Slow Cooker Potluck Spare Ribs: Fall-Off-the-Bone Tender
Slow Cooker Potluck Spare Ribs are tender, flavorful pork ribs cooked in a sweet and savory barbecue sauce until they nearly fall off the bone. This recipe requires minimal preparation and is ideal for serving a crowd. The ribs can be finished under the broiler for a sticky, caramelized glaze. They are easy to transport and reheat, making them perfect for potlucks and parties. Each bite is juicy, smoky, and deeply satisfying. This dependable recipe is always a standout at gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Ribs
- 4 pounds pork spare ribs, cut into sections
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
For the Sauce
- 2 cups barbecue sauce
- ½ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Pat the ribs dry and season with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Whisk together barbecue sauce, ketchup, honey, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and chili powder.
- Arrange the ribs in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over them, coating all pieces well.
- Cover and cook on Low for 6–8 hours or on High for 4–5 hours until the ribs are very tender.
- Transfer ribs to a foil-lined baking sheet, brush with additional sauce, and broil for 3–5 minutes until caramelized.
- Transfer to a platter and spoon extra sauce over the top.
Notes
- Removing the membrane from the ribs improves tenderness.
- Cooking on Low gives the best texture.
- Broiling creates a beautiful sticky glaze.
- Homemade or bottled barbecue sauce both work well.
- Cut ribs into smaller sections to fit the slow cooker.
- Sauce thickens as it cooks.
- Leftovers reheat beautifully.
- The flavor improves even more the next day.