Delicious Dr Pepper BBQ Pork Ribs

Get ready to elevate your BBQ game with these mouthwatering Dr Pepper BBQ Pork Ribs! Slow-cooked to perfection with the irresistible sweetness of Dr Pepper, these ribs are a flavor-packed delight that will have your taste buds singing. The tender meat, infused with the unique blend of Dr Pepper and tangy barbecue sauce, creates a truly unforgettable dining experience.

As the scent of these Dr Pepper BBQ Pork Ribs wafts through your kitchen, you’ll know that something extraordinary is about to grace your table. Whether you’re planning a summer cookout or a cozy game night indoors, these ribs are guaranteed to steal the show. The sticky, smoky glaze coating each rib will have your family and guests coming back for seconds and asking for the recipe.

With just a handful of pantry staples and a bit of patience, you can whip up a dish that will become a staple in your recipe collection. So fire up your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to indulge in the finger-licking goodness of these Dr Pepper BBQ Pork Ribs. Trust me, once you try these ribs, there’s no turning back – they’re a true crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone craving more.

Quick Benefits

• Tender, fall-apart ribs with a sticky, smoky glaze that wows a crowd
• Easy to make with minimal effort and pantry staples
• Dr Pepper spices transform the pork, creating an unmistakable flavor profile
• Leftovers store well and freeze beautifully for future enjoyment

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Dr Pepper BBQ Pork Ribs Recipe

• Unique Flavor Profile: The combination of Dr Pepper, BBQ sauce, and seasonings creates a sweet, tangy, and smoky flavor that is truly irresistible.
• Easy to Make: With minimal effort and pantry staples, these Dr Pepper BBQ pork ribs come together effortlessly, making them perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining.
• Crowd-Pleaser: These ribs are guaranteed to wow your guests at cookouts, game nights, or family gatherings. They are so delicious that they might not even make it to the table before they are devoured.
• Versatile: You can customize this recipe to your taste by trying different types of ribs, cola substitutes, BBQ sauces, or even spicing up the glaze for a unique twist.
• Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the ribs in advance, freeze them, and simply glaze and finish in the oven when you’re ready to serve. Perfect for planning ahead for parties or busy days.
• Memorable Dish: The sticky, finger-licking goodness of these ribs will leave a lasting impression on your family and friends, making them a dish that will be requested over and over again.

Ingredients for Delicious Dr Pepper BBQ Pork Ribs

Main Ingredients

• 2 cans (12 ounces each) Dr Pepper, divided
• 3 to 4 pounds country-style pork ribs

Sauce & Seasonings

• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
• 1 1/2 cups smoky and tangy barbecue sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Pro Tips for Delicious Dr Pepper BBQ Pork Ribs

Pro tip #1: For extra flavor, sear the ribs in a hot skillet before slow-cooking them to create a caramelized crust that will enhance the overall taste and texture.

Pro tip #2: To elevate the presentation, brush a final layer of BBQ sauce on the ribs and broil them for a few minutes at the end of cooking to achieve a beautiful caramelized finish with a hint of char.

Pro tip #3: If you prefer a more intense smoky flavor, consider adding a touch of smoked paprika or chipotle powder to the seasoning mix for an extra kick that will complement the Dr Pepper sweetness perfectly.

How to Make Delicious Dr Pepper BBQ Pork Ribs

Step 1: Slow Cook the Pork Ribs

Place pork ribs in a slow cooker and pour 1 can of Dr Pepper over them. Cook on low for 7 hours or high for 4 hours until tender and nearly falling apart.

Step 2: Prepare the Oven and Rack

Preheat oven to 400°F. Place a wire rack on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.

Step 3: Make the Dr Pepper Barbecue Glaze

Combine barbecue sauce, liquid smoke, garlic powder, ground black pepper, and the second can of Dr Pepper in a mixing bowl; whisk until smooth.

Step 4: Glaze and Bake the Ribs

Place the cooked ribs on the prepared rack and brush with a generous amount of glaze. Bake for 15 minutes, then flip the ribs, brush with more glaze, and bake for another 15 minutes until sticky and caramelized.

Step 5: Serve

Serve hot with additional barbecue glaze on the side.

Storage Tips

After preparing the Dr Pepper BBQ Pork Ribs, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, warm them gently in a low oven and add a splash of extra barbecue sauce or Dr Pepper to keep the ribs moist and flavorful. If you have more ribs than you can enjoy in a few days, they freeze beautifully. Simply cool the ribs completely, wrap them tightly, and store them in the freezer for up to two months.

To freeze the ribs, make sure they are wrapped tightly to prevent freezer burn. When ready to enjoy your frozen ribs, thaw them overnight in the fridge, then reheat and finish cooking in the oven the day you want to eat them. This make-ahead option allows you to have delicious Dr Pepper BBQ Pork Ribs ready to go whenever you crave them, making meal prep and planning a breeze.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have Dr Pepper on hand, you can swap it out with a similar cola or root beer to achieve a sweet and slightly different flavor profile for the ribs. Keep in mind that the depth of flavor may vary slightly, but the result should still be delicious. Additionally, when selecting a BBQ sauce, opt for a smoky and tangy variety to complement the sweetness of the soda and enhance the overall taste of the dish.

If you are unable to find country-style pork ribs, feel free to use baby back or spare ribs as alternatives. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the size and thickness of the ribs you choose. Remember that slow cooking on low for 7 hours or high for 4 hours will help ensure tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs. You can also prepare the ribs in advance through the slow-cooking step and finish them under the broiler just before serving for a quick and convenient meal.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun twist on serving these mouthwatering Dr Pepper BBQ Pork Ribs, try shredding the meat off the bones after cooking and using it as a filling for loaded baked potatoes. Top each potato with a generous scoop of the tender pork, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of chives for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Another creative serving idea for these flavorful ribs is to chop the meat into small pieces and use it as a topping for a homemade BBQ pizza. Spread a layer of barbecue sauce on a prepared pizza crust, sprinkle the chopped ribs on top, add some caramelized onions and a mix of your favorite cheeses, then bake until bubbly and golden brown. These ribs will elevate your pizza night to a whole new level of deliciousness!

FAQs for Delicious Dr Pepper BBQ Pork Ribs

Can I substitute Dr Pepper with another soda?

Yes, you can substitute Dr Pepper with cola or root beer, but the flavor depth may differ slightly.

What type of BBQ sauce should I use with these ribs?

Choose a smoky, tangy BBQ sauce to complement the sweet notes from the Dr Pepper.

How long should I cook the ribs for?

Slow cooking on low for 7 hours or high for 4 hours will yield fall-apart ribs.

Can I prepare these ribs in advance?

Yes, you can slow cook the ribs in advance and finish under the broiler just before serving.

Conclusion

As you savor the last bite of these irresistible Dr Pepper BBQ Pork Ribs, I hope you’ve experienced the joy of creating a truly memorable dish that brings people together. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a lively gathering with friends, these sticky, flavorful ribs are sure to steal the show and become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. The magic of Dr Pepper combined with the smoky barbecue sauce creates a symphony of flavors that will have everyone coming back for more.

Remember, cooking is all about making memories and sharing delicious moments with loved ones. So next time you’re craving a comforting and mouthwatering meal, don’t hesitate to whip up a batch of these iconic Dr Pepper BBQ Pork Ribs. Let the aroma fill your kitchen, the flavors delight your taste buds, and the smiles around the table warm your heart. Here’s to many more shared meals and happy gatherings centered around these unforgettable ribs. Enjoy every bite of these Dr Pepper BBQ Pork Ribs!

Delicious Dr Pepper BBQ Pork Ribs

“Juicy pork ribs slow-cooked in Dr Pepper, smoky BBQ sauce, and a touch of garlic, creating a sticky, flavorful dish that’s perfect for gatherings.”

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time20 min

Cook Time420 min

Total Time440 min

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings6 Servings (3 to 4 pounds ribs (serves six))

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 2 cans (12 ounces each) Dr Pepper, divided
• 3 to 4 pounds country-style pork ribs

Sauce & Seasonings

• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
• 1 1/2 cups smoky and tangy barbecue sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

1. Slow Cook the Pork Ribs: Place pork ribs in a slow cooker and pour 1 can of Dr Pepper over them. Cook on low for 7 hours or high for 4 hours until tender and nearly falling apart.
2. Prepare the Oven and Rack: Preheat oven to 400°F. Place a wire rack on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
3. Make the Dr Pepper Barbecue Glaze: Combine barbecue sauce, liquid smoke, garlic powder, ground black pepper, and the second can of Dr Pepper in a mixing bowl; whisk until smooth.
4. Glaze and Bake the Ribs: Place the cooked ribs on the prepared rack and brush with a generous amount of glaze. Bake for 15 minutes, then flip the ribs, brush with more glaze, and bake for another 15 minutes until sticky and caramelized.
5. Serve: Serve hot with additional barbecue glaze on the side.