How long should you cook Sheet Pan BBQ Ribs in the oven?

For best results, cook your Sheet Pan BBQ Ribs low and slow at 300°F (150°C) for about 2.5 to 3 hours. This ensures the meat becomes tender without drying out. If you’re using baby back ribs, they may be ready closer to 2.5 hours, while spare ribs often need the full 3 hours.

Do you need to wrap ribs in foil when baking?

Yes, using foil wrapped ribs helps lock in steam and keeps the meat juicy. The foil creates a sealed environment, allowing the ribs to slowly tenderize. Removing the foil in the final stage lets you caramelize the sauce for that sticky finish.

What’s the best sauce for Sheet Pan BBQ Ribs?

The best sauce depends on your taste! A sweet and smoky barbecue sauce is a classic, but you can also experiment with honey-mustard, chipotle-spiced, or Asian-inspired glazes. Each one turns your oven baked ribs into a unique dish.

How do you make ribs fall off the bone in the oven?

The secret is cooking low and slow while keeping the ribs sealed in foil. This breaks down tough connective tissue, resulting in tender, fall-off-the-bone sticky BBQ ribs . Adding a resting period after baking also helps keep them moist.

Can you make Sheet Pan BBQ Ribs ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the ribs in advance, store them in the refrigerator, and reheat them before serving. Brushing with extra sauce while reheating helps revive their flavor and texture. This makes it easy to serve ribs at parties or family gatherings without the last-minute rush.

Sheet Pan BBQ Ribs – 5 Easy Oven Baked Steps for Sticky, Tender Flavor

Description

These Sheet Pan BBQ Ribs are tender, juicy, and coated in a sticky-sweet barbecue glaze. Cooked low and slow in the oven with foil wrapping, they’re the perfect easy rib recipe for family dinners, weeknight meals, or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

2 racks baby back ribs (about 4 lbs total)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Aluminum foil (for wrapping ribs)

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Instructions

Prepare the Ribs: Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs and pat dry with paper towels.
Season Generously: In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Rub the seasoning mix evenly over both sides of the ribs, then drizzle with olive oil.
Wrap and Bake: Place the ribs meat-side up on a foil-lined sheet pan. Cover tightly with another layer of foil to seal. Bake for 2.5–3 hours, until the ribs are tender.
Sauce and Caramelize: Remove the top foil. Brush ribs generously with BBQ sauce. Return to oven and broil on high for 5–10 minutes until the sauce is bubbling and caramelized.
Rest and Serve: Let ribs rest for 10 minutes, then slice between the bones. Serve with extra sauce on the side.

Notes

For extra smoky flavor, add a teaspoon of liquid smoke to your BBQ sauce. If you prefer sticky BBQ ribs, brush with sauce twice—once before broiling and once right after. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge up to 4 days or frozen for 3 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Category: Main Dish
Method: Oven Baked
Cuisine: American