Slow-Smoked Baby Back Ribs with Spiced Cherry BBQ Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender baby back ribs smoked low and slow, complemented by a rich, spiced cherry BBQ sauce for a sweet and smoky finish. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 330 minutes blends kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 30 min Cook: 300 min Serves 6 American cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Remove the membrane from 3 racks of baby back ribs (about 4 lbs total). In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp kosher salt, 1 tbsp black pepper, 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp onion powder. Rub this spice blend evenly over both sides of the ribs.
  2. Step 2: Soak 2 cups hickory wood chips in water for 30 minutes. Preheat your smoker to 225°F and add the soaked chips to your smoker box.
  3. Step 3: Place the ribs bone-side down on the smoker grate and smoke for 4-5 hours until the meat is tender and pulls back from the bones.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, in a saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup cherry preserves, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/2 cup ketchup, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
  5. Step 5: During the last 30 minutes of smoking, generously brush the cherry BBQ sauce over both sides of the ribs, allowing it to set and caramelize.
  6. Step 6: Remove ribs from the smoker, let rest for 10 minutes, then slice between the bones and serve with extra cherry BBQ sauce on the side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Smoked Baby Back Ribs with Spiced Cherry BBQ Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 330 minutes (30 min prep + 300 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Slow-Smoked Baby Back Ribs with Spiced Cherry BBQ Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Smoked Baby Back Ribs with Spiced Cherry BBQ Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Slow-Smoked Baby Back Ribs with Spiced Cherry BBQ Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Slow-Smoked Baby Back Ribs with Spiced Cherry BBQ Sauce?

American bbq & smoked like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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