Easy CrockPot Dr. Pepper Baby Back Ribs
If you need an easy pork rib recipe, you’re going to love these CrockPot Dr. Pepper Baby Back Ribs.
Tender, fall-off-the-bone baby back ribs infused with the sweet and fizzy magic of Dr. Pepper. Yup, you heard me right – Dr. Pepper soda in your rib sauce.
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CrockPot Dr. Pepper Baby Back Ribs
Imagine ribs so tender they practically melt in your mouth, each bite bursting with go-back-for-seconds flavor.
But wait, it gets better.
You’ll be using your trusty CrockPot to effortlessly work its magic, which will save you a lot of work (and it’s something you can cook while you’re at work).
CrockPot Dr. Pepper Pork Baby Back Ribs Ingredients
Gluten Free Notes
All ingredients listed in this recipe are gluten-free.
Sweet Baby Rays is a gluten-free barbecue sauce, but keep in mind that manufacturers change ingredients and suppliers often, so always check labels.
Tools you’ll need for Dr.Pepper Ribs
To save on cleanup, we highly recommend using slow cooker liners.
How to Make CrockPot Pork Ribs
Prepping the Ribs:
- Lay out the baby back ribs and remove the membrane from the bone side (a butter knife helps with this slippery task).
- Season both sides generously with the rub you made.
- Chop the ribs into 3 or 4 pieces and add ribs to the bottom of a 6 quart or larger slow cooker.
Setting up the CrockPot
- Baste the ribs with half of the BBQ sauce.
- Open up a can of Dr. Pepper – take a sip for good luck – and pour 1 cup around the ribs in the CrockPot.
- Cook on low for 6 – 8 hours. Yeah, I know, the waiting can be tough, but trust me, it’s worth it. The meat will become so tender, it practically falls off the bone.
Finishing Touches (Carmelizing the Sauce)
- Place cooked ribs onto a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Mix together the remaining BBQ sauce and Dr. Pepper.
- Baste the ribs with the remaining sauce and place under a broiler for 3-5 minutes, until the sauce on the ribs thickens and becomes caramelized. Keep your eyes on it so it doesn’t burn!
How to Store Leftovers
I know, it’s hard to believe there might be any of those irresistible Crockpot Dr. Pepper Baby Back Ribs left.
But hey, sometimes life happens, and you gotta stash away the goodness for later. Here’s how to store the CrockPot Dr. Pepper pork ribs.
Refrigerate Leftover Ribs
Before you put the ribs in the fridge, let ’em cool down to room temperature.
Wrap ’em up tightly in some heavy-duty aluminum foil or an airtight container and pop them in the fridge.
The ribs will be good to go for about 3-4 days.
Freezing Cooked Ribs
Wrap the Dr. Pepper ribs in plastic wrap, then a layer of foil. Pop them into a resealable bag and label them with the date.
The pork ribs will keep for about 3 months.
Reheating Leftovers from the Fridge or Freezer
Now, when the cravings strike and you’re ready to dive back into rib heaven, it’s time to reheat those babies.
Ideal solution: Let them thaw in the fridge overnight if they’re frozen. When you’re ready to chow down, toss ’em on the grill or in the oven at medium heat (350 F), brushing on a little extra BBQ sauce.
If you’re short on time: Microwave them.
Dr.Pepper Ribs Side Dish Ideas
Now that we’ve got those mouthwatering slow cooker Dr. Pepper Baby Back Ribs done, let’s talk sides. Here are some tasty side dishes to serve with CrockPot ribs.
1. Classic Coleslaw: You can’t have a proper BBQ without a bowl of classic coleslaw. Crisp cabbage, shredded carrots, and that creamy dressing – it’s like a refreshing palate cleanser between bites of those flavorful ribs. You can also try our Spicy Coleslaw recipe.
2. Cheesy Cornbread: Give those taste buds a double whammy of comfort with a slab of cheesy cornbread. The subtle sweetness and gooey cheese perfectly complement the rich flavors of the ribs.
3. Loaded Baked Potatoes: Transform your spuds into something spectacular with loaded baked potatoes. Load ’em up with butter, sour cream, cheese, and chives for a hearty and satisfying sidekick. You can also try these Loaded Mashed Potatoes.
4. Tangy Baked Beans: Tangy, sweet, and oh-so-satisfying, baked beans are the rib’s best friend. Their saucy goodness adds a zesty kick that’ll have you coming back for seconds.
5. Grilled Corn on the Cob: When those ribs hit the grill, why not let some corn join the party? Slathered in butter and sprinkled with seasoning, it’s the perfect way to add a touch of smoky sweetness. You can also try these Pressure Cooker Corn on the Cob.
6. Mac ‘n’ Cheese: Oh, mac ‘n’ cheese, you glorious comfort food! Creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-indulgent, it’s the yin to your rib’s yang. A match made in BBQ heaven.
7. Fresh Garden Salad: Balance out all that rich and smoky goodness with a crisp and refreshing garden salad. Toss in your favorite veggies, drizzle on some vinaigrette.
8. Onion Rings: Why settle for ordinary when you can have onion rings? Crispy, golden, and with that unmistakable oniony kick, they’ll add a fun and crunchy dimension to your rib feast.
9. Roasted Veggies: For a healthy twist, throw some seasoned veggies on the grill alongside those ribs. Asparagus, bell peppers, and zucchini get all smoky and caramelized, making for a guilt-free indulgence.
10. Sweet Potato Fries: Switch things up with some sweet potato fries. Their natural sweetness and crispy texture make them the perfect partner in crime for your saucy ribs. You can also keep it simple with these Air Fryer Frozen French Fries.
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CrockPot Recipes
Crock Pot Dr. Pepper Baby Back Ribs
Ingredients
- 3 ½ – 4 lbs baby back pork ribs
- 1 ½ cups BBQ sauce used Baby Ray’s, divided
- 1 ½ cups Dr. Pepper soda divided
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt and pepper and set aside.
- Carefully remove the sinew (thin membrane layer) from the back of the pork ribs and discard.
- Rub the seasoning mix onto the front and back of your rack of ribs.
- Slice the ribs into 3 or 4 pieces and add ribs to the bottom of a 6 quart or larger slow cooker.
- Baste the ribs with half of the BBQ sauce and pour 1 cup of the Dr. Pepper around the ribs in the slow cooker.
- Cover and set the slow cooker to low for 6-8 hours, or until the pork ribs are fully cooked through and tender.
- Place cooked ribs onto a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Mix together the remaining BBQ sauce and Dr. pepper until well combined. Baste the ribs with the remaining sauce and place under a broiler for 3-5 minutes, until the sauce on the ribs thickens and becomes caramelized.
- Serve immediately, enjoy!
I will do this recipe with Boneless Beef Short Ribs!
We don’t eat pork.
I have an Electric Oven. What do I need to put it on to broil? Hi or Low?
for the beef short ribs.