Bacon ribs are a mouthwatering combination of tender pork ribs wrapped in crispy, savory bacon. While they may seem intimidating to make at home, cooking bacon ribs in the oven is actually quite simple. With the right ingredients and techniques you can achieve fall-off-the-bone tender ribs encased in perfectly crisped bacon with ease.
In this complete guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make juicy, flavorful bacon ribs in your own oven. From choosing the right cut of ribs to seasoning and cooking tips, you’ll learn the secrets to getting perfect results every time. So let’s get cooking!
Choosing the Best Ribs for Baking
The first step is selecting the right type of ribs. For baking bacon ribs in the oven baby back ribs are the best choice. Sometimes labeled loin or back ribs this rib cut comes from the upper part of the ribs closest to the spine. Baby back ribs have a good amount of meat on top of the bones and tend to be more tender than other rib cuts. A 2 1⁄2 to 3 lb rack of baby back ribs will feed 2-3 people.
When shopping for ribs look for racks with a decent amount of fat as the fat bastes the ribs as they cook, keeping them moist and adding flavor. Avoid racks with thick hard fat that won’t render. The ribs should have a nice uniform shape with meat distributed evenly over the bones.
Prepping Ribs for the Oven
Before seasoning and cooking, the ribs need a bit of prep:
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Remove the membrane: Ribs have a thin membrane or film on the back side that can make them chewy. Use a knife to loosen an edge, then grab it with a paper towel and peel it off.
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Trim excess fat: Trim off any loose fatty areas or large hard pieces of fat. Leave a thin layer over the ribs.
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Pat dry: Blot the ribs all over with paper towels to remove any moisture. Drier ribs allow for better browning.
Seasoning for Flavor
To infuse the ribs with flavor before cooking, there are two easy seasoning options:
Dry Rub
A homemade dry rub adds spice and aroma. Combine ingredients like brown sugar, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper and smoked paprika. Generously season both sides of the ribs, pressing to adhere.
Wet Rub
For a wet rub, thinly coat the ribs with mustard or olive oil, then sprinkle on seasoning. Try salt, pepper, onion powder, thyme, oregano and paprika.
No matter which rub you choose, refrigerate the seasoned ribs uncovered for at least 2 hours or up to overnight. This dries out the surface for better searing and allows the flavors to permeate the meat.
Wrapping Each Rib in Bacon
To create bacon ribs, you’ll need to cover each rib bone with a slice of bacon. Buy regular sliced bacon, not thick-cut.
- Place a slice of bacon over one end of a rib bone.
- Wrap the bacon around the rib, overlapping slightly.
- Secure the bacon to the rib by skewering it with a toothpick.
- Repeat with the remaining ribs and bacon. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the bacon to adhere to the ribs.
Pro tip: Weave the toothpicks between two ribs to secure the bacon. Remove toothpicks before serving.
Baking Low and Slow
Cooking the ribs low and slow is the key to getting them tender. Place the bacon-wrapped ribs on a foil lined baking sheet bone side down.
Ideal oven temperatures for ribs range from 250°F to 300°F. Cook times vary based on oven temp:
- 250°F: Cook for 2 1⁄2 – 3 hours
- 275°F: Cook for 2 – 2 1⁄2 hours
- 300°F: Cook for 1 1⁄2 – 2 hours
For best results, bake at 250°F for the full 3 hours. The lower temp allows the fat to slowly render while the ribs cook, keeping them extra moist and tender.
Tightly cover the baking sheet with foil before placing it in the oven. The foil traps steam and moisture. Avoid peeking until the minimum cook time is up or you’ll lose heat and steam.
Internal rib temperature should reach 195°F-205°F when done. Track temp with an instant read thermometer inserted into the ribs thickest part.
Saucing and Browning the Ribs
During the last 30-60 minutes of oven time, unwrap the foil, brush ribs with barbecue sauce and return to the oven uncovered.
The sauce will caramelize and brown the bacon nicely. Apply one or two coats, allowing the sauce to set between coats.
For extra browning, switch the oven to broil for 1-2 minutes Watch closely to avoid burning.
Allowing Ribs to Rest
After baking, let the ribs rest for 10-15 minutes before cutting into individual ribs. This allows juices to reabsorb back into the meat.
Slice between each rib and serve warm with extra barbecue sauce for dipping.
Oven Bacon Rib Tips
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When baking multiple racks of ribs, give each one its own foil-lined pan. Overcrowding can steam instead of sear ribs.
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For a smoky flavor, add soaked wood chips to the foil packet. Opt for wood types like hickory, pecan, applewood or cherry.
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Browning the ribs under the oven broiler or on the grill before serving adds texture. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
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Make a sauce with reserved pan drippings for serving. Simmer with stock, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce and spices.
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Let any leftovers cool completely before storing wrapped in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently before serving again.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best way to reheat baked bacon ribs?
Place foil-wrapped ribs in a 300°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can also reheat individual ribs in the microwave.
Can I cook the bacon ribs on the grill instead?
Yes, grilling over indirect heat works well. Grill with the lid down for 2-3 hours at a temp of 250°F-275°F, adding barbecue sauce and direct grilling at the end.
Do I need to spray or oil the foil or pan?
No, there’s no need to grease the foil or pan. The ribs have enough fat to prevent sticking. Oil may actually cause sticking.
My ribs browned but still look raw inside. Are they safe to eat?
If the internal temperature didn’t reach 195°F-205°F, they likely need more time in the oven. Check temp and continue baking until ribs are no longer pink inside.
Can I use another cut of ribs besides baby backs?
You can use spare ribs or St. Louis-style ribs. They may need slightly longer cooking times. Boneless country-style ribs also work well for bacon wrapping.
Make These Mouthwatering Bacon Ribs Tonight
With the simple oven baking method and foolproof tips above, you can start enjoying fall-off-the-bone bacon ribs at home. Impress your family with these restaurant-worthy ribs using just your oven and basic ingredients. From prep to finish, baking bacon ribs takes less active time than you may think. Once they’re in the oven, you just have to wait for rib perfection.
