There’s nothing quite like the smell of Southern Roadhouse Ribs wafting through the air, tantalizing your senses and making your mouth water. The sweet and smoky aroma dances around you, inviting you to dive into a plate of these tender, fall-off-the-bone beauties that promise an explosion of flavors with every bite.
I remember the first time I tried making these ribs. It was a sunny Saturday afternoon, and my friends had gathered for what I hoped would be an unforgettable barbecue. Spoiler alert: it was! The laughter and good vibes flowed as freely as the BBQ sauce, and those ribs? They stole the show. For more inspiration, check out this sticky honey chicken recipe recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Southern Roadhouse Ribs are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings
- Their rich smoky flavor profile will have everyone begging for seconds
- The vibrant glaze makes them visually stunning on any dining table
- They are versatile enough to serve with a variety of sides or just on their own for a finger-licking feast
When I whipped up these ribs last summer, my family couldn’t stop raving about them. Even my picky cousin went back for thirds!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Pork Ribs: Look for baby back ribs for extra tenderness; they cook faster and have more meat.
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Your Favorite BBQ Sauce: Use a tangy, sweet sauce that complements the smoky flavor; homemade or store-bought works great.
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Brown Sugar: A key ingredient for that caramelized crust; it adds sweetness that balances the savory flavors beautifully.
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Garlic Powder: This adds depth to your rub; opt for fresh garlic if you want an extra kick.
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Smoked Paprika: It gives a rich smokiness without needing a smoker; choose high-quality for the best results.
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Cayenne Pepper: For those who love heat, this will give your ribs a pleasant kick; adjust to taste. cozy stuffed pepper soup.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors together; don’t skimp on these!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare yourself for a culinary adventure that takes you step-by-step through rib heaven.
Prep Your Space: Start by clearing your kitchen counter and gathering all your ingredients. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) so it’s ready when you are.
Prepare the Ribs: Pat the pork ribs dry with paper towels to ensure they sear nicely later. Remove any tough membrane from the back of the ribs if still attached.
Make Your Rub: In a bowl, combine brown sugar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. delicious taco bowl Mix until well blended; this will be your magic dust!
Season Generously!: Rub the spice mixture all over each side of the ribs, pressing down firmly so it sticks well; this is where all that flavor comes from!
Bake Those Bad Boys!: Place your seasoned ribs on a baking sheet lined with foil (for easier cleanup) and cover tightly with more foil. Bake in preheated oven for about 2.5 hours until they’re tender.
Add Some Sauce!: Remove from oven and uncover carefully (watch out for steam!). Brush a generous layer of BBQ sauce over both sides of the ribs before returning them to bake uncovered for another 30 minutes. This caramelizes the sauce beautifully.
Now you’re just minutes away from indulging in some seriously delicious Southern Roadhouse Ribs! Serve them hot off the grill or oven alongside classic sides like coleslaw or cornbread for an unforgettable meal that’s sure to impress everyone at your table!
You Must Know
- Southern Roadhouse Ribs are not just about flavor; they evoke a smoky aroma that draws everyone to the dinner table
- The tender meat falls off the bone, making each bite a delicious experience
- Perfect for gatherings, they bring people together and create lasting memories
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by seasoning your ribs generously and let them marinate overnight for deeper flavor. Then, cook them low and slow in a smoker or oven at 225°F for about 4-5 hours.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out seasonings based on your taste preferences. Adding some honey or maple syrup can enhance sweetness, while mustard can add a tangy twist. For more inspiration, check out this hot honey peach wings recipe.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F to preserve their tenderness and flavor.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve perfectly tender ribs, consider wrapping them in foil during the last hour of cooking
- For those seeking extra flavor, try glazing with barbecue sauce 30 minutes before finishing
- Don’t rush the cooking process; low and slow is key!
Sometimes I still remember that time my friends couldn’t stop raving about my Southern Roadhouse Ribs at a backyard BBQ. stuffed flank steak recipe They thought I had some secret family recipe up my sleeve!

FAQ
How do I know when my Southern Roadhouse Ribs are done?
Look for an internal temperature of 190°F to 203°F for perfect tenderness.
Can I use other meats besides ribs?
Yes, this recipe works well with pork shoulder or chicken for different flavors. savory chicken linguine.
What type of wood should I use for smoking?
Hickory or mesquite wood chips provide a great smoky flavor to your ribs.
Southern Roadhouse Ribs
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- Author: Hellen
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Enjoy the mouthwatering delight of Southern Roadhouse Ribs, featuring tender meat that falls off the bone and a rich, smoky flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds. Perfect for barbecues or family dinners, these ribs are slathered in BBQ sauce and baked to perfection for a truly unforgettable meal.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs baby back pork ribs
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Pat the pork ribs dry and remove any tough membrane from the back.
- In a bowl, mix brown sugar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Rub the spice mixture generously over both sides of the ribs.
- Place the ribs on a foil-lined baking sheet and cover tightly with foil. Bake for about 2.5 hours until tender.
- Remove from oven, brush BBQ sauce on both sides, and bake uncovered for an additional 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 rib (about 170g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 95mg





