Pomegranate-Glazed Christmas Ribs Recipe

There’s something undeniably festive about the rich aroma of slow-cooked ribs filling your kitchen. These Pomegranate-Glazed Christmas Ribs are the ultimate holiday comfort food — sweet, tangy, and beautifully sticky with a ruby-red glaze that glistens like Christmas ornaments.

Perfect for family gatherings or cozy winter nights, this recipe turns a simple rack of ribs into a show-stopping centerpiece. Best of all, it’s beginner-friendly and made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

Recipe Info

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 racks baby back ribs (about 4 lbs total)
• 1 ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• 1 cup pomegranate juice
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp pomegranate molasses (optional but amazing for depth)
• Fresh pomegranate seeds & chopped parsley (for garnish)

Step-By-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prepare:
   Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a large baking sheet with foil and lightly oil it. Pat ribs dry with paper towels.
2. Season the Ribs:
   In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cinnamon. Rub this mixture all over the ribs on both sides.
3. Roast Low & Slow:
   Place the ribs bone-side down on the baking sheet. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 2 hours, until tender but not falling apart.
4. Make the Pomegranate Glaze:
   While ribs bake, combine pomegranate juice, brown sugar, honey, soy sauce, vinegar, olive oil, and pomegranate molasses in a saucepan.
   Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce until the mixture thickens slightly — about 10–15 minutes.
5. Glaze & Broil:
   Remove ribs from the oven, uncover, and brush generously with glaze. Increase oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) or switch to broil.
   Return ribs for 10–15 minutes, basting once or twice until glossy and caramelized.
6. Rest & Serve:
   Let the ribs rest 5–10 minutes before slicing between bones. Garnish with pomegranate seeds and parsley for a festive touch.

Helpful Notes & Tips

• Don’t rush the cook: Low and slow baking keeps the ribs juicy and tender.
• Glaze consistency: It should coat the back of a spoon — not watery, not sticky-hard.
• Storage: Leftovers keep in the fridge up to 3 days; reheat gently in the oven, covered with foil.
• Spice balance: Add a pinch of cayenne if you like a little heat!

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Pomegranate Ribs: Add 1–2 tsp chili flakes or a drizzle of hot honey to the glaze.
• Citrus-Glazed Ribs: Replace pomegranate juice with orange juice for a sunnier, lighter flavor.
• Pomegranate-Glazed Chicken: Try the same glaze over roasted chicken thighs or wings — just as festive!

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with roasted garlic mashed potatoes or buttery couscous.
• Add a bright winter salad of arugula, feta, and pomegranate arils for color and freshness.
• Pair with a glass of sparkling cider for the perfect cozy dinner.

Conclusion

These Pomegranate-Glazed Christmas Ribs are everything the holidays should be — rich, cozy, and full of cheer. Each bite balances sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

So, put on some festive tunes, tie on that apron, and let your kitchen fill with the scent of the season. Your table’s about to shine with holiday magic!