Pace'S Famous Baby Back Ribs
Succulent baby back ribs with a savory, sweet, and smoky flavor profile, perfect for grilling or baking, ideal for sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Open the ribs package and turn the ribs bone side up.
- Peel off the thin layer of skin from the ribs.
- Spread Ranch dressing on the back side of the ribs.
- Place the ribs bone side up, then add salt and pepper to taste.
- Apply a generous amount of butter all over the back side of the ribs, using the whole bottle.
- Take a handful of brown sugar and sprinkle it over the ribs; repeat if you want more sweetness.
- Wrap the ribs in heavy-duty foil.
- Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 2 hours.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle a handful of brown sugar over the ribs.
- Cook uncovered for an additional hour.
- Optional: For grilling, brown the ribs on the grill for 30 minutes before wrapping in foil.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider marinating the ribs in the Ranch dressing overnight. If you prefer a spicier kick, you can add cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the seasoning. Instead of brown sugar, try using honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile. Be careful not to overcook the ribs to maintain tenderness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delicious ribs with classic sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or baked beans for a true barbecue experience. They pair beautifully with Chocolate-Raspberry Mousse Trifle for dessert. For a lighter option, consider a fresh garden salad as a side dish to balance the richness of the ribs.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover ribs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap them in foil and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them on the grill for a smoky flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pace'S Famous Baby Back Ribs contains roughly 950 calories, with 4g protein, 225g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (93% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of ribs for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute spare ribs or St. Louis-style ribs, but cooking times may vary. Spare ribs might require a bit longer to become tender, so adjust the baking time accordingly.
Is it necessary to wrap the ribs in foil?
Wrapping the ribs in foil helps to retain moisture and create a tender texture during baking. If you prefer a crustier finish, you can skip the foil after the initial baking period and cook them uncovered.
What can I do if I don't have Ranch dressing?
If you don't have Ranch dressing, you can make a homemade version using buttermilk, mayonnaise, and herbs like dill and parsley. Alternatively, a mixture of barbecue sauce and mustard can also work well for flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).