Crockpot Pepsi Ribs Recipe

This shop has been compensated by Albertsons. All opinions are mine alone. #GameDayMVP #Albertsons #CollectiveBias

My favorite kind of food can be summed up in one word: football. If you can find it at a football game or a football viewing party, I’m in!

Since the season is winding down quickly and the Big Game is just weeks away, I’m trying to take advantage now and enjoy some of my favorite meals- as well as a few new twists on them!

I recently came across a recipe for Crockpot Pepsi Ribs and I was intrigued! I’ve always loved ribs & of course, I’ve always loved Pepsi, so I just had to try the two together! I’m so glad I did- this is such a winning combo!

Why use Pepsi to make ribs?

If you mean why use soda, it’s because it gives it a little bit of a “bite” and brings out the richness of the BBQ sauce. It really makes these ribs feel like Game Day food!

If you mean why Pepsi specifically, you can totally use your preferred brand. I will say though that the Pepsi was a great match for the flavor profile of the recipe!

Are these make-ahead ribs?

I recommend eating these as soon as they’re done so they don’t get dry, so make sure you time them correctly with the slow cooker. There are even slow cookers with built-in timers so you can set them to start cooking on your terms!

When should you make ribs in the slow cooker instead of the grill?

Ribs on the grill are also DELICIOUS- but they take forever. Yes, slow cookers take a long time too, but that’s passive cooking time.

When grilling, you have to stand by the grill the whole time for safety purposes, which means you end up missing the game! Nobody wants that.

Also, using a slow cooker makes those juicy, fall-off the bone ribs. The grill is great for dry rubs, but if you wanted marinaded ribs the slow cooker is the way to go!

What sides pair well with BBQ Ribs?

There’s pretty much no wrong answer here- ribs are delicious and will make any dinner delicious. But you really can’t beat the classic corn and mashed potatoes!

If you’re looking for more Game Day inspired foods instead of traditional sides, might I recommend this Red Pepper Corn Guacamole, these Mini Pizza Bites, or these Easy Potato Bites? Be sure to finish up with these customizable Team Spirit Cupcakes!

One of the things that I love the most about using my slow cooker is that I can do all the prep in the morning, which is typically a slower time around here. Of course, this leads to one problem: my house smells good all day and leaves me hungry, even with hours left to go!

My tip, especially once your hungry family walks in the door? Have a snack ready, like Tostitos Scoops & Chunky Salsa. It’ll keep hunger at bay and keep them from repeatedly asking how much longer until dinner!