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Home » Recipes » Single Serving Dinners

By Joanie Zisk Published: May 24, 2023 · Updated: May 8, 2023 · This post may contain affiliate links · Please read my disclosure

Oven Baked Ribs For One

Jump to Recipe
6 barbecued baby back ribs on a baking sheet

Discover our single-serving, oven-baked ribs! Enjoy tender, juicy, fall-off-the-bone ribs, perfect for a delicious solo meal.

6 barbecued baby back ribs on a baking sheet

Delight in the rich, savory taste of oven-baked ribs crafted especially for you. This single-serving recipe is ideal for those who yearn for scrumptious ribs without preparing an entire slab. By incorporating a homemade dry rub you can effortlessly enhance the ribs' flavor, ensuring a truly satisfying experience.

Jump to:
  • Why This Recipe Works
  • Ingredients
  • What Are Baby Back Ribs?
  • Ingredient Notes
  • How To Make Oven-Baked Ribs
  • Expert Tips
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • How To Store Leftover Oven Baked Ribs
  • Serving Suggestions
  • Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
  • Recipe

Why This Recipe Works

  • Ribs are baked in the oven: There's no need to bring out the smoker or the grill. These ribs are slow-baked in the oven and are perfectly tender and juicy.
  • Made with easy-to-find ingredients: There are no fancy ingredients needed in this small batch ribs recipe.
  • The perfect amount: This recipe yields 6-7 of the best oven-baked ribs!
  • Recipe doubles well: If you'd like to make a whole rack of ribs, just double the ingredient amounts.

Ingredients

oven baked ribs ingredients on a kitchen counter
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What Are Baby Back Ribs?

Baby back ribs are a cut of pork taken from the upper part of the ribcage, near the backbone. They are smaller, leaner, and more tender than spare ribs, making them perfect for our single-serving oven-baked ribs recipe.

Ingredient Notes

See below for ways to use leftover ingredients.

  • Baby back ribs: Use a half rack of baby back ribs which usually contain 6-7 ribs. A half rack of ribs usually feeds one to two people, depending on their appetites. You can ask the butcher at your grocery store to open the pack of ribs and divide it in half and rewrap them or you can cut them in half at home. This way you can use one half now and wrap and freeze the remaining ribs for up to 4 to 6 months.
  • Dry rub ingredients: Use paprika, chili powder, salt, sugar, black pepper, and garlic powder.
  • BBQ sauce: Use your favorite brand of BBQ sauce or make a small batch of homemade BBQ sauce which yields the perfect amount for this recipe. If you aren't a fan of barbecue sauce, the ribs are great as they are with just the seasoned rub.

This is just an overview of the ingredients I used and why I used them. For the full recipe please scroll down to the recipe box at the bottom of the post.

How To Make Oven-Baked Ribs

The photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make a small batch of oven-baked ribs. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.

  1. Make the dry rub: Mix together the dry rub ingredients in a small bowl or use a small jar or plastic container and shake it well to mix the spices together. Set it aside.
dry rub ingredients for ribs in a small white bowl
  1. Prepare the ribs: Preheat the oven to 225° F (107° C). Place the ribs with the rib bones facing up on a large cutting board. Remove the thin membrane by gently sliding a knife under the membrane and then using your fingers, pull the membrane away from the bones. If it is slippery or hard to grasp, use a kitchen towel to hold it and pull it off.

Pro Tip: The membrane is the white piece of tissue attached to the underside of the ribs. It can be a little tough when cooked, and since we want the meat to fall off the bones, we suggest you remove it. You may find that the butcher has already removed it for you. Keep in mind that removing the membrane is optional. Some people prefer ribs that are a bit more chewy, if so feel free to leave the membrane on.

removing the membrane from baby back ribs
  1. Flip the ribs over with the meat side up. With a sharp knife remove any fat from the ribs if there is any that needs to be removed.
  2. Generously season both sides of the ribs with the dry rub seasoning.
baby back ribs with dry rub on a white cutting board
  1. Bake the ribs: Cover a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and place the ribs in the middle, meat side up. Bake the ribs for 3.5 hours.
uncooked baby back ribs on a foil-lined baking sheet
  1. Remove the ribs from the oven. Generously brush both sides of the ribs with barbecue sauce.

Pro Tip: If you aren't a fan of barbecue sauce you can leave it off. The ribs are delicious as they are with the seasoned rub. Just cover with foil as shown in the next step and continue baking the ribs.

partially baked ribs smothered with bbq sauce
  1. Cover the ribs with foil. Using both the bottom sheet of foil and the top, fold the two layers of foil together around the edges to form a sealed pouch with the ribs inside.
a half rack of ribs in a foil sealed pouch on a baking sheet
  1. Put the ribs back in the oven to bake for an hour longer.

Pro Tip: Baby back ribs should be cooked to an internal temperature between 198 and 202 degrees F. A quality instant-read thermometer will let you know if your ribs are done. Insert the probe into the thickest part of the meat, between the bones. Make sure your probe is not in a piece of fat or touching bones or you will not get an accurate read. I recommend taking the temperature in a couple of places across the ribs. Having multiple readings will give you a better indication as to whether or not your ribs are done.

  1. Remove the ribs from the oven and let them rest for 10 minutes before uncovering.
a half rack of oven baked ribs on a baking sheet
  1. Using a sharp knife, cut the ribs apart.
slicing ribs apart on a cutting board
  1. Optional: For less saucy ribs, place the ribs under the broiler and broil the ribs for 3 to 4 minutes, just until the barbecue sauce begins to caramelize. Keep a close eye on the ribs to make sure the sauce does not burn.

Expert Tips

Oven-baked ribs can be a delicious, tender, and flavorful dish when prepared correctly. Here are a few expert tips to help you make the best oven-baked ribs:

  • Read through the entire recipe, the Ingredient Notes section of the post, and take a look at the process photos to see how this recipe comes together. We provide a lot of information within the body of this recipe post to ensure that your ribs come out perfectly every time.
  • Select quality ribs: When choosing ribs, look for a good amount of meat on the bones, with some marbling for extra flavor. Avoid ribs with too much fat.
  • Remove the membrane: The membrane on the back of the ribs can be tough and chewy. Use a knife to lift a corner of the membrane, then grasp it with a paper towel or a kitchen towel and gently pull it away from the ribs. This will allow the seasoning and flavors to penetrate the meat more easily.
  • Check for doneness: Baby back ribs should be cooked to an internal temperature between 198 and 202 degrees F. A quality instant-read thermometer will let you know if your ribs are done. Insert the probe into the thickest part of the meat, between the bones. Make sure your probe is not in a piece of fat or touching bones or you will not get an accurate read. I recommend taking the temperature in a couple of places across the ribs. Having multiple readings will give you a better indication as to whether or not your ribs are done.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Difference Between Baby Back Ribs And Spare Ribs?

Baby back ribs are smaller, leaner, and more tender than spare ribs. They come from the upper part of the ribcage, closer to the backbone, while spare ribs are larger, meatier and come from the lower part of the ribcage.

Do I Need To Marinate Baby Back Ribs Before Baking?

While marinating can add flavor, it's not necessary for oven-baked baby back ribs. Instead, we prefer using a dry rub to season the ribs, which helps create a flavorful crust during the cooking process. If you prefer a saucy finish, brush on your favorite barbecue sauce and cover the ribs during the last hour of cooking as we show in our recipe.

How Long Does It Take For Baby Back Ribs To Cook In The Oven?

At 225 degrees F, the ribs should cook for 4 hours or until they are tender and the meat seems to fall off the bones. They should be cooked to an internal temperature between 198 and 202 degrees F.

Do I Need To Let The Ribs Rest Before Serving?

We recommend it. Allowing the ribs to rest for about 10 minutes after removing them from the oven helps the juices redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful ribs. After resting, use a sharp knife to slice the ribs between the bones.

Can I Double This Recipe?

Absolutely! If you'd like to bake the entire rack of ribs, just double the ingredient amounts.

How To Store Leftover Oven Baked Ribs

  • Store the leftover ribs in the refrigerator if you plan to consume them within 3-4 days. For longer storage, tightly wrap the ribs or store them in an airtight container and place the ribs in the freezer, where they can be kept for up to 3 months. Be sure to label and date the container or bag to keep track of when the ribs were stored.
  • Reheat the ribs in a 250° F (120°C) oven on a baking sheet covered with foil. Heat for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the ribs are warmed through. You can also brush on additional barbecue sauce before reheating if desired.

Serving Suggestions

Oven-baked baby back ribs can be paired with a variety of side dishes to create a satisfying and balanced meal. Here are a few popular options to consider:

  1. Baked beans: A classic barbecue side dish, baked beans provide a sweet and savory flavor that pairs well with ribs.
  2. Macaroni and cheese: Creamy, cheesy macaroni and cheese is a comforting side dish that pairs wonderfully with the bold flavors of oven-baked ribs.
  3. Potato salad: Potato salad is a flavorful side that complements the richness of the ribs.
  4. Mashed potatoes: Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes pair well with the robust flavors of ribs.
  5. Cornbread: Warm, slightly sweet cornbread is a comforting side that can be used to soak up any extra sauce from the ribs.
  6. Ambrosia: The sweetness of this fruit salad pairs well with the sweet and spicy ribs.

Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients

If you have any ingredients leftover from this oven-baked baby back ribs recipe, you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:

  • Paprika: Baked Stuffed Fish, Smothered Pork Chops, Tomato Soup, Baked Black Bean Tacos
  • Chili powder: Mexican Corn Dip, Chili, Zuppa Toscana, Beef Enchiladas
  • Garlic powder: Hash Browns, Personal Pizza Dough, Baked Pork Chop. Jalapeño Poppers
  • BBQ sauce: BBQ Chicken, Baked Chicken Wings, Twice Baked Potato, Pizza Bowl

For examples of the dishes used at One Dish Kitchen, please visit our Store page.

If you’ve tried this single serving oven baked ribs recipe or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.

Also, if you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see it!

Recipe

6 barbecued baby back ribs on a baking sheet

Oven Baked Ribs For One

Discover our single-serving, oven-baked ribs! Enjoy tender, juicy, fall-off-the-bone ribs, perfect for a delicious solo meal.
5 from 7 votes
Print Pin Rate
See the post above for expert tips,
FAQs and ways to use leftover ingredients.
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours hours 30 minutes minutes
Resting Time: 10 minutes minutes
Total Time: 4 hours hours 50 minutes minutes
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Servings: 1 serving
Calories: 654kcal
Author: Joanie Zisk

Equipment

  • Cutting board
  • Rimmed baking sheet
  • instant read meat thermometer

Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon sugar
  • ½ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ rack baby back ribs (6 to 7 ribs)
  • ¾ cup barbecue sauce (optional) Consider using our homemade small batch BBQ sauce recipe.
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Make the dry rub seasoning by mixing together the paprika, chili powder, salt, sugar, pepper, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Set it aside.
  • Preheat the oven to 225° F (107° C).
  • Place the ribs with the rib bones facing up on a large cutting board. Remove the thin membrane by gently sliding a knife under the membrane and then using your fingers, pull the membrane away from the bones. If it is slippery or hard to grasp, use a kitchen towel to hold it and pull it off.
    Pro Tip: The membrane is the white piece of tissue attached to the underside of the ribs. It can be a little tough when cooked, and since we want the meat to fall off the bones, we suggest you remove it. You may find that the butcher has already removed it for you. Keep in mind that removing the membrane is optional. Some people prefer ribs that are a bit more chewy, if so feel free to leave the membrane on.
  • Flip the ribs over with the meat side up. With a sharp knife remove any fat from the ribs if there is any that needs to be removed.
  • Generously season both sides of the ribs with the dry rub seasoning.
  • Cover a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and place the ribs in the middle, meat side up. Bake the ribs for 3.5 hours.
  • Remove the ribs from the oven. Generously brush both sides of the ribs with barbecue sauce.
    Pro Tip: If you aren't a fan of barbecue sauce you can leave it off. The ribs are delicious as they are with the seasoned rub. Just cover with foil as shown in the next step and continue baking.
  • Using both the bottom sheet of foil and the top, fold the two layers of foil together around the edges to form a sealed pouch with the ribs inside.
  • Put the ribs back in the oven to bake for an hour longer.
  • Pro Tip: Baby back ribs should be cooked to an internal temperature between 198 and 202 degrees F. A quality instant-read thermometer will let you know if your ribs are done. Insert the probe into the thickest part of the meat, between the bones. Make sure your probe is not in a piece of fat or touching bones or you will not get an accurate read. I recommend taking the temperature in a couple of places across the ribs. Having multiple readings will give you a better indication as to whether or not your ribs are done.
  • Remove the ribs from the oven and let them rest for 10 minutes before uncovering.
  • Using a sharp knife, cut the ribs apart.
  • Optional: For less saucy ribs, place the ribs under the broiler and broil the ribs for 3 to 4 minutes, just until the barbecue sauce begins to caramelize. Keep a close eye on the ribs to make sure the sauce does not burn.

Notes

Note: Nutrition information does not include bbq sauce.
Expert Tips
  • Read through the entire recipe, the Ingredient Notes section of the post, and take a look at the process photos to see how this recipe comes together. We provide a lot of information within the body of this recipe post to ensure that your ribs come out perfectly every time.
  • Select quality ribs: When choosing ribs, look for a good amount of meat on the bones, with some marbling for extra flavor. Avoid ribs with too much fat.
  • Remove the membrane: The membrane on the back of the ribs can be tough and chewy. Use a knife to lift a corner of the membrane, then grasp it with a paper towel and gently pull it away from the ribs. This will allow the seasoning and flavors to penetrate the meat more easily.
  • Check for doneness: Baby back ribs should be cooked to an internal temperature between 198 and 202 degrees F. A quality instant-read thermometer will let you know if your ribs are done. Insert the probe into the thickest part of the meat, between the bones. Make sure your probe is not in a piece of fat or touching bones or you will not get an accurate read. I recommend taking the temperature in a couple of places across the ribs. Having multiple readings will give you a better indication as to whether or not your ribs are done.
Nutrition Facts
Oven Baked Ribs For One
Amount Per Serving (1 serving)
Calories 654 Calories from Fat 423
% Daily Value*
Fat 47g72%
Saturated Fat 16g100%
Trans Fat 0.4g
Polyunsaturated Fat 8g
Monounsaturated Fat 20g
Cholesterol 196mg65%
Sodium 1397mg61%
Potassium 792mg23%
Carbohydrates 4g1%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 2g2%
Protein 55g110%
Vitamin A 2033IU41%
Vitamin C 0.04mg0%
Calcium 98mg10%
Iron 3mg17%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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About Joanie Zisk

Joanie Zisk is the creator behind OneDishKitchen.com, the number one website for single-serving recipes. Joanie has over 10 years of experience in developing and publishing recipes, author of “The Ultimate Cooking for One Cookbook”, and a passionate home cook. Our aim is to inspire individuals with access to single-serving recipes, education, and a supportive community that will enable them to enjoy the preparation of a meal that will nourish both body and soul.

Reader Interactions

Comments

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Pat Cool says

    May 27, 2023 at 8:41 pm

    Love all your recipes thank you very much.

    Reply
  2. Gudrun says

    May 27, 2023 at 12:42 pm

    Thank you very much Joanie. All of it looks really yummy.
    You have such good ideas and easy to follow recipes.
    Kind Regards
    Gudrun

    Reply
  3. Conni says

    May 26, 2023 at 5:23 pm

    These sound great! You can really save on oven/cooking time by starting them in an instant pot and then finishing them off under the broiler.

    Reply
  4. Kathi says

    May 26, 2023 at 3:52 pm

    Will be making this this weekend but using my slow cooker, with the foil as a liner; as my gas oven is to costly to use and electricity is less expensive.

    Reply
  5. Rose says

    May 26, 2023 at 2:18 pm

    Can hardly wait to try this! Definitely will be this weekend. Thank you!

    Reply
  6. J. Hegyi says

    May 24, 2023 at 1:39 pm

    Terrific recipe.

    Reply
    • Joanie Zisk says

      May 25, 2023 at 7:18 am

      Thank you!

      Reply
      • J. Hegyi says

        May 25, 2023 at 9:15 am

        You are welcome.

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