How to Smoke Baby Back Ribs with Melissa Cookston | Pit Boss Grills Recipes

Award-winning Pitmaster Melissa Cookston shows you how to smoke baby back ribs on her Pit Boss Pellet Grill.
In this recipe, Melissa uses her Memphis Dry Rub:
1.5 cups Turbinado Sugar
1/3 cup of Paprika
1/4 cup Chili Powder
1/3 cup Kosher Salt
1 tsp Black Pepper
1 tsp Ground Cumin
2 tsp Dry Mustard
1.5 tsp Cayenne Pepper
2 tbsp Granulated Garlic
1 tbsp Onion Powder
1. Smoke at 250°F for 2 hours.
2. Wrap in tin foil with brown sugar, Memphis Dry Rub applied front and back along with honey and apple juice.
3. Place back on the grill at 250°F for about 2 hours.
4. Ribs are ready when the meat pulls nicely from the bone.
Pork Loin Back Ribs aka Baby Back Ribs are cut above the loin muscle located on the back of the pig. The ribs are shorter and more tender than their spare rib counterparts. People who prefer baby backs also like the thickness of the meat compared to spare ribs. All in all, think of baby backs as short and stocky while spare ribs are long and lean.
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[@williamrobare6794]

My 14yr daughter with Down syndrome saved her allowance for four months to buy me the pit boss lexington 540 smoker for Father's Day, but she couldn't wait that long, so I got it in my Easter basket we watched this video and decided to cook these ribs together first and they were so good and easy to do thank you Ms. Cookston, for this recipe, we will be cooking more of your recipes this spring and summer

[@Jawang85]

She must have an amazing dad

[@domquirino5741]

That’s amazing

[@morgangentle1515]

Well weren’t you praying for some free shit 💩

[@ForOrAgainstUs]

I never cooked ribs before, let alone on the Pit Boss. This was the best video I found and now I come back to it all the time. I ask my kid "Ribs today?" and she says no. Ignore her and make ribs. Ask her if she wants some ribs. Takes a whiff. "Yes!!!" Every. Dang. Time.

[@johndough7942]

"ignore her and make ribs" 😂

[@anthonynori6911]

I have been making ribs for years and I can honestly say, THESE WERE THE BEST RIBS I HAVE EVER MADE, THANK YOU…

[@brentphillips9247]

Met Melissa at her restaurant in Horn Lake Ms. She sat with us for 20 mins and talked smoking. She's forgotten more than I'll ever know. She was very nice and seems like a friendly humble person. Coincidentally. Her ribs are my favorite so far.

[@aarona2625]

On my pitboss 250 degrees was just a bit too much. Tried it the second time at 225 degrees for the first 3 hours 250 for the last hour. They came out PERFECT! Best ribs I’ve ever made or tasted

[@kennethanderson6321]

Close the the vent so it’s not open flame that should do it for you.

[@user-yi5sh1kf9m]

I'm new to smoking and have never tried grilling ribs. I followed this recipe exactly and it was fantastic. I just did it again for the second time wondering if I just got lucky, and they turned out just as perfect. Even my wife, who has never been into ribs, loved them and was raving about them to our family and friends. Thanks Melissa !

[@anthonyhill4551]

The best ribs I think I've ever had. Great recipe, cooked to perfection on my Pit Boss Austin XL! Absolutely phenomenal! 👊

[@MtnBadger]

Finally, a simple, complete and understandable video without a bunch of superfluous information. It's nice when people can communicate an idea. I'm in Georgia, home of wet, "mustard ribs." A carry over from the Carolinas but,, we also do tomato based sauce, too as were close to mid-southern, states as well. Will try this method in just a little while, can't wait to try 'em!

[@kevinmumphrey8191]

Followed the recipe exactly...the best ribs I ever cooked and tasted. Thanks!

[@Smokey.Tackle]

i have owned my pitboss grill for over a year now and looooove it. best grill i have ever owned. We cook on it at least 2 times a week.

[@irenehaugen6143]

Thank you so much for this fabulous recipe. I just recently acquired a Traeger and today is my first attempt at a rack of ribs. They are on their last hour of cooking... can't wait!!!

[@troylight7490]

Tried this recipe today using my Traeger pellet grill (wish I had a Pit Boss) and the results were fantastic (Thanks Melissa!)! After watching this video, this is the very first time I have been able to pull the silver skin off in one piece after watching your technique. Starting in the middle and pulling straight up did the trick. No paper towels needed. I have eaten many, many times at Memphis BBQ company because I lived in Southaven, MS where the restaurant is located, and they have some of the very best ribs anywhere, so I knew this was going to be good. I have followed the rib rub recipe before but I always ground it down to make it more powdery and I think all I did was mess up the ratio by doing that. The wrap was different than what I had tried previously with adding butter instead of apple juice. What a difference. This will now be my go to recipe for baby back ribs. Just wish I could get your sauce here in Florida.

[@jackstewart2148]

Troy Light You substituted apple juice for butter sounds good!

[@jasonmichael7690]

Eric Seenson traeger is Chinese made garbage. They sold out years ago

[@bkh5746]

@@jasonmichael7690 basically they are all the same.😂i have a outdoor gourmet,that i put a traeger control board in and it cooks like a champ😂i have 85$ in it

[@BoogerMan309]

Hands down, the best ribs I've ever ate and cooked myself!! I followed the recipe exactly. I used Texas Trio so I had a bit of problem with termperature control. It didn't matter, the recipe and instructions were so good even I couldn't mess it up. Many thanks for sharing !!!

[@chadmilburn1811]

This method works like a champ every time. So easy!

[@jculleeny]

My first smoke on my new Pit Boss 700 classic was this recipe. Spent the day our son’s house with our grandchildren. Meanwhile anxious that the ribs will turn out, the Pit Boss perform as hoped…Wow! Ribs were great, flavorful and the two year old twins and their five old brother brother couldn’t get enough! Great recipe, great smoker, great day!

[@johncollins7044]

Oh my..she ripped that membrane off like spine ripping 1987 Predator!

[@janarkas252]

lol

[@bigvegass]

This

[@jeffnadeau8411]

Exactly! My eyes got big when she did that! LOL!

[@MisterWub]

Haaa! Yes! I was pretty amazed by that. I've had so much trouble pulling that damn membrane off, and here I was considering Myron Mixon's membrane remover until I saw this.

[@apocalypticrain]

thats what i was going say

[@kenshi612]

Did this for the family Easter dinner. My family loved it. It was the first time I attempted cooking ribs. Thank you so much for this.

[@Nomad-376]

Seriously , cant believe I'm able to watch a multi champion of bbq with directions !! Everyone has their fav style . But Memphis style always been my favorite . From rub to sauce. younger people are so damn spoiled !!! Lots of love

[@mbeacom21]

Thank you for helping me make the best ribs my family had ever had! So good! One thing I might add is to take the drippings and pour them over the ribs after cutting them into serving size chunks. It gives them a delicious pop of flavor.

[@greglutz9668]

Did a rack today just like Melissa said and they turned out fantastic. Best rib I've ever eaten.

[@unclealzbbq2185]

The pit BOSS does it all- you do not need a giant smoker to have great BBQ- i have done ribs beef and pork competition chicken beer can chicken hot wings fish steaks burgers ETC-- IT is a great Grill/Smoker-- you could just smoke 2 hours and finish in the oven to save pellets- THANKS PIT BOSS you bring joy to my life--

[@marcusfabiousmaximus3463]

Very smart way to turn over when wrapping, thanks learned something

[@PitBossGrills]

🔥🔥👍

[@gregmurray169]

Melissa - thank you so much for this video! I just cooked a rack of ribs on my new Pit Boss and they turned out amazing…the best we’ve had! The hardest part for me was getting my big fingers under the membrane. My wife was able to get it off easily 😁 we will def do this again!

[@EM-lq8rr]

The brown sugar and honey wrap is THE BEST tip I have ever tried. You know when you smoke ribs all your life you develop your way of doing it and every now and then you hear of a good tip and give it a try... well this one was a game changer for me. Thank you. -Rivergrille offset smoker, hickory and cherry logs, rub, 2.5 hour smoke, 2 hour wrap with a little more rub, brown sugar, honey and apple juice and then 30 min unwrapped. This is my method from now on! I wish I could add a photo of the rack to this comment!

[@dougreed-jf1ic]

fantastic still learnin after 20+years Thanks God bless ya.

[@shellyfromseattle676]

Absolutely the best rib process and recipe ever!!!

[@jerrythompson3776]

Used this recipe on St Louis Spare Ribs recently on my Pit Boss Navigator. Everyone loved them. Thank you!

[@spoonskill7080]

First time smoking ribs, followed Melissa's direction on my Pit Boss, and my ribs came out perfect. Had a hard time even picking them up because the meat just wanted to fall away from the bone. Can't believe my first time smoking ribs and they came out better than I've had at restaurants. Thank you Melissa a great recipe, and thank you Pit Boss for a fantastic smoker!

[@JM-fc9gm]

Ideally you don’t want them falling off the bone. May have been slightly over cooked.

[@cybernode33]

Having been a Traeger+ user for years, I was initially hesitant to make the switch to Asmoke. But boy, am I glad I did! The precise temperature control that Asmoke offers is a game-changer. It takes the guesswork out of grilling and ensures the ribs are perfectly smoked every time. I also love the fact that it's portable and battery-powered. This means I can now take my grilling adventures on the road! The wood pellets, with their variety of flavors, give my food a delicious, smoky taste that Traeger+ just couldn't achieve. Plus, the environmental aspect of using recycled wood materials in their pellets resonates with me. I am looking forward to creating and sharing more delicious recipes with my Asmoke grill. #Asmoke

[@hyenaswine]

I made some ribs like this last weekend. I think dry rub Memphis style is my new favourite. Thanks a lot!

[@the_new_risen3870]

There’s no other way I make my ribs. DELICIOUS!!!

[@PitBossGrills]

Those do turn out really good, don't they!

[@dumpl3dore]

Melissa, Thanks for sharing your rub recipe and technique. I made a 1/2 recipe just for fun to try out and and thought, "hmmm, well, okay, maybe, we'll see". As it turned out I had picked up a rack of loin back ribs that we're on sale and decided to get busy. Smoked them on my Weber kettle. The only adjustments I made were that I used fresh pineapple juice instead of apple for the wrap and Parkay instead of honey. The results were out of this world good. I can't believe how delicious they turned out. Forget the BBQ sauce, the sauce that this makes in the wrap beats any BBQ sauce. I used bread to sop it up. Now I understand what Memphis dry ribs means. Fantastic. Thanks again.

[@russellburress6240]

Hi Melissa I've seen you both as a competitor and of course a judge on Barbecue Pitmasters I enjoy watching it seen everyone's different take on various meats and poultry and like most cooking methods I like to combine different styles and experiment

[@TheAutoimmuneDad]

Bringing in 2021 with this recipe! So long 2020, can't say I'm gonna miss ya!

[@bobbyt6987]

I happen to catch you today for the 1st time on a BBQ cookoff show. You ended up winning. This recipe looks Easy & Amazing. You've got a New Fan. TY

[@beepingwithbeppe6376]

I had to send a message @Pit Boss Grills, to let you know that we did this recipe for ribs on our Pitboss smoker today. Holy sweet deliciousness, were they ever good. These were the best smoked ribs we have ever had. My husband is still drooling over them. Thank you so much Melissa Cookston for such an amazing recipe. We will be using this from now on. It was nigh near perfection. We had local sweet corn, fresh from the field for the first time today, as a side and so good. I wish I could send you a picture Melissa to let you see how perfect these were. And this is only the third time using the smoker too. :)

[@PitBossGrills]

That is awesome! So glad to hear you like the recipe.

[@u.a.8700]

Definately will have to give her rub recipe a try but on some spare ribs. And I have NEVER gotten the membrane off that fast or that easy. But those baby backs do look good when she is done. No wonder that she is a world champion.

[@thomaslvickywettengel3041]

Best ribs I've ever made. Paired with a bourbon BBQ sauce. Excellent.

[@bobbyswomley5628]

You are such a great teacher, and they were the best ribs I have ever had !!! Thank you

[@paigecfrancis]

Whoa. Followed this recipe...just pulled the ribs off the grill and this is probably the best set I’ve done. Period 💪🏽👍🏽👍🏽

[@toniwilliams4343]

Melissa, gurrrl, I just got a Pit Boss and your recipe will be the first rib cook! I tried some chicken thighs for my first cook and although I would have liked a more juicy thigh, the smoke level was RIGHT! Your recipe just looked like it was the IT, and I’ll be trying it this weekend. I’ll let you know how it turned out, thank you 🙏🏽

[@scottcooper1004]

I’ve done this three times now and they’ve turned out amazing cooking time varies depending on size of ribs though

[@thomasc5817]

Third step is to put them back on with a sprinkling of the rub and let the bark come back after you remove from foil. Delicious that way. Been removing membranes like that all my life. So easy.

[@tecunumantonatiu4484]

Can't wait to try your recipe on my Ribs. New Pit Boss Pelet Grill!! First timer ! Thank you!!

[@willmassey4940]

Really enjoyed the rub! I have another rub that I typically go with that’s pretty much salt, pepper, and garlic. I use that one when I’m cooking for more people, because it’s pretty neutral. I much prefer the sweet and salty of this rub though! Love all these “experts” on here telling an actual expert how to cook…lol.

[@drdavidgrossman]

These were a nice changed from what I usually make. The chili powder was a strong initially, but the flavors calmed down and were very good. Thank you.

[@Z3kyTw0]

did these a few weeks ago, my whole family went crazy for them. Awesome Recipe thank you

[@PitBossGrills]

So glad you liked it!

[@432forabettertime6]

This is the best ! The flavour suits my pallet so well and my entire family loved them. Thank you so much for the recipe. Please upload more of your recipes if you can. !

[@joesuhre8647]

What a nicely produced video! I’ll be doing this tomorrow - looking forward to it!

[@LauraKnightPersonalchef]

Best ribs I've ever had! Following this technique for life!!

[@charlieray4289]

I tried this method and recipe for my family last week. And they told me this is the only rib allowed back on our farm. Awesome video!

[@vincent6692]

Melissa is just Awesome!

[@miguelmay69]

I have the xl pitboss an love it . I think its built better than the trager....

[@MichaelMantion]

have you seen the new grills with Bluetooth and a smoke box on top? We were going to buy it but didn't have room in the truck. Next time we were back in walmart they were gone, gone everywhere. Hoping their next version is wifi. I have an old 700sq pit boss with out the probes. I have used it enough I need a new grill. Pit boss take my money, make more smokers....

[@miguelmay69]

@@MichaelMantion I've seen them , nice grill...

[@vinnieferrara4100]

Use this method all the time and the ribs come out perfect every time.

[@kbruyere6708]

Amazing recipe. Followed it to the T and family loved them. New family favourite here.

[@scottwalker8973]

This is an excellent recipe. The ingredients turn into a BBQ sauce. No need to add any sauce. Let the ribs rest for 20-30 minutes when done.

[@gregkalbrunner]

Thanks Melissa. Made this 3 times now to rave reviews. This is now my go to rib recipe.

[@PitBossGrills]

Isn't it great?

[@blackdeath5026]

I was going to go with the Traeger until i found out the Pit Boss can sear a steak and the traeger can't, i'm doing these ribs as i'm writing this, thanks for the tip, and good smoking everyone

[@PitBossGrills]

I might be a little partial, but I'm a big fan of searing as well! Happy grilling!

[@tonylwright]

I modified my 700FB with a gun cleaning rod and a bushing and attached it to the sear cover so I can open and close it from the outside.

[@Jdaddydu]

Have never been happy with my rib smoking. Found your video last night and everything came out great. The only thing I did not do was add the xtra rub when wrapping or at the end. I did add the honey and brown sugar. Thanks so much!

[@PitBossGrills]

We are so glad you liked the video!

[@pibble3962]

If you are ever in Olive Branch, Mississippi you should check out her BBQ Allstars store. They offer wide variety of equipment and supplies and off great cooking classes.

[@tonymurphy5850]

I made your dry rub and ribs today and they turned out perfect!!! Best thing I've smoked so far. We had friends over and I looked like a pro. Thanks for the video!

[@PitBossGrills]

We're glad to learn your friends enjoyed the ribs!

[@guillermogei340]

What an outstanding recipe!!!!! Thank you so much for sharing. This was very easy to make on my Pit Boss Vertical smoker. Delicious, Delicious, Delicious! Tried one rack exactly as Melissa prepared these including the honey. Then on the 2nd rack I left out the Honey. Both were terrific. I will definitely make both again. Especially when we have our next family gathering.

[@pjewellful2012]

I love this lady🤣

[@Bamafreak]

We use this method most of the time and it's delicious every single time! Thank u!

[@memoreno9]

Made this last year now making it for Christmas Day!

[@prosteam1]

The best, absolutely beautiful. this recipe is a keeper

[@upmytube07]

loving my new pit boss...will be trying this dry rib recipe this weekend

[@jagreddog]

Hey Melissa,We ate at MBC in memphis 2 years ago.Just the smell had me sold when we walked in.Any chance you might do you more you tube videos?Eitherway,Big fan of yours thru the years.Good luck at memphis in May,i know you will be there.Good job.Thanks

[@maryjane-hc6jt]

I tried this on the vertical Pit Boss and they came out soooo GOOD! Doing it again for Easter! Happy Easter everyone!!!

[@rohancowley8669]

They look insanely good Melissa

[@josephevaristo4449]

Beautiful absolutely nice im making it right now thank you so much for sharing the recipe!Godbless you and your family and stay safe

[@bigvegass]

I've tried the 3-2-1 method. Gonna give these a go next. 😋

[@ez4ag]

I've made these rib multiple times and not once have they come out bad. My wife calls them the diabetes ribs cuz of all the sugar but damn if they aren't amazing. So glad I found this video. Thanks.

[@PitBossGrills]

Were happy to hear about the good experience!

[@tennisiswonderful]

AMAZING recipe!!!! Using this for my Memphis Style ribs from here on out! Thanks and keep up the great work!

[@Random_Stuff_YT]

I’m in love with her. Doing it like this tomorrow.

[@harmonjosephd]

Tried your recipe and was awesome. I don't like ribs and my girlfriend rather until now. I will cut the sugar down next time as I have diabetes. Great recipe

[@DR-dn6rc]

Love your cooking style, and show.

[@randyr6610]

Cooking mine just like yours this Tuesday thanks for the tip.

[@MultiSassman]

I love you Melissa

[@oro5z]

Just learned the easy way to pull that membrane. Will try next time, thanks for the video.

[@joshuatirado99]

Gonna try this recipe for this upcoming Labor Day ! 👍🏻

[@anthonymartinez4780]

I always cook my ribs like this now and they NEVER stay together. Fall off the bone!!!! I love it

[@andrewpiatkowski4318]

I’ve followed on all your tips and techniques and everyone was a success...

[@PitBossGrills]

We're glad to hear it!

[@CuttingEdge49]

Ok you sold me. Lowe’s here I come.

[@jamessimmons251]

Michael Edge won’t regret it. Have had my pitboss for a week and I’ve used about 20lbs of competition pellets already. I love this thing, way better than a traeger

[@Zupdood2]

James Simmons I’m getting a PitBoss tonight. Why do you think it’s better than a Traeger?

[@jameswhite4456]

Pitboss is the best hands down love my 1100 pro series

[@jamesmcquillan6640]

Followed your instructions and looked like a pro as a result. I've never made better ribs. Thanks for the video!

[@PitBossGrills]

That is awesome!

[@steveschwartz5252]

Melissa, thanks for the recipe. I tried these today, and wow, they were the best ribs I've ever had. My son agreed! It seemed like I might have gotten them a little more juicy when I opened the foil and compared to your's -- maybe too much apple juice and honey?? -- but I took them out and sprinkled more rub on just like you did, and they came out great!

[@ronmayo4041]

Following this recipe now. So far so good, looking great! I'll let you know the outcome...

[@jtblatt1988]

Bro how did it turn out?

[@ronmayo4041]

@@jtblatt1988 Turned out fantastic. This recipe is a must-try if you want to grill ribs. I had family come in from California (15 people) so I forgot to follow up. I cooked these ribs and 1 year later they are still talking about how they have never tasted ribs so good.

[@terryallard1918]

You are such a good pit master . And a pretty one. I’ve used this method for a while now. Very good.

[@bobsmoot8454]

Wow, they look awesome, I just might have to steal your recipe the next time I cook up some ribs

[@miketd3718]

This rub is a winner. I cut the salt down a but, but other than that it never fails

[@jamessimmons251]

Making these right now. Just wrapped them so they are half way there. I substituted for smoked paprika and chipotle chili powder though

[@trailerparkcryptoking5213]

Beautiful smile/accent/lady! Excellent presentation and recipe! Trying it out today!!! Thanks!

[@trailerparkcryptoking5213]

They came out great! The family raved about them. The only thing I did different is use Dr Pepper instead of apple juice because it’s all I had.

[@mike197019]

Melissa is awesome!

[@NateTooke4]

Just ate at one of her restaurants in MS, really good BBQ!

[@iancordova]

Could you use the rub on other meats such as brisket? This was excellent! The wife said it was the best ribs she ever had.

[@tonygarcia4762]

Doing my first batch right now. Great video, follwed almost exactly, a little different rub.

[@pamelaandersson3981]

I was googling for mellisa cook pot, but am so Glad that you popped upp

[@TheChiefJudgeDredd]

Momma ain’t playing. Good job

[@92greenebeen]

ribs look great and i have a Pit Boss 1100.. But did she have wild Temp swing problems? Did she fixed the temp swings? Did she use smoke tubes? These are the things that the camera did not show...

[@brianstevenson7341]

I love my Pit Boss 1150