How to Make Baby Back Ribs

Tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs smothered in barbecue sauce deserve a spot at your picnic table. Learn how to make homemade baby back ribs in five simple steps—no grill required!

What you’ll need:

• 4 ½ lb pork loin back ribs (baby back ribs)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Recipe for our Best Barbecue Sauce 
• Knife or kitchen scissors
• Roasting pan or 13x9-inch pan
• Basting brush

2. Remove membrane (silverskin) from back of ribs by sliding knife underneath; lift and loosen until you can grab it with a paper towel. Try to pull it off in one piece if possible.

3. Cut ribs into 6 serving pieces using a knife or kitchen scissors.

4. Place meat side up in rack in roasting pan or 13x9-inch pan. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

5. Bake covered 1 hour 45 minutes; brush with sauce. Bake uncovered about 45 minutes longer, brushing frequently with sauce. 

Expert Tips:

• If you’re going to serve leftover sauce with ribs, be sure to heat it to boiling beforehand. Boil and stir 1 minute to kill any bacteria from the uncooked ribs that may have gotten into the sauce.  
• Place ribs meaty side up in pan, so fat can drip away into bottom of roasting pan or into 13x9-inch pan to drain later.
• Add sauce toward end of cooking time so it doesn’t burn.
• Cook ribs as directed until tender. Cook a little longer if you like the meat falling off the bone.