Blackened Halloween Ribs (a Spooky Dinner Recipe)

I look forward to Halloween all year long! I love the nostalgia, costumes, and the gatherings. When it comes time to serve up dinner, these Halloween ribs tick all the boxes: they’re super easy, delicious, and perfectly on theme when paired with caramelized carrots. I’ll share my tips for whipping these up in the oven with minimal prep – a treat for your Halloween feast, without the tricks!

Halloween Ribs with blackening seasoning and carrots on a baking sheet - 1

The thing I love most about Halloween is seeing the little ones’ imaginations come to life. Even as a foodie, I’d skip dinner to witness the energy and cute moments the kids bring to the day. Luckily, thanks to these Halloween ribs, no one will be skipping dinner! You can pop these in the oven and come back two hours later for a dinner that’s so good, you’ll be licking your fingers.

I’ve made this dinner a few times for my family before we head out trick-or-treating. I like that it cooks itself, which gives me time to help my daughter get ready for the big night. The orange and black colors are totally on point, and ribs are naturally a little spooky/creepy – it’s the perfect Halloween dinner!

I make these spooky Halloween ribs every year

Bring on the season of everything roasted in the oven! Yes, I’m looking at you deliciously blackened ribs with the tastiest caramelized carrots all cooked together on ONE PAN for a super simple, no fuss dinner!

Why I make Halloween ribs every year:

On theme: These blackened ribs with caramelized carrots are effortlessly Halloween themed with minimal effort. No need to spend time in the kitchen making anything elaborate – just straight up, delicious, black ribs and orange carrots!
Easy : Spend more time with your family this Halloween, and less in the kitchen thanks to how easy these are! Simply make a dry rub with staple spices, cover with foil, and put them in the oven. Two hours later you can waltz into the kitchen and pretend like you’ve slaved all day making dinner. I won’t tell anyone the truth.
Delicious : The ribs are fall off the bone tender. Roasted carrots, with a little honey drizzled over the top, turn them into a balanced dish.
Simple ingredients: The blackening spice rub is super easy to make from spice rack staples, then you just need carrots, honey, oil, and the pork back ribs!
Fun : There’s something so seriously carnivore about tearing meat off a rib bone with your teeth, and I love it – especially on Halloween! (As a previous vegetarian, it makes me happier than it probably should).

In other words, they’re the perfect fall dinner recipe. Happy Halloween!

a close up of Halloween Ribs on a plate - 2

Blacked Halloween Ribs and carrots on a baking sheet - 3

What ribs to use for Halloween ribs

This recipe calls for a rack of pork back ribs. If you’re not familiar with cooking racks for ribs, you might be wondering whether there are different types and which to choose. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Names : Pork back ribs are also known as baby back ribs, pork loin back ribs, or loin ribs. All these different names refer to identical cuts of meat.
The cut : I like using pork back ribs as they’re meatier than other types, like spare ribs or short ribs. Pork back ribs come from the upper part of the pig’s ribcage.
What to look for: Clean, trimmed ribs should have a good layer of meat on top. Some ribs will have a thin membrane on the bone side, which you can peel away.
Where to buy them: You can usually find ribs in the meat section of your grocery store. Otherwise, head to your local butcher.

I’m hosting a larger gathering, can I double the recipe?

Yep! Instead of using one baking tray, use two for double the amount, then make them as written (no need to adjust the cooking time).

Do you pre-slice the ribs before or after roasting?

I leave them whole, then slice them after they’ve been baked in the oven. I find that this keeps them juicier.

How do I store leftover Halloween ribs?

Grab a knife and slice the remaining rack into individual ribs for easier storage. Then, pop them into an airtight container and put them in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can also freeze them by sealing them in a reusable freezer bag or freezer-proof container.

What else can I make for Halloween?

See my round-up of Halloween recipes for more inspiration.