Apple Butter BBQ Baby Back Ribs Slow Cooker Recipe
This Apple Butter BBQ Baby Back Ribs Slow Cooker Recipe is a mouthwatering dish that combines the tender, fall-off-the-bone texture of baby back ribs with the sweet and tangy flavors of gala apples, sweet onions, and a rich apple butter BBQ sauce. Perfect for cookouts or a hearty family meal, this recipe is easy to prepare and uses the slow cooker to deliver succulent ribs with minimal effort. The combination of savory pork and sweet apple flavors makes this a standout dish for any occasion.
Apple Butter BBQ Baby Back Ribs Slow Cooker Recipe
4
servings15
minutes5
hours360
kcalIngredients
1 rack of baby back ribs
Salt and pepper
2 small gala apples, cored and sliced
1/2 sweet onion, sliced in 1/2-inch rounds
1 cup water
1 cup BBQ sauce
1/2 cup unsweetened apple butter
Directions
- Cut the membrane off the back of the ribs. Use a paring knife to gently cut along the edge and then peel off.
- Season both sides of ribs with salt and pepper.
- Layer ribs, apples, and onions on the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Cook on LOW for 4 1/2 to 6 1/2 hours, rotating the ribs halfway through.
- Remove the ribs from the slow cooker and place on a baking sheet.
- Remove apples and onions with a slotted spoon and drain the liquid. Return the apples and onions to the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Mix together BBQ sauce and apple butter. Pour over one side of the ribs and return to the slow cooker, sauce side down. Pour the rest of the sauce over the top.
- Cook on LOW for another 30 minutes.
- Remove from the slow cooker.
- Serve and enjoy.
Tips for Success
- Removing the membrane from the ribs ensures a tender texture and allows the flavors to penetrate the meat more effectively.
- Use gala apples for their sweet-tart balance, but Honeycrisp or Fuji can work as substitutes if needed.
- For a smokier flavor, choose a BBQ sauce with a hickory or mesquite profile to complement the apple butter.
- If you prefer crispier ribs, after the final slow cooking step, place the ribs under a broiler for 2-3 minutes to caramelize the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these ribs with classic sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread to soak up the delicious sauce. The apples and onions from the slow cooker make a flavorful accompaniment when served alongside the ribs. For a lighter option, pair with a fresh green salad or grilled vegetables to balance the richness of the dish.
This Apple Butter BBQ Baby Back Ribs recipe is a crowd-pleasing favorite that’s sure to become a staple at your gatherings. The slow cooker makes it easy to achieve tender, flavorful ribs with a perfect blend of sweet and savory notes, ideal for any season.
