Country Style Ribs

Boneless Country Style Ribs are the kind of hearty, comforting meal that feels right at home on any Southern table. Slow-baked in the oven with plenty of seasoning and basted with a sweet barbecue sauce, these tender ribs bring that down-home country flavor straight to your dinner plate. They’re easy to make, full of comfort, and perfect for Sunday supper, family gatherings, or any time you’re craving a good old-fashioned Southern meal.

Easy Country Style Ribs Recipe

Despite their name, country-style ribs aren’t actually ribs at all. These meaty cuts are typically made from pork shoulder, giving them plenty of rich flavor and making them especially tender when slow-baked in the oven. Their hearty, comforting taste makes them a wonderful choice for Sunday dinner, backyard cookouts, family gatherings, potlucks, or any easy weeknight meal when you’re craving a filling Southern-style supper. I like to baste them with a thick barbecue sauce at the end of baking and then broil them to char the bbq sauce onto the pork.

Key ingredients you’ll need to make Country Style Ribs: (Scroll down for the full printable recipe card and quantities.)

• Pork – Boneless country style ribs are tender and flavorful.
• Oil – Olive oil for richness.
• Sugar – Dark brown sugar adds a hint of sweetness to the dry rub.
• Spices – Dark chili powder, garlic salt, ground cumin, lemon pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika and ground mustard.
• Barbecue Sauce – You’ll need a thick store-bought or homemade barbecue sauce for charring the ribs at the end of baking. Use your favorite brand and flavor.
• Herbs – Fresh chives or green onions for garnishing.

How to Make Country Style Ribs

• Heat Oven and Prepare Pan – Preheat oven and cover a rimmed pan with heavy duty aluminum foil sprayed with cooking spray.
• Prep Ribs – Drizzle ribs with olive oil.
• Make Dry Rub – Whisk together brown sugar, chili powder, garlic salt, cumin, lemon pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika and ground mustard.
• Season Ribs – Rub ribs on all sides with the dry rub. Arrange on prepared pan.
• Oven – Cover ribs with foil and transfer pan to the oven. Bake per the cooking time in the recipe.
• Brush with Barbecue Sauce – Brush ribs with barbecue sauce and broil to char carefully turning for even browning.
• Serve – Let ribs stand 5 minutes, then serve.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Barbecue Country Style Ribs

• Large rimmed baking sheet pan, tray, baking dish or broiler pan.
• Measuring cups and measuring spoons.
• Aluminum foil.
• Tongs.
• Small bowl and pastry brush.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

• Pork – You can use bone-in country style ribs or boneless for this recipe.
• Beef – You can adapt this recipe using beef ribs.
• Dry Rub – You could use a prepared dry rub that you enjoy for a time saver.
• Barbecue Sauce – Use your favorite barbecue sauce. I recommend using a thick, sweet and smoky bbq sauce.
• Brown Sugar – Dark brown sugar has a stronger molasses flavor. You can use light brown sugar, if preferred. I’ve also use Splenda brown sugar substitute with great results.

Storage and Leftovers

• Make-Ahead Tip – You can make these bbq ribs in the oven per the recipe, skipping the barbecue sauce at the end of baking. Let cool, then chill. To reheat and char, remove from the fridge and reheat on medium heat on a grill, basting with barbecue sauce to char. Grill until heated through and fork-tender.
• Leftovers – Store leftover country-style pork ribs in an airtight container chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating – Reheat in a preheated 350°F oven for a few minutes, in an air fryer or individual servings can be reheated gently in the microwave. You can also reheat and char on a grill.
• Freezer – You can freeze leftover country ribs for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat just before serving.

Side Dishes to Serve with Ribs

• Creamy Southern Style Cole Slaw or tangy vinegar based Hillbilly Cole Slaw for the no mayo fans at your table.
• Twice Baked Potatoes can be prepped in advance and baked just before serving.
• Crispy Fried Squash will have the family eating their veggies and loving it!
• This gorgeous Seven Layer Salad can be made in advance for easy meal prep.
• Southern style Lima Beans with bacon.
• Crispy Roasted Baby Potatoes are soft on the outside and crispy on the outside.
• Root Beer Baked Beans pairs perfectly with barbecue!
• Crockpot Mac and Cheese can simmer in your slow cooker while the ribs bake in the oven.
• Panzanella Salad from Food Network.

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