If you want fall-off-the-bone tender ribs with a bright, savory-sweet flavor, try this Crock Pot Apple BBQ Ribs recipe. It combines apple butter and barbecue sauce for an easy, delicious slow-cooked main dish.
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How to Make Apple BBQ Ribs in a Crock Pot
Aunt Lou here. These Crock Pot Apple BBQ Ribs are tender, flavorful, and surprisingly simple. The method is straightforward: a brief roast in the oven to set the surface, cut the rack into serving pieces, quarter an onion, stir together apple butter and your favorite barbecue sauce, and let the crock pot do the rest. After 6–8 hours on low, you’ll come home to a kitchen that smells amazing and ribs that practically fall off the bone.
A quick tip: because the ribs become extremely tender, lift them from the crock pot carefully—using a flipping spatula and a wooden spoon helps prevent them from breaking apart.
What You Will Need for Crock Pot Apple BBQ Ribs
Ingredients Needed
- 3 lbs baby back ribs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 16 oz jar apple butter
- 18 oz bottle of your favorite barbecue sauce
- 1 white onion, quartered
Equipment Needed
- Large baking sheet with sides
- Parchment paper
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Medium mixing bowl
- Stirring spatula
- 6-quart slow cooker (crock pot)
- Flipping spatula
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Time Needed
- Prep time: about 5 minutes
- Oven: 30 minutes at 350°F (to brown and set the ribs slightly)
- Slow cooker: 6 to 8 hours on low (rotate the insert halfway through if your slow cooker runs unevenly)
General Notes
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- Nutritional values vary depending on the exact brands and amounts you use. Any automated nutrition calculation is only an estimate and should not be relied on for specific dietary needs.
- Slow cookers vary by model and age. Use the suggested times as a guideline and test a batch in your own slow cooker to determine the best timing.
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Apple BBQ Crock Pot Ribs
If you want ribs that fall off the bone with a subtle apple undertone and classic BBQ tang, this easy crock pot recipe delivers every time.
Course: Main | Cuisine: American | Keyword: Crock Pot Apple BBQ Ribs
Prep Time: 35 minutes total (including oven step) | Cook Time: 6–8 hours on low | Total Time: about 8 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Calories: 604 kcal (approximate)
Author: Aunt Lou
Ingredients
- 3 lbs baby back ribs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 16 oz jar apple butter
- 18 oz bottle barbecue sauce
- 1 white onion, quartered
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the ribs on a parchment-lined baking sheet with sides. Season with salt and pepper and bake for 30 minutes to set the surface and render a bit of fat.
- While the ribs are in the oven, cut the white onion into quarters and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, stir together the 16 oz of apple butter and the 18 oz of barbecue sauce until smooth.
- After the oven step, cut the ribs into serving-size pieces and arrange them in the slow cooker.
- Place the onion quarters on top of the ribs and drizzle the apple butter–BBQ sauce mixture evenly over the meat and onions.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, depending on how tender you prefer the ribs. If your slow cooker heats unevenly, rotate the insert halfway through cooking.
- When the ribs are done, lift them from the crock pot carefully with a flipping spatula and a wooden spoon to keep pieces intact. Spoon extra sauce from the crock pot over the ribs when serving.
Notes
- Try different BBQ sauces to vary the flavor: smoky, sweet, spicy, or tangy styles will all change the finished dish.
- For a caramelized finish, brush a little additional sauce on the ribs and briefly broil them on a baking sheet after slow cooking—watch closely to avoid burning.
- Remember that nutritional values depend on products used; treat listed nutrition as an estimate only.
- Test cooking times in your slow cooker and adjust for your device and personal preference.
Nutrition (approximate per serving)
Carbohydrates: 69 g |
Protein: 28 g |
Fat: 24 g
If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also enjoy these dishes
- Easy Crock Pot Ribs (Maple Whiskey)
- Cola Crock Pot Ribs
- Slow Cooker Ribs (classic)