Name: Baked Southern Roadhouse Ribs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 15 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 rack baby back ribs; 3 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke; 1/2 cup your favorite BBQ sauce

When you think of comfort food that sticks to your ribs—literally and figuratively—there’s nothing quite like Southern-style baked ribs. Baked Southern Roadhouse Ribs are tender, deeply seasoned, and packed with smoky sweetness that will make you feel like you’re sitting in a roadside BBQ joint somewhere off a backcountry highway.

These ribs are perfect for when you want all that slow-cooked flavor but without the need for a grill or smoker. Slow-baked in the oven, they fall off the bone and get slathered in a finger-licking barbecue glaze that caramelizes to perfection. It’s a no-fuss method that delivers all the charm of traditional roadhouse cooking right from your home kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Southern Roadhouse Ribs Recipe

This recipe takes the guesswork out of ribs. No need to babysit a smoker for hours or worry about flare-ups on the grill. With a solid dry rub, the right temperature, and a good sauce, the oven does all the heavy lifting for you. These ribs are juicy, flavorful, and make the house smell amazing as they bake low and slow.

Plus, it’s a great make-ahead dish for weekend gatherings, game days, or just a comforting family dinner. The combination of spices and tangy sauce creates that true Southern roadhouse vibe that keeps people coming back for seconds (and thirds).

What Kind of Ribs Should I Use?

For the most tender and meaty result, baby back ribs are the way to go. They cook beautifully in the oven and have the perfect balance of fat and meat. Spare ribs or St. Louis-style ribs are also great alternatives if you prefer something a bit fattier and more flavorful.

Just make sure to remove the silver skin (the thin membrane on the bone side) before cooking. This helps the rub penetrate better and makes for a more pleasant bite.

Ingredients for the Baked Southern Roadhouse Ribs

Choosing the right ingredients is key to bringing out that true roadhouse flavor. The dry rub forms the base of flavor while the barbecue sauce finishes the ribs with a sticky, sweet kick.

Baby back ribs
Brown sugar
Smoked paprika
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Black pepper
Salt
Cayenne pepper
Apple cider vinegar
Liquid smoke
Your favorite BBQ sauce

Each spice in the rub adds depth, while the apple cider vinegar and liquid smoke help infuse that unmistakable Southern BBQ essence. The BBQ sauce adds that final sticky-sweet finish we all crave.

How To Make the Baked Southern Roadhouse Ribs

Step 1: Prep the Ribs

Start by removing the silver skin from the back of the ribs. This makes a huge difference in tenderness. Then, pat the ribs dry with paper towels.

Step 2: Apply the Dry Rub

Mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and a pinch of cayenne. Rub the mixture all over both sides of the ribs until they’re well coated.

Step 3: Bake Low and Slow

Wrap the ribs tightly in aluminum foil and place them on a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 275°F (135°C) for about 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on thickness. This gentle heat breaks down the connective tissue and renders the meat super tender.

Step 4: Glaze and Broil

Once they’re cooked through and tender, remove the foil and brush the ribs generously with BBQ sauce. Add a splash of liquid smoke and apple cider vinegar for an extra kick. Broil for 5-7 minutes until the sauce bubbles and caramelizes.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Let the ribs rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices settle and gives you that perfect, saucy bite.

How to Serve and Store Baked Southern Roadhouse Ribs

These ribs are ideal for feeding a crowd and make for an unforgettable centerpiece at any dinner. One rack typically serves about 2 to 3 people, so plan accordingly if you’re feeding a group.

For serving, slice between the bones and stack them high on a platter. They’re delicious as-is, but you can also serve them with extra warmed BBQ sauce on the side.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in the oven at 300°F until hot. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just make sure they’re tightly wrapped.

What to Serve With Baked Southern Roadhouse Ribs?

Classic Southern Cornbread

Soft and slightly sweet, cornbread balances the spice and smokiness of the ribs.

Creamy Coleslaw

The cool crunch of coleslaw adds a refreshing contrast to the rich meat.

Macaroni and Cheese

You can never go wrong with a bubbly, golden mac and cheese next to a rack of ribs.

Baked Beans

Their sweet-savory flavor pairs beautifully with the BBQ glaze.

Collard Greens

Earthy and seasoned, collard greens are a soul food staple with ribs.

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Charred and buttery corn makes for a satisfying, smoky side.

Pickles or Pickled Okra

The acidity cuts through the richness and adds a Southern touch.

Potato Salad

Creamy, tangy potato salad is a must-have at any rib-filled cookout.

Want More Dinner Ideas with a Southern Twist?

If these Baked Southern Roadhouse Ribs hit the spot, you’ll want to try out these delicious main courses too:

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go spicy with the rub? Did you add a splash of bourbon to the sauce?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other make the best Southern meals possible.

Explore more Southern comfort dishes and weeknight favorites on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and bring a bit of that homemade warmth to your table.

Conclusion

Baked Southern Roadhouse Ribs bring the magic of the barbecue pit to your oven with tender, juicy results every time. Whether you’re hosting a party or just indulging in a weekend feast, this recipe is full of flavor and heart. Southern hospitality never tasted so good.