If you love barbecue with a sweet and tangy twist, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Dr Pepper Glazed Baby Back Ribs Recipe. Imagine tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs bathed in a uniquely rich glaze made from the unmistakable flavors of Dr Pepper soda combined with a perfect blend of spices and savory sauces. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into an indulgent feast that brings smiles to any table, making it an absolute must-try for both casual grillers and seasoned pitmasters alike.

Dr Pepper Glazed Baby Back Ribs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Nothing fancy or intimidating here — just a handful of versatile ingredients that each play a vital role in creating that luscious balance of sweet, smoky, and tangy we crave in barbecue ribs. Every component, from the Dr Pepper to the spices, is carefully chosen to enhance depth and deliver incredible flavor and texture.

2 racks of baby back ribs: The star of the show, tender and perfect for glazing.
1 can (12 oz) Dr Pepper soda: Adds a sweet, fruity complexity that caramelizes beautifully.
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed: Provides molasses notes and sweetness to complement the soda.
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar: Brings acidity to balance richness and brighten the glaze.
1/4 cup ketchup: Adds tomato tang and thickens the glaze for perfect coating.
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Introduces umami and savory depth.
2 tbsp soy sauce: Enhances saltiness and complexity.
1 tbsp Dijon mustard: A touch of sharpness to cut through sweetness.
1 tsp garlic powder: Offers mellow, aromatic flavor.
1 tsp onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and depth.
1/2 tsp smoked paprika: Imparts smoky warmth without actual smoke.
1/4 tsp ground black pepper: Gives gentle heat and balance.
1/4 tsp salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all flavors.
1/2 cup BBQ sauce (for glazing): Seals in moisture and shines with glossy finish.

How to Make Dr Pepper Glazed Baby Back Ribs Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Cooking Space

Start by preheating your grill or oven to 300°F (150°C). If you’re grilling, set up for indirect heat — this ensures the ribs cook evenly and stay tender, avoiding flare-ups that can char the glaze.

Step 2: Remove the Silver Skin

This is a crucial step for melt-in-your-mouth ribs. Slide a knife under the thin membrane on the back of the ribs, then gently pull it off. Removing this tough layer allows the flavors of the Glaze to penetrate beautifully.

Step 3: Make the Dr Pepper Glaze

In a medium saucepan, combine Dr Pepper, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir and bring this mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

Step 4: Simmer Until Thickened

Let your glaze bubble softly for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll notice the sauce thickening to a luscious, syrupy consistency perfect for coating the ribs with sticky sweet layers of flavor.

Step 5: Season the Ribs

While the glaze simmers, season your ribs with a simple dry rub, salt, and pepper, or your favorite spice blend. This step builds the foundational flavor that works perfectly with the glaze.

Step 6: Cook the Ribs Low and Slow

If grilling, place ribs bone-side down on the cooler side of the grill. Cover and let them cook gently for 2 to 3 hours until delectably tender. For oven cooking, arrange ribs on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and bake for 2 to 2.5 hours. Patience here rewards you with that coveted tender texture.

Step 7: Glaze and Caramelize

During the final 15 minutes of cooking, brush the ribs generously with your homemade Dr Pepper glaze and continue cooking until the sugary glaze turns a gorgeous caramelized finish, adding irresistible sticky sweetness.

Step 8: Rest, Slice, and Serve

After removing your ribs from the heat, allow them to rest for 5 minutes. This helps juices redistribute, keeping the meat juicy. Then slice between the bones and serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side for even more flavor magic.

How to Serve Dr Pepper Glazed Baby Back Ribs Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions adds a burst of color and a fresh note that contrasts beautifully with the rich glaze. For a bit of heat, toss on some sliced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper.

Side Dishes

Classic sides like creamy coleslaw, baked beans, or buttery cornbread make an ideal pairing, absorbing and complementing the sweet and smoky richness of the ribs. For a lighter touch, a crisp green salad with vinaigrette works beautifully too.

Creative Ways to Present

Make the meal feel festive by serving ribs family-style on a wooden board, surrounded by little bowls of pickles, sliced radishes, and extra glaze. For a casual touch, wrap ribs in butcher paper and let guests dig in for a fun, hands-on experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay moist and flavorful for up to 3 days, making a fantastic ready-to-reheat meal that tastes just as good.

Freezing

If you want to save leftovers long term, freeze the ribs in a well-sealed freezer bag or container. For best quality, consume within 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve their tender texture.

Reheating

Reheat ribs gently in a low oven (around 275°F or 135°C) covered with foil to keep them moist. You can also microwave on medium setting wrapped in a damp paper towel, but avoid overheating to keep that tender juiciness intact.

FAQs

Can I use a different soda besides Dr Pepper in this recipe?

While Dr Pepper adds a unique blend of spices and sweetness, you can substitute with other sodas like cola or root beer. Each will give the glaze a slightly different but still delicious flavor profile.

Is it better to cook baby back ribs in the oven or on the grill?

Both methods work wonderfully. The oven gives you predictable, controlled heat ideal for indoor cooking, while grilling adds a smoky nuance. Choose based on your equipment and preferred flavor.

Can I make the Dr Pepper glaze ahead of time?

Absolutely! The glaze can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just warm it slightly before brushing on the ribs during cooking for the best consistency.

Do I need to remove the silver skin from the ribs?

Yes, removing the silver skin is important because it’s a tough membrane that can prevent seasonings and glaze from penetrating and can make ribs chewy if left on.

How do I know when the ribs are done and fully cooked?

The ribs are ready when the meat is tender and pulls away easily from the bone. Cooking low and slow ensures that the connective tissues break down, making the ribs juicy and tender.

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve got the inside scoop on this irresistible Dr Pepper Glazed Baby Back Ribs Recipe, it’s time to fire up your grill or oven and treat yourself and your loved ones to a meal that’s both comforting and exciting. This recipe turns humble ribs into a show-stopping dish full of bold, complex flavors. Dive in and make some memories around the table — your taste buds will thank you!

Dr Pepper Glazed Baby Back Ribs Recipe

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3.9 from 33 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

These Dr Pepper Ribs are a tender, flavorful dish where baby back ribs are slow-cooked on the grill or baked in the oven and glazed with a rich, sweet, and tangy Dr Pepper-based sauce. The unique soda-infused glaze caramelizes beautifully, making these ribs a perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors, ideal for a crowd-pleasing meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Ribs

2 racks of baby back ribs

Dr Pepper Glaze

1 can (12 oz) Dr Pepper soda
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
1/4 tsp salt

For Glazing

1/2 cup BBQ sauce (for glazing)

Seasoning

Salt and pepper (to taste, for seasoning ribs)

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Instructions

Preheat Grill or Oven: Preheat your grill or oven to 300°F (150°C). If using a grill, set it up for indirect heat to ensure slow cooking without burning.
Prepare Ribs: Remove the silver skin from the ribs by sliding a knife under the membrane and peeling it off. This helps the ribs become more tender and allows flavors to permeate better.
Make Dr Pepper Glaze: In a medium saucepan, combine Dr Pepper, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir to mix all ingredients evenly.
Simmer Glaze: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Allow it to simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to a glaze-like consistency suitable for coating the ribs.
Season Ribs: While the glaze is simmering, season the ribs generously with salt and pepper or your preferred dry rub to enhance the flavor.
Cook Ribs: If using a grill, position the ribs bone-side down on the cooler side of the grill and cover. Cook slowly for 2-3 hours until tender. If baking, place ribs on a baking sheet, cover with foil to retain moisture, and bake in the preheated oven for 2-2.5 hours until the meat is tender and cooked through.
Glaze Ribs: During the last 15 minutes of cooking, brush the ribs with the prepared Dr Pepper glaze and continue cooking. This allows the glaze to caramelize beautifully on the surface of the ribs.
Rest and Serve: Remove ribs from the grill or oven and let them rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Slice the ribs and serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping, enhancing the flavor even more.

Notes

Removing the membrane from the ribs is crucial for tenderness and better flavor absorption.
Cooking the ribs at a low temperature with indirect heat is key to achieving tender, fall-off-the-bone meat.
The Dr Pepper glaze provides a unique sweet and tangy flavor that pairs wonderfully with smoky ribs.
For extra depth of flavor, consider using your favorite dry rub instead of just salt and pepper.
Allow the ribs to rest after cooking for juicier results.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American