No one will ever guess the secret ingredient in these earthy-sweet St. Louis ribs.

These ribs are coated with arubthat includes dark brown sugar, instant espresso, and cinnamon.

The final flavor is earthy and sweet, an excellent companion to classicBBQ sideslike coleslaw and baked beans.

st. louis ribs on a gray plate - Southern Living

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Learn how to make St. Louis ribs at home.

They require time, but they’re absolutely worth it.

When caramelized on the grill, the ribs become totally irresistible.

ingredients for st. louis ribs with coffee rub - Southern Living

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Add a mixed green salad for a fresh touch, and garlic bread ordinner rollsto round out the meal.

Toreheat, thaw the ribs overnight if frozen, then wrap in foil.

Warm in the oven at 250F for 20 to 25 minutes or until hot throughout.

mixed coffee rub for ribs - Southern Living

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Wrap ribs with butter:

Preheat the oven to 300F.

Remove the ribs from the refrigerator.

Place the ribs on a large piece of aluminum foil, meaty side up.

removing membrane from ribs

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Bake ribs:

Transfer the foil packet onto a baking sheet.

Bake at 300F for about 2 1/2 hours, or until the meat is very tender.

Oil the grill grate with vegetable.

coffee rub on st. louis style ribs

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The ribs should be slightly caramelized.

you’ve got the option to also trim excess fat before applying the dry rub.

Resting after cooking is also important to give the juices time to redistribute.

ribs in a ziplock bag

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ribs wrapped in aluminum foil with butter pats

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

baked st. louis ribs in aluminum foil

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

st. louis ribs on a grill

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

cutting st. louis ribs

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox