My grandma's recipe for country style BBQ pork ribs baked in the oven with homemade sauce and jammy onions. Literally fall-off-the-bone tender! Get the recipe.

My grandma Frieda used to make these country style BBQ pork ribs the day we arrived for our annual visit. She always said they taste even better the next day, so she'd make them ahead and keep them warm in the oven until we walked through the door. The smell of that homemade BBQ sauce with sweet, jammy onions still takes me right back to her kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Country Style BBQ Pork Ribs

The homemade BBQ sauce braises with the onions until they're sweet and jammy, creating a rich, tangy glaze.
Browning the ribs first gives them a golden crust that locks in flavor and keeps them from turning mushy.
After the initial browning, the oven does all the work. You just cover and bake for 1.5 to 2 hours.

Key Ingredients for Homemade BBQ Sauce and Ribs

Dry sherry: This adds a subtle nutty sweetness that you can't get from other wines. It's worth seeking out, but dry white wine works in a pinch.
Country style pork ribs: These are meatier than spare ribs and come from the shoulder area. They have more fat, which keeps them moist during the long braise. Look for bone-in ribs for the best flavor.
Yellow onions: Sliced and baked with the ribs, they become sweet and jammy, almost like a caramelized onion topping. Don't skip them.

Kitchen Tools for Baked Country Style Pork Ribs

A large cast iron skillet or Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid for browning and braising
A cooling rack set inside a baking sheet to hold the browned ribs
A whisk for mixing the homemade BBQ sauce

Tips for Making the Best Country Style BBQ Pork Ribs

When browning the ribs, work in batches and don't overcrowd the pan. If you pack them too tightly, they'll steam instead of sear, and you'll miss that golden crust. Whisk the homemade BBQ sauce well before pouring it over the ribs so all the seasonings are evenly distributed. Midway through cooking, open the oven and spoon the sauce over the ribs and onions to keep everything moist and flavorful. Just before serving, skim off any excess fat from the sauce if your ribs were particularly fatty.

Variations for Country Style BBQ Pork Ribs

If you don't have dry sherry, you can substitute dry white wine or even chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped chipotle in adobo to the sauce. Boneless country style ribs work well too; just start checking for tenderness at the 1-hour mark since they cook a bit faster. You can also swap the ketchup for your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce in a pinch, though the homemade version is worth the extra step.

What to Serve with Country Style BBQ Pork Ribs

These ribs are saucy and rich, so they pair well with something starchy to soak up the sauce. Serve them with au gratin potatoes or mashed potatoes, spooning the sauce and jammy onions on top.

How to Store Leftover Country Style BBQ Pork Ribs

Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They taste even better the next day, so this is a great make-ahead dish.

Best Ways to Reheat Country Style BBQ Pork Ribs

To reheat, place the ribs and sauce in a covered baking dish and warm in a 325°F oven until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, but the oven method helps keep the meat tender and the sauce from drying out.