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    Home » Main Dishes » Oven Baked Ribs with Bar B Barn Sauce

    Oven Baked Ribs with Bar B Barn Sauce

    June 6, 2015 , Updated September 17, 2019 Maria 20 Comments

    Jump to Recipe

    As an appetizer or main event, these Oven Baked Ribs with Bar B Barn Sauce are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Sweet and sticky, perfect fall-off-the-bone tender ribs every single time!  

    Sweet Bar B Barn Ribs

     

    Growing up Italian meant a lot of home cooked meals.

    So naturally, the first time I ate in a restaurant made a lasting impression on me. 

    It was the Bar-B-Barn Restaurant located in my hometown, Montreal. It’s been opened ever since 1967 and has since become somewhat of a city landmark.

    This was also the very first time I tasted ribs basted in a sweet and sticky sauce (these sort of meals were not in my mom’s repertoire!)

    Fast forward a few decades later…I am preparing ribs, at home with a copycat version of the recipe for the BBQ sauce. I love to serve these ribs with Baked Beans and Sweet Corn Salad. 

    They also make one of the best appetizers… just make sure to provide your guests with some hand wipes! 

    Are you ready to make the best ribs?

    How to make the Best Oven Baked Ribs:

    Before I begin, I know that I am opening up Pandora’s box by writing that I boil my ribs before cooking or barbecuing them. Yes, I am wearing my dietitian‘s hat as I am writing this. 

    I have had my share of discussions with so many friends and family over the years. I am always interested in knowing how everyone prepares their ribs, and particularly what motivates people to boil or not boil their ribs prior to baking or barbecuing with the sauce.

    I have come to the conclusion that it really boils down to personal choice and taste (please excuse the pun, but I couldn’t resist!) Based on my personal experience, every time I serve these ribs, I have yet to hear someone complain about the taste.

    Sweet Bar B Barn Ribs

    Boiling the ribs: Let‘s begin by placing the ribs in a large pot. Cover with cold water and add a few bay leafs, one onion, one celery stalk and a few peppercorns.

    Bring to a boil; cover and then reduce heat to a simmer. Let it go for about 45- 60 minutes. In the meanwhile, let‘s make the sauce.

    To make the sauce: Simply combine all the ingredients in a medium sized pan over medium heat. These ingredients include: brown sugar, applesauce, ketchup, lemon juice, salt, pepper, cinnamon, paprika and garlic.

    Simmer for about 20-30 minutes. Once done, set it aside while waiting for the ribs.

    Baking the ribs: Place the boiled ribs in a single layer in a large baking dish.  Brush the sauce on one side of the ribs and bake for about 45 minutes. Turn the ribs over and baste with more sauce and cook for another 45 minutes. 

    Serve and enjoy!

    Sweet Bar B Barn Ribs

    Origins of the recipe for Oven Baked Ribs:

    Decades ago, my cousin Mary, who loves the local newspaper, the Montreal Gazette, informed me that the recipe for the infamous Bar B Barn rib sauce was featured in the Food Section.

    That was a very happy day for me.

    Over the years, time and time again, there have been wonderful recipes to be found in the Food Section of the Gazette. (If you like thick homemade soups, you need to try this easy White Bean Soup, also courtesy of the Gazette.)

    I found the original recipe for the sauce to be a little too sweet, so I decreased the amount of brown sugar. (My husband still finds it a little sweet, but he is in the minority). I kept all the other measurements the same.

    I will also use my Homemade Applesauce for this recipe. Feel free to use any commercial brand that is unsweetened.

    So, whether or not you boil your ribs before cooking them, you really should try this Bar-B-Barn sauce for ribs. Restaurant style ribs in the comfort of your home.

    Enjoy!!!

    THANKS SO MUCH for following and being part of the She Loves Biscotti community where you will find Simple & Tasty Family-Friendly Recipes with an Italian Twist.

    Ciao for now,

    Maria

    ★★★★★ If you have made these Oven Baked Ribs, I would love to hear about it in the comments below and be sure to rate the recipe!

    Sweet Bar B Barn Ribs

    Oven Baked Ribs

    As an appetizer or main event, or whether baking, barbecuing or slow cooking, these Sweet Bar-B-Barn Ribs are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!
    4.80 from 5 votes
    Print Save RecipeSaved! Pin Rate
    Course: Appetizer or Main Meal
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
    Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
    Servings: 6 servings
    Calories: 840kcal
    Author: Maria Vannelli RD
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    Ingredients

    The ribs:

    • 4 lbs baby back ribs pork or beef
    • 2 bay leafs
    • 1 onion chopped
    • 1 celery stalk chopped in half
    • 1 tablespoon peppercorns

    The sauce:

    • 1½ cups brown sugar
    • 1 cup applesauce unsweetened
    • 1/2 cup ketchup
    • 1/3 cup lemon juice
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
    • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
    • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
    • 2 cloves garlic fresh, minced

    Instructions

    The ribs:

    • Place the ribs in a large pot.
    • Cover with cold water.
    • Add herbs and vegetables.
    • Bring water to a boil; cover, reduce heat and simmer 45 minutes to 1 hour or until ribs are tender (meanwhile you can make the sauce).
    • Remove ribs from pot and place in a shallow glass baking dish.

    The sauce:

    • While the ribs are simmering, whisk all the ingredients for the sauce in a medium sized pan over low heat.
    • Simmer for 20-30 minutes, occasionally whisking the sauce.

    The bake:

    • Brush sauce on one side of the ribs.
    • Place in oven and cook for 45 minutes at 350 ° F
    • Turn ribs over and baste with more sauce.
    • Continue cooking for another 45 minutes.
    • Serve and enjoy!
    Scroll UP for the STEP by STEP PhotosDon't miss the process shots and videos included in most posts. Simply scroll up the post to find them. Those were created especially for you so that you can make the recipe perfectly every single time you try it.

    Notes

    I will use my homemade chunky applesauce for this recipe.
    If barbecuing, place ribs on greased grill on medium heat. Baste with sauce. Continue turning and basting for about 15 minutes or until meat is nicely grilled and sauce is caramelized.
    Please keep in mind that the nutritional information provided below is just a rough estimate and variations can occur depending on the specific ingredients used. 
    *adapted from recipe found in The Montreal Gazette
     

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 840kcal | Carbohydrates: 68g | Protein: 59g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 223mg | Sodium: 588mg | Potassium: 1218mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 62g | Vitamin A: 265IU | Vitamin C: 8.3mg | Calcium: 135mg | Iron: 3.5mg
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    Sweet Bar B Barn Ribs

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    Filed Under: Appetizers, Main Dishes

    About Maria

    Maria Vannelli is a registered dietitian who lives in a suburb just outside Montreal, Canada. She's the founder of the food blog She Loves Biscotti. Maria hopes to inspire you and bring you and your loved ones closer together at meal times enabling you to create some memorable moments.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Claude

      August 14, 2021 at 1:18 pm

      4 stars
      I tried the recipe and it was a hit with my family and next door neighbor. The next time I make it I plan to make it my own by marinating the ribs in A&W root beer for four hours. Three of my children said they missed that root beer taste from my usual recipe

      Reply
      • Maria

        August 14, 2021 at 9:20 pm

        Sounds like an interesting variation Claude! Thanks for taking the time to comment, appreciate it!

        Reply
    2. Ellen

      April 17, 2021 at 9:29 pm

      I am not sure how to cook ribs. Do I cut them apart before I boil /cook them?

      Reply
      • Maria

        April 17, 2021 at 10:01 pm

        Great question Ellen. I cut them in individual portions before I boil them. Thanks so much for your interest.

        Reply
    3. Louise

      May 27, 2019 at 8:37 pm

      5 stars
      Excellent!
      I indeed remember the Bar B Barn ribs as being sweeter (and “fatter”). Your sauce is superior. Thanks for the memories. My husband, who is not really fond of ribs, absolutely loved your recipe!!!

      Reply
      • Maria

        May 27, 2019 at 9:27 pm

        My pleasure Louise! Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with this recipe, appreciate it!

        Reply
    4. Darlene

      July 25, 2018 at 9:29 pm

      5 stars
      Maria I love this recipe. When we are in the mood for great sweet ribs these are what I make. I also have a few recipes for bbq sauce that I through together. But none the less these go over very well. We have Rib fest in our town and never bother instead I make about 3 different kinds one of source is this one then invite a bunch of friends over . They always said did you get these at rib fest and I say nope these are bar b barn sauce and mine. Nobody goes home hungry. Thanks a million!!!
      Darlene.

      Reply
      • Maria

        July 26, 2018 at 3:45 pm

        I am thrilled you and your loved ones enjoy this recipe. My family and friends are the same… great ribs with lots of sticky fingers 🙂 Thanks so much for taking the time and sharing your story with these sweet ribs, truly appreciate it ♥

        Reply
    5. Wendy (holden)

      October 31, 2017 at 10:27 pm

      Thanks so much on a cool Halloween 🎃👻night .. this recipe is being shared on F bk by a group slightly homesick (read BAR B line ups!) ex Mtlers from Toronto to Calgary to D C to Pennsylvania…as it s been tested now..! I m hoping Calgary young uns will use at Christmas…but also a) the Tuscan bean soup is in the slow cooker and I loved your potsticker cooking hints..! Now if only those bricks of fries..could be bought like putt putt St H pies and tourtieres in Calgary..! Thanks for these.!

      Reply
      • Maria

        November 01, 2017 at 10:40 am

        My pleasure Wendy! Hope they brought back some wonderful memories ♥ Thanks for taking the time to comment. Hope you guys had a great Halloween!

        Reply
    6. Nancy M.

      April 09, 2017 at 12:26 pm

      Made the ribs for a family get together, and we loved them!

      Reply
      • Maria

        April 09, 2017 at 5:37 pm

        So glad to hear Nancy! This is a recipe I will make quite often, especially in the summer. Thanks for taking the time to comment ♥♥♥

        Reply
    7. MARY AU

      July 23, 2016 at 10:08 am

      5 stars
      Oh Maria, I could not believe you did this. I was studying in McGill in the 80s and had waited in line so many times for those famous ribs. I have since been trying to come up with a similar version. Over the years, I experimented and modified, Eventually, I become very good with ribs and have about 5-6 versions . Had 3 major breakthrough over the years and my sweet ribs are slightly different than Bar B Barns. I visited them again a few years back and my family prefers mine now. However, I will try this recipe here and will keep an eye on your blog.
      I sometimes boil my ribs but not always, most definitely when I prepare Asian flavored ones, cause the boiling creates a very flavorful broth (after the fat is remove) for quick soups.

      Reply
      • Maria

        July 23, 2016 at 10:14 am

        Hello fellow Montrealer! I am glad to hear I am not the only one obsessed with those Bar B ribs…Yes, I agree the broth is very flavorful. Truly appreciate you taking the time to comment and thanks for following 🙂

        Reply
    8. Charlotte Oates

      June 20, 2016 at 6:02 pm

      I love ribs and these sound amazing! Off to pin them so I can give them a try 🙂

      Thanks for joining #FoodYearLinkup, I hope you’ll come and join again soon xx

      Reply
      • Maria

        June 20, 2016 at 7:42 pm

        Hope you like them! Thanks so much for the opportunity to join the #FoodYearLinkup. We will definitely be seeing more of each other 🙂

        Reply
    9. Corina

      June 18, 2016 at 4:46 pm

      I do love ribs! I have my own favourite recipe but I’m always looking at new recipes too and have never tried one with applesauce in! These ribs look and sound great.

      Reply
      • Maria

        June 19, 2016 at 7:28 pm

        Thanks Corina! Hope you get a chance to try them 🙂

        Reply
    10. Maria

      May 01, 2016 at 10:05 pm

      5 stars
      Gotta try to make your sauce Mary!!

      Reply
      • Maria

        May 02, 2016 at 8:56 am

        Made the recipe Saturday for “the kids”… it really is finger licking good. I am sure your “kids” will appreciate it also. Have a great day 🙂

        Reply

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    Maria from She loves biscotti

    Hi, I'm Maria! a dietitian and full-time content creator. Join me as I share traditional Italian recipes from my youth to modern twists on classics using fresh and seasonal ingredients.

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