Baby Back Ribs with Apple Glaze

Baby back ribs have long been a star of American backyard barbecues, especially around Labor Day. Here an apple cider and apple butter glaze brings sweet-tart shine to spice-rubbed racks baked until tender.

Serves 4 · 20 min prep · 140 min cook

Estimate for one serving

• 580 cal
• 42g protein
• 28g carbs
• 32g fat

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Ingredients

• 2 racks (about 3.5 lb total) baby back pork ribs
• 1.5 tbsp kosher salt
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup apple cider
• 1/3 cup apple butter
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

Instructions

1. 1Pat the ribs dry with paper towels and remove the thin membrane from the bone side by sliding a knife under one corner and pulling it off with a paper towel for grip.
2. 2Stir the salt, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper together. Rub the mixture generously over both sides of the racks, pressing it into the meat.
3. 3Wrap each rack tightly in foil and place on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake in a 300°F oven for 2 hours until the meat is tender and pulls back from the bone ends half an inch.
4. 4While the ribs bake, simmer the apple cider in a small saucepan over medium heat until reduced by half, about 10 minutes. Whisk in the apple butter, vinegar, mustard, honey, and cayenne and cook 3 to 4 minutes more until glossy and spoon-coating.
5. 5Carefully unwrap the ribs and transfer them bone-side down to a preheated grill set to medium heat around 350°F. Brush a thick layer of apple glaze over the meaty side.
6. 6Grill 8 to 10 minutes, basting once more with glaze, until the surface is sticky, caramelized, and lightly charred in spots. Watch closely so the sugars do not burn.
7. 7Move the ribs to a cutting board and rest 5 minutes. Slice between the bones into individual ribs and drizzle any remaining warm glaze over the top.
8. 8Arrange on a platter for easy grabbing at the table. The sweet-smoky apple finish travels well and stays crowd-friendly for potluck plates.