Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Country-Style Ribs Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To achieve a slightly thicker glaze, you can remove the ribs once they are cooked and set the slow cooker to high for 15-20 minutes with the lid off to reduce the sauce.

This concentrates the honey and mustard flavors, creating a stickier, more intense coating. Be sure to watch the sauce closely during this time so it does not burn, as the sugar in the honey can caramelize very quickly at higher temperatures.

If you find the sauce is too thin, you can whisk in a small amount of cornstarch slurry (one teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with one tablespoon of water) during the final 30 minutes of cooking.

This will provide a glossy, professional finish to the glaze. Always stir the slurry in gently so you do not break apart the tender ribs, and allow the slow cooker to remain covered while the sauce thickens to its ideal consistency.

Variations

• Spicy Honey Mustard Ribs: Add one tablespoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce mixture before pouring it over the ribs. This adds a pleasant heat that balances the sweetness of the honey perfectly.
• Herbed Honey Mustard Ribs: Incorporate one tablespoon of dried rosemary or thyme into the sauce mixture. These earthy herbs pair exceptionally well with the mustard and pork, adding a sophisticated aromatic depth to the final dish.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Reheat

Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through, adding a splash of water if needed to thin the sauce.

Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the ribs are completely cooled before putting them into the fridge, but do not leave them out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

The sauce will keep the meat moist, but it is best to store the meat and extra sauce together so they stay flavorful. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to prevent the sauce from drying out.

These ribs are excellent for making ahead, as the flavors often improve after sitting in the refrigerator overnight. Prepare the dish as instructed, then allow it to cool and refrigerate.

When you are ready to serve, simply reheat the ribs in a covered dish in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through. This makes them a perfect option for planning ahead for busy weekends or hosting guests, as the active work is already done.

Serving ideas

Serve these ribs alongside simple sides that complement the sweet and tangy glaze. Mashed potatoes or roasted root vegetables are excellent choices as they absorb the extra sauce beautifully. A crisp, fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a nice textural contrast to the rich, tender pork, balancing the meal with some refreshing acidity and crunch.

For a more casual presentation, these ribs can be served directly from the slow cooker at a gathering. Provide plenty of napkins, as the sticky honey glaze is meant to be enjoyed with your hands. You can also shred the meat from the bones and serve it on toasted buns topped with a quick coleslaw for a delicious sandwich variation that highlights the tender, flavorful pork.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Country-Style Ribs

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

Ingredients

• 2 lbs country-style pork ribs
• 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup chicken broth

Instructions

1. Place the raw country-style pork ribs into the bottom of the slow cooker, ensuring they are arranged in an even layer to promote consistent cooking throughout the process.
2. Spoon the Dijon mustard over the ribs. Sprinkle the garlic powder evenly across the meat. Finally, pour the mixture of honey and chicken broth over everything in the slow cooker.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours. Check that the ribs reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Remove the ribs and let them rest for at least 5 minutes before serving to ensure tenderness.

Contains: mustard

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

450

Protein

32 g

Carbohydrates

28 g

Fat

22 g

Fiber

0.5 g

Sugar

25 g

Sodium

450 mg

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