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Crockpot Cola Ribs

Crockpot Cola Ribs

Tender, juicy country style pork ribs slow-cooked in cola, then finished in the oven with a sticky BBQ glaze. These Crockpot Cola Ribs are sweet, smoky, and fall-apart delicious—an easy recipe that tastes like backyard barbecue without the grill.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 7 hours 5 minutes
Course dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 Servings
Calories 482 kcal

Equipment

  • Crock Pot – a big one so you have plenty of room for those meaty ribs.
  • Baking Sheet – because flimsy pans are not invited to this party.
  • Basting Brush – the unsung hero of sticky, glossy BBQ perfection.
  • Wire Rack – keeps the ribs lifted so the heat circulates, helping that glaze caramelize evenly.

Ingredients
  

  • 4.5 pounds country style pork ribs (bone-in)
  • 2 – 12 ounce cans of Dr Pepper or Coca Cola soda divided
  • 3/4 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
  • Salt to taste

Instructions
 

  • In the crock-pot, pour 1 can of soda over ribs.
  • Cover and cook on low for about 6.5 – 7 hours or on high for about 4.
  • Preheat oven to 400°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with foil.
  • Place a wire rack on the prepared baking sheet and lightly grease with non-stick spray.
  • Stir together BBQ sauce, garlic powder, pepper, liquid smoke and salt (if needed) with 1/2 cup of the soda.
  • Transfer ribs from the crock-pot to the wire rack.
  • Brush ribs with sauce and bake for 15 minutes.
  • Flip ribs, brush again, and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
  • Serve with the remaining sauce and dig in!

Notes

Pro Tips
  • Don’t skip the oven step. That final bake caramelizes the sauce and makes these ribs sticky in the best way.
  • Choose your cola wisely. Dr Pepper adds a deeper flavor, while Coca Cola keeps it classic. (Either way, save the diet soda for sipping—not cooking.)
  • Make extra sauce. Double the glaze if you’re a “more sauce, please” kind of person.
 
Pairing Suggestions
  • Cornbread muffins – because every rib deserves a buttery sidekick.
  • Mac & cheese – the ultimate creamy, cheesy comfort to round out your BBQ plate.
  • Coleslaw – that crunchy, tangy bite balances the rich ribs.
  • Grilled corn on the cob – smoky-sweet heaven next to saucy ribs.
  • Iced tea or lemonade – the ultimate Southern-style pairing.

Nutrition

Serving: 6 ServingsCalories: 482kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 43gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 164mgSodium: 510mgPotassium: 797mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 100IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 62mgIron: 2mg
Keyword Barbeque Ribs, BBQ, Comfort food, Crock Pot, dinner, Family friendly
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