Dive into the rich, comforting flavors of Smoky Apple Butter Country Ribs, a dish that combines tender, fall-apart pork with a luscious, tangy-sweet sauce. These slow-cooked country-style ribs are first seared to lock in flavor, then simmered in a delightful blend of apple butter, molasses, apple cider vinegar, and smoky spices like smoked paprika and liquid smoke. Thinly sliced onions add a touch of sweetness, while the slow cooker ensures every bite is infused with deep, smoky goodness. Perfect for cozy family dinners or weekend gatherings, these ribs are as effortless as they are irresistible. Serve them with a drizzle of the sauce and your favorite sides for a meal thatβs sure to impress!
Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil.
Season the pork ribs with salt and black pepper on both sides.
Sear the ribs in the skillet for about 2-3 minutes per side until lightly browned. Work in batches, if necessary. Set aside.
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the apple butter, apple cider vinegar, molasses, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried mustard, and liquid smoke to make the smoky apple butter sauce.
In a slow cooker, layer the sliced yellow onion on the bottom.
Place the seared ribs on top of the onion layer.
Pour the smoky apple butter sauce evenly over the ribs.
Add the water to the slow cooker to ensure thereβs enough liquid for cooking.
Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the ribs are tender and fall apart easily.
Once finished, carefully remove the ribs and onions from the slow cooker and place them on a serving platter.
Optional: Skim any excess fat from the sauce in the slow cooker before serving.
Serve the smoky apple butter ribs with the sauce drizzled on top and enjoy!
Calories |
4511 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 328.3 g | 421% | |
| Saturated Fat | 111.2 g | 556% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1089 mg | 363% | |
| Sodium | 3432 mg | 149% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 111.6 g | 41% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.9 g | 42% | |
| Total Sugars | 91.9 g | ||
| Protein | 275.0 g | 550% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 281 mg | 22% | |
| Iron | 14.3 mg | 79% | |
| Potassium | 4286 mg | 91% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.