze. This easy Crockpot Dr Pepper Ribs recipe delivers fall-off-the-bone ribs perfect for a cozy meal.
Ingredients
Ribs and Seasoning
- 4 lbs baby back ribs
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp black pepper
Liquids and Sauce
- 2 Tbsp liquid smoke
- 2 Cups barbecue sauce
- 1.5 Cups Dr Pepper soda
Instructions
- Remove the membrane: Use a knife to loosen the membrane on the back of the ribs, gripping one end and gently pulling it off completely to ensure tender ribs.
- Prepare ribs for cooking: Cut the ribs into 3 pieces to fit them into the crockpot evenly.
- Layer ingredients: Place the rib pieces in the slow cooker and pour liquid smoke, barbecue sauce, Dr Pepper, minced garlic, and pepper evenly over the ribs.
- Slow cook: Cover and cook on the low setting for 8 to 9 hours until the ribs are very tender.
- Broil for finishing: Preheat your broiler and place the cooked ribs on a foil-lined baking sheet. Broil for 3 to 5 minutes until the ribs develop a slight caramelized, browned crust.
- Serve: Serve the ribs warm with extra barbecue sauce on the side and enjoy the perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors.
Notes
- Removing the membrane helps the seasonings penetrate better and improves tenderness.
- Cutting ribs into smaller sections ensures even cooking and easier handling.
- You can adjust the broiling time based on how caramelized you prefer the ribs.
- If you don’t have Dr Pepper, a cola or root beer can be a substitute but will slightly change the flavor.
- Use a foil-lined baking sheet for easy cleanup after broiling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
