Georgia Peach Maple Bourbon Country Pork Ribs Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For the most tender ribs, choose country-style ribs that are well-marbled. If you have time, sear the ribs in a hot skillet before adding them to the slow cooker—this adds a deeper flavor, though it's not necessary.

Keep the lid on during cooking, and only peek near the end to check doneness.

To make the sauce extra glossy, you can remove the ribs after cooking and simmer the sauce on the stovetop for a few minutes to reduce it.

If you prefer a thicker glaze, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water and stir it into the sauce, then cook for a few more minutes until thickened.

Variations

• Spicy Peach Ribs: Add 1 teaspoon of chili powder or a minced chipotle pepper in adobo sauce to the BBQ sauce before pouring. This adds a smoky heat that balances the sweetness of the peaches and bourbon.
• Peach-Apple Ribs: Replace half of the peaches with sliced apples, such as Honeycrisp or Fuji. The apples add a tart crunch that complements the pork and creates a more complex fruit flavor.
• Bourbon-Glazed Ribs: After the ribs are cooked, remove them and set aside. Simmer the sauce on the stovetop for 10-15 minutes until reduced and thickened. Brush the glaze over the ribs and broil for 2-3 minutes for a caramelized finish.
• No-Bourbon Version: Substitute the bourbon with apple juice or cider and add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. This keeps the fruity flavor without the alcohol, making it suitable for all ages.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze the cooked ribs and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Reheat

Reheat in a covered skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until hot. Add a splash of water or apple juice to loosen the sauce if needed.

Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The peaches and sauce will keep together, and the flavors will continue to meld. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

This recipe is perfect for making ahead. You can assemble everything in the slow cooker insert the night before, cover, and refrigerate.

In the morning, place the insert in the slow cooker and cook as directed, adding about 30 minutes to the cooking time since the ingredients are cold.

Serving ideas

Serve the ribs hot, with extra sauce spooned over the top. They pair beautifully with classic Southern sides like creamy coleslaw, cornbread, or mac and cheese.

The sweet-savory glaze also goes well with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables to soak up the sauce.

For a more casual meal, shred the pork and serve it on slider buns with pickles and a bit of the glaze. The peaches can be chopped and mixed into the meat for a fruity twist. This is a versatile dish that works for both weeknight dinners and weekend gatherings.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Georgia Peach Maple Bourbon Country Pork Ribs

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

Ingredients

• 3 lb boneless country-style pork ribs
• 2 cups sliced fresh peaches (about 3 peaches)
• 1/4 cup bourbon
• 1 1/2 cups maple bourbon BBQ sauce

Instructions

1. Place the boneless country-style pork ribs in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer if possible. Scatter the sliced peaches evenly over the ribs. Pour the bourbon over the peaches and ribs, letting it pool in the bottom of the cooker.
2. Pour the maple bourbon BBQ sauce over the ribs and peaches, using a spatula to spread it evenly so all the meat is coated. There is no need to stir—the slow cooker will blend the flavors as it cooks.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the pork is fork-tender and easily pulls apart. The sauce will have thickened and the peaches will have softened into a sweet glaze. Let it rest for 3 minutes before slicing.
4. Turn off the slow cooker and let the pork rest in the sauce for at least 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and the meat to become even more tender. Use a fork to test that the meat shreds easily.
5. Using a serving fork, lift the ribs out of the slow cooker and place them on a serving plate. Spoon some of the peach-bourbon glaze from the cooker over the top. Serve hot.

Contains: sulfites

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

520

Protein

32 g

Carbohydrates

38 g

Fat

25 g

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