Crock Pot Dr Pepper Ribs

If you're looking for tender and flavorful pork ribs with little effort, then this easy recipe for Crock Pot Dr Pepper Ribs is the way to go! The combination of savory spices, sweet barbecue sauce, and Dr. Pepper makes for a main dish that is tender, flavorful, and perfect for serving with your favorite side dishes!

Dr. Pepper is a popular soft drink that's been around since 1885. It's made with 23 different flavors, including cherry, caramel, and vanilla, and has a unique taste that's loved by many, including us! When used in this recipe, this soda adds a touch of sweetness and a hint of caramel that perfectly compliments the natural flavors of pork.

Why use Dr. Pepper in a rib recipe? Its high sugar content caramelizes and tenderizes the meat, while the acidity also helps break down the protein, resulting in fall-off-the-bone tender ribs!

The best way to make Dr. Pepper ribs is by using your crock pot. The savory spices in the dry rub perfectly balance the sweetness of the soda, creating a delicious combination made possible by slow cooking. Adding the barbecue sauce at the end adds another layer of flavor and helps create a sticky, caramelized crust on top.

These tender ribs pair perfectly with classic barbecue sides such as coleslaw, baked beans with bacon, or corn on the cob. You can also serve them with a simple salad or roasted vegetables to keep it on the lighter side!

Why You’ll Love These Ribs

• This Dr. Pepper ribs recipe is the perfect combination of sweet and savory, with a unique flavor that everyone will enjoy.
• The crock pot makes it easy and hands-off, allowing you to enjoy delicious, fall-off-the-bone ribs with minimal effort.
• Adding Dr. Pepper to the cooking liquid creates a tender and juicy texture while also infusing the meat with a deliciously sweet and slightly tangy flavor.
• Perfect for sharing with friends and family at summer barbecues, game day parties, or any occasion that calls for delicious, tender pork ribs.

Ingredients

• Baby Back Ribs - The star of the dish, these ribs are tender, meaty, and perfect for slow cooking in the crock pot.
• Dry Rub - You'll need a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion, powder, salt, black pepper, and ground mustard to add a savory aromatic flavor along with a tangy sharp flavor.
• Dr. Pepper - The secret ingredient that makes these ribs unique and delicious. This soda adds sweetness, caramelization, and a slightly tangy flavor to the meat.
• BBQ Sauce - A sweet and savory sauce that coats the ribs and infuses them with even more flavor. Sweet Baby Ray's is a popular brand that complements the flavors perfectly.

How To Make Crock Pot Dr Pepper Ribs

Prepare the ribs: Start by removing the membrane from the back of the ribs. This will help them to cook evenly and absorb more flavor. Trim any excess fat, then pat dry with a paper towel.

Season the ribs: Add the dried spices to a bowl, then whisk to combine. Cut the prepared ribs in half, then coat each side generously with the spice rub to ensure even seasoning.

Add to crock pot: Add the seasoned ribs to the crock pot, then pour in the BBQ sauce. Reserve ¼ cup of Dr. Pepper, then pour the rest into the bottom of the crock pot. Do not pour on top as this will wash the seasoning off the ribs.

Cover and cook: Add the lid to the top of the crock pot, then cook on low for 7-8 hours or until the ribs are fork-tender and cooked through.

Brush with liquid: Remove the ribs from the crock pot and place them on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Mix the rest of the soda with ¾ cup of BBQ sauce until combined. Brush the mixture on top of the ribs.

Broil and serve: Turn the oven to broil and place the ribs in the oven for 3-5 minutes or until a sticky glaze forms on top that thickens and bubbles. Let the ribs rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Recipe Tips For Success

• How to remove the membrane from pork ribs: Start at the narrow end of the rack and carefully slide a butter knife under the membrane to loosen it. Then use a paper towel to grip and pull off the membrane.
• Generously coat the ribs with the dry rub, making sure to cover both sides of the meat. This will create a flavorful crust on the outside of the ribs.
• Use a crock pot liner to make cleanup easier. The sticky sauce and juices from the meat can be difficult to clean!
• When broiling the ribs in the oven, keep a close eye on them to prevent burning. The high heat can cause the sauce to caramelize quickly, so watch them carefully.
• Let the ribs rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute. This will help the meat stay moist and flavorful rather than drying out when cut.

Variations

• Swap out the BBQ sauce for a different flavor, such as honey or spicy BBQ sauce, to add an extra layer of flavor to the ribs.
• Use a different type of soda, such as Coca-Cola or root beer, in place of Dr. Pepper. Each soda will add a unique flavor to the dish and create a different taste.
• For a smoky flavor, add a tablespoon of liquid smoke to the cooking liquid. This will give the ribs a delicious, smoky taste without having to use a smoker or grill.
• Add a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to the cooking liquid to enhance the savory flavors of the dish.
• Experiment with different dry rubs to find your favorite combination of flavors. You can try adding cumin, chili powder, or smoked paprika for a spicy kick or brown sugar and cinnamon for a sweeter taste.

Storing & Freezing

Storing: Place cooled leftover ribs in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days.

Freezing: To freeze Dr. Pepper ribs, place them in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw the ribs in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Brush the ribs with additional barbecue sauce to prevent them from drying out. Place the ribs on a baking sheet and cover loosely with foil. Heat in a preheated 350°F oven for 15 minutes or until warmed through.