Crockpot Maple Bourbon Country-Style Ribs Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a deeper flavor, you can sear the ribs in a hot skillet with a small amount of oil before placing them in the slow cooker. This step adds a layer of caramelized flavor to the exterior of the meat that complements the sweet notes of the maple bourbon mixture. If you choose to do this, ensure the skillet is very hot and sear the ribs quickly on all sides, then proceed with the rest of the recipe as instructed.

Consider serving these ribs with a side that can soak up the excess sauce left in the slow cooker, such as creamy mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or crusty bread. The sauce is truly the highlight of this dish, so do not let it go to waste.

You can also toss the ribs in any remaining glaze just before serving to ensure they are coated as heavily as possible, which adds a professional touch to the final presentation on the plate.

Variations

• Spicy Maple Bourbon Ribs: Add one teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the mixture before pouring it over the ribs to introduce a subtle, warming heat that balances the maple sweetness.
• Garlic Infused Ribs: Incorporate three cloves of minced fresh garlic into the slow cooker along with the onions to add a savory depth and aromatic punch to the final glaze.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Ensure the leftovers cool for no more than 2 hours before placing them into the refrigerator.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water if the sauce becomes too thick.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the meat as moist as possible, store it along with a small amount of the cooking sauce, which acts as a protective layer and prevents the pork from drying out.

Avoid storing the ribs in the original slow cooker basin, as this can take up unnecessary space and may not provide the necessary airtight seal required to maintain the quality of the food.

You can prepare the sauce and dice the onions a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble the dish. This can save you time on busy mornings or evenings.

When you are ready to cook, simply arrange the ribs in the slow cooker, add the pre-prepared ingredients, and start the cooking process. This method ensures you can get a delicious, slow-cooked meal on the table with even less effort during the day.

Serving ideas

Serve these ribs hot, ideally arranged on a large platter for a family-style presentation. Provide plenty of napkins, as the sticky, glazed nature of the dish makes it a hands-on experience.

The deep, rich color of the ribs against a plain white plate makes for an appealing visual contrast, so consider using simple dinnerware to let the food stand out. It is a hearty main course that pairs well with fresh, crisp vegetables to balance the richness of the maple bourbon glaze.

If you are serving this for a gathering, consider placing a small bowl of extra sauce on the side for guests to drizzle over their portion. You can also garnish the platter with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as chopped parsley or chives, to add a pop of color and freshness. The tender meat will be the star of the show, so keep the sides simple and let the flavors of the slow-cooked pork take center stage during your meal.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Crockpot Maple Bourbon Country-Style Ribs

Prep 10 minCook 6 hRest 5 minTotal 6 h 15 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 3 lb country-style pork ribs
• 1 medium sweet onion, diced
• 1 packet brown gravy mix
• 1 cup maple bourbon mixture

Instructions

1. Place the pork ribs into the basin of the slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer if possible to ensure even cooking throughout the process.
2. Scatter the diced sweet onion over the pork ribs, then sprinkle the brown gravy mix evenly across the top of the meat and onions.
3. Pour the maple bourbon mixture over the seasoned ribs. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours until the meat reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Once cooked, let the meat rest for at least 3 minutes before serving.
4. Once the ribs are tender and have rested, carefully remove them from the slow cooker using tongs. Transfer the ribs to a serving plate and drizzle with any remaining glaze from the basin.

Contains: gluten

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

450

Protein

32 g

Carbohydrates

25 g

Fat

24 g

Fiber

0.5 g

Sugar

18 g

Sodium

850 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.