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Three jars of traverse bay farms products including cherry barbeque sauce, monkey butter and cherry cherry on a wooden table with food items.
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Cherry BBQ Ribs

On By Andy LaPointe / 0 comments
Cherry BBQ Ribs

Updated: June, 2026

Author: Andy LaPointe - Co-Founder of Traverse Bay Farms

Quick Summary

These cherry BBQ ribs are made for outdoor celebrations: tender, smoky, and finished with a sticky sweet-tart cherry glaze that tastes like summer in Northern Michigan. You slow-bake the ribs until they are nearly fall-off-the-bone, then grill or broil them with Traverse Bay Farms Cherry BBQ Sauce for that glossy backyard-cookout finish.

At-a-Glance

  • Total time: About 3 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6–8 servings
  • Texture: Tender ribs with a sticky, glossy cherry BBQ glaze
  • Flavor: Smoky, savory rub with sweet-tart cherry barbecue finish
  • Key ingredients: Pork ribs, Traverse Bay Farms Cherry BBQ Sauce, spices
  • Skill level: Beginner to intermediate
  • Make-ahead note: Bake ribs earlier, chill, then grill and glaze right before serving
Cherry BBQ Ribs - Traverse Bay Farms

Prep and Yield

  • Total time: About 3 hours 15 minutes
  • Prep time: 20 minutes
  • Bake time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Grill or broil time: 10–15 minutes
  • Rest time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6–8 servings
  • Skill level: Beginner to intermediate

Ingredients

Ribs

  • 2 racks pork baby back ribs (about 4–5 lbs total) or St. Louis-style ribs
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard (optional binder)

Cherry BBQ Dry Rub

  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne (optional)

The Star Ingredient

Traverse Bay Farms Cherry BBQ Sauce — the sweet-tart glaze that makes these ribs unforgettable.

Instructions

1

Preheat the oven to 300°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.

2

Prep the ribs: Remove the membrane from the back of each rack if still attached. Pat ribs dry.

3

Optional binder: Lightly coat ribs with mustard to help the rub stick.

4

Apply the dry rub: Mix rub ingredients in a small bowl. Season ribs generously on both sides, pressing rub in so it adheres.

5

Slow bake: Wrap each rack tightly in foil and place on the baking sheet. Bake for 2 hours 30 minutes, until ribs are tender when you bend them slightly.

6

Heat the grill to medium-high heat, or set your oven broiler to high.

7

Sauce the ribs: Unwrap ribs carefully (watch for steam). Brush both sides with Cherry BBQ Sauce.

8

Grill or broil: Grill ribs 4–6 minutes per side, brushing with more sauce once or twice, until the glaze looks sticky and lightly caramelized. If broiling, place ribs on a foil-lined sheet and broil 2–4 minutes per side, watching closely so they do not burn.

9

Rest and serve: Rest ribs 10 minutes, slice between bones, and serve with extra Cherry BBQ Sauce on the side.

Chef's Tips

  • Remove the membrane for more tender ribs and better seasoning penetration.
  • Low and slow at 300°F keeps the meat tender and prevents drying out.
  • Brush sauce on near the end over heat, since sugars can burn quickly.
  • For pre-party prep, bake ribs earlier in the day, chill, then grill and glaze right before guests arrive.
  • Traverse Bay Farms tip: Our award-winning Cherry BBQ Sauce has a deep and balanced smoky and fruit flavor that is perfect for sweet smoky ribs.

Nutritional Highlights

  • Serving ribs with fresh sides like slaw, grilled vegetables, or fruit salad creates a balanced cookout plate.

Behind the Recipe

Memorial Day feels like the unofficial start of grilling season, and ribs are one of those dishes that bring everyone together. The cherry twist is pure Northern Michigan: fruit-forward flavor that plays surprisingly well with smoke, spice, and savory meat. Great for any occasion!

How to Serve

  • Serve with classic cookout sides like coleslaw, baked beans, and corn on the cob.
  • Add a simple green salad or grilled vegetables for a lighter balance.
  • Set out extra sauce and napkins, and let guests build their plates family-style.
  • Use leftover ribs in sandwiches with slaw and a drizzle of cherry BBQ sauce.

How to Store and Make Ahead

These ribs are perfect for entertaining because you can do most of the work ahead and finish on the grill.

  • Make ahead: Bake ribs up to 24 hours ahead, cool, and refrigerate wrapped. Reheat on the grill or in a 325°F oven, then glaze to finish.
  • Refrigerator: Store leftovers sealed for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze rib portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

FAQ

Can I make cherry BBQ ribs ahead of time?

Yes, and it is one of the best ways to reduce stress on a busy cookout day. Bake the ribs earlier, cool them, and refrigerate them wrapped. Right before serving, reheat on the grill or under the broiler and brush with cherry BBQ sauce so the glaze turns sticky and fresh.

Do I need a grill to make cherry BBQ ribs?

No. You can finish the ribs under the broiler and still get a caramelized glaze. Place sauced ribs on a foil-lined sheet, broil a few minutes per side, and watch closely so the sugars do not burn. The oven-bake step is what makes the ribs tender, so the finish is quick.

How do I keep BBQ ribs from drying out?

Bake them wrapped tightly in foil at a low temperature so steam stays inside and tenderizes the meat. Do not overcook during the finishing step on the grill or broiler, because that is when moisture can be lost quickly. Rest the ribs briefly before slicing so juices stay in the meat.

What sides go best with cherry BBQ ribs?

Classic cookout sides like coleslaw, baked beans, potato salad, and corn on the cob pair perfectly with cherry BBQ ribs. Fresh sides like a green salad, grilled vegetables, or fruit salad also help balance the rich, smoky glaze. Offer extra sauce and lime or lemon wedges if you like brighter flavor.

Our Family Promise to You

  • 38+ National Food Awards and Counting
  • Northern Michigan Roots, Nationwide Reach
  • Crafted with Real USA-Grown Fruit and Ingredients
  • Family-Owned Business Dedicated to Pure, Honest Flavor

Customer Testimonials

"The cherry BBQ sauce was the surprise hit. Sweet-tart and smoky, and the ribs were so tender."

— Jason M., Columbus, OH

"We made these for our Memorial Day cookout and everyone asked for the sauce recipe."

— Erin L., Richmond, VA

"Baked first, grilled last made it so easy. The glaze turned sticky and perfect."

— Nicole S., Boise, ID

Ready to Make These Ribs?

Pick up Traverse Bay Farms Cherry BBQ Sauce — award-winning, made with Michigan-grown tart cherries, and shipped nationwide.

Shop Cherry BBQ Sauce

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