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cooked honey bbq ribs on a cutting board.
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Crockpot Honey BBQ Ribs

These Crockpot Honey BBQ Ribs are the ultimate homey, comforting meal. These ribs are fall-apart tender in the middle, crispy on the edges, and smothered in a sweet and tangy honey BBQ sauce.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time4 hours 30 minutes
Total Time4 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories:

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds pork ribs (I used baby back ribs) see note 1
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ½ cup BBQ sauce
  • ¼ cup honey

Instructions

  • Add the chili powder, salt, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper to a small bowl, and mix to combine.
  • Remove the membrane off the ribs by sliding a knife under the edge of it (on the bone side) then pulling until it peels off down the length of the rack of ribs.
  • Season both sides of the ribs with the seasoning mix.
    Optional: Cut the rack in half. You don't have to do this, but I think it is easier to fit it in my crockpot this way.
  • Cover and cook on high 4-5 hours, or low for 6-8 hours.
    Note: you do not need to add additional liquid to the crockpot. As soon as it starts cooking, the ribs will release juices and fats that it will cook in. (See note 2 for more detail)
  • To make the Honey BBQ sauce, whisk together your barbecue sauce of choice with honey until smooth.
  • Once done, preheat the oven to 425˚F.
    Transfer the ribs to a baking sheet and brush both sides with a generous amount of BBQ sauce. (see note 3)
    Bake meat side up for 8-12 minutes or until the sauce starts to bubble and the edges get crisp.
  • You can serve ribs as a rack, or cut between them to make individual portions.

Notes

  1. I buy about 3 pounds for my family of 5. If you need to adjust, you can cook about 2-4 pounds using the same instructions and times. If you have more than 4 pounds you will probably need to cook longer in the slow cooker, or use 2 slow cookers.
  2. If your slow cooker has no liquid in it after an hour or so, the seal probably isn't good. The lid likely needs to be readjusted, or replaced.
  3. I like to line the baking sheets with foil for easy clean up.