
By Becky Hardin
Published May 14, 2021

I love a McDonald’s McRib sandwich, but I feel like I never know when (or if!) they’re coming back. I can’t handle that level of uncertainty, so I set out to make my own copycat McRib sandwich at home! I used my favorite baby back rib recipe and added all the fixins to a hearty roll to create my take on the McD’s classic. Honestly, it’s even better than the real thing!

If you miss the McRib sandwich as much as I do, this recipe is for you. I’m about to up your game, and you’ll never crave the McDonald’s version again. I top juicy ribs with BBQ sauce, onions, and pickles for a tangy and delicious bite. There’s nothing quite like it!
What’s in This McRib Sandwich Recipe?
- Baby Back Ribs : I like my oven-baked ribs, but feel free to use your favorite recipe for ribs.
- BBQ Sauce : Adds classic BBQ flavor. Use your favorite store-bought or homemade recipe.
- Onion : Adds a touch of bite to the sandwich. I like white onion best.
- Dill Pickles : Add a touch of acidity to the sandwich.
- Sandwich Buns: Look for a long sandwich roll, like a hoagie or sub roll.

Tips for Success
- Cook your ribs using your favorite method. Check out my guide below to cook the juiciest and most flavorful ribs for this sandwich.
- I like to use long sandwich buns for this recipe, but you can use round ones if that’s what you have.
- These McRib sandwiches are best served hot.

How to Cook Ribs
8+ Rib Recipes (Cook Ribs in Every Style)
Find your favorite way to cook juicy ribs!
How to Store
These copycat McRib sandwiches are best served when the ribs are still hot, but you can cook the ribs ahead of time and enjoy cold if you want to. The ribs will keep for up to 4 days in the refrigerator or 3 months in the freezer. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying or reheating.

Serving Suggestions
The McRib sandwich is simple in it’s toppings. Some BBQ sauce, sliced onions and tangy pickles are perfect in their simplicity. You can of course add whatever toppings you like, coleslaw is a great option and you can add salad ingredients like tomatoes and lettuce if you like. Try caramelizing the onions for an extra flavor kick.
These sandwiches taste great with french fries , sweet potato fries , or my favorite Olive Garden salad .
Ingredients1x2x3x
- ▢ 3 pounds baby back ribs cooked and deboned (click for recipe)
- ▢ ½ cup BBQ sauce
- ▢ 3 slices onion
- ▢ ½ cup dill pickles
- ▢ 4 long sandwich buns
Instructions
- Cook the ribs in the way you like best ( HERE is a guide to cooking ribs several different ways) and remove the bones.
- Place hot rib meat on the bun and spread BBQ sauce over the meat.
- Place some sliced onions and dill pickles on the sandwich.
- Serve with french fries or your favorite side dish.
Becky’s Tips
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
More Sandwich Recipes to Try!

Stovetop Burgers (How to Cook Burgers on the Stove)

Egg White Delight (Copycat McDonald’s Recipe)

Crispy Chicken Sandwich

Homemade Egg McMuffin Recipe

Copycat McRib Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 pounds baby back ribs cooked and deboned (click for recipe)
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- 3 slices onion
- ½ cup dill pickles
- 4 long sandwich buns
Instructions
- Cook the ribs in the way you like best ( HERE is a guide to cooking ribs several different ways) and remove the bones.
- Place hot rib meat on the bun and spread BBQ sauce over the meat.
- Place some sliced onions and dill pickles on the sandwich.
- Serve with french fries or your favorite side dish.
Notes
Nutrition

By Becky Hardin
Published Jul 12, 2017

This Essential Grocery List is an absolute life saver for my family on the busy weeks. When I started this journey to learn how to cook, I quickly realized that the first step in cooking is having staple ingredients on hand. I want to avoid having to run out to the grocery store every single time I prepare a new recipe. Having a well-stocked pantry has made my life in the kitchen so much simpler, because when it’s time to cook, I have what I need.

Essential Grocery List
It’s so helpful to have a basic grocery list to help me remember which foods to buy at the store. This food shopping list is my go-to!
It’s better to stock up on things like grains, seasonings and spices, baking essentials, oils, condiments, canned and frozen foods, etc. so I can just grab them when I need them. These things have a long shelf life , so I keep them in my kitchen for convenience.
However, I do have to go to the supermarket sometimes, and there’s a way to make that trip easy and hassle-free: I keep a grocery list! If I go in blindly, I’ll leave with things I don’t need, and nothing that actually helps me prepare a good meal.
In the list below, I’ve compiled everything I always have on my stock-up grocery list.
I’ve got you covered! I created an easy grocery list filled with all of the essentials. Plus there’s a free printable version that you can take with you to the grocery store. It has everything you need to stock your pantry, your freezer, and your refrigerator.

Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List
What to Buy at the Grocery Store
This is the perfect grocery list filled with all the basics and essentials. It should help get you going if you’re new to cooking, or if you’re just left staring helplessly at an empty pantry and don’t know how to fill it.
When I first started cooking, things could seem overwhelming. I quickly realized that they more prepared I could be, the more confident I felt. If you already have the basics in your kitchen, then you can shop stress-free.
So print out our easy grocery list, stock up your pantry and fridge, and you’ll be cooking in no time!
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!
Fresh Produce
- Apples
- Bananas
- Strawberries
- Avocados
- Bell Peppers
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Garlic
- Lemons/Limes
- Onion
- Parsley
- Cilantro
- Basil
- Potatoes
- Spinach
- Tomatoes
GRAINS
- Breadcrumbs
- Pasta
- Quinoa
- Rice
- Sandwich Bread
- Tortillas
MEAT/PROTEIN
- Chicken
- Eggs
- Ground Beef
- Sliced Turkey
- Lunch Meat
DAIRY
- Butter
- Sliced Cheese
- Shredded Cheese
- Milk
- Sour Cream
- Greek Yogurt
BAKING GOODS
- Baking powder
- Baking Soda
- Granulated Sugar
- Brown Sugar
- Flour
- Honey
- Vanilla Extract
- Dry Yeast
- Chocolate Chips
- Cocoa Powder
- Powdered Sugar
FREEZER
- Fruit and Berries
- Frozen Veggies (Corn, Peas, Broccoli, etc)
- Juice Concentrate
- Pizza or Other Convenience Meals
- Pie Crust
- Cookie Dough
CANNED/DRIED GOODS
- Chicken stock/broth
- Salsa
- Diced Tomatoes
- Jam/Jelly
- Peanut Butter
- Pasta Sauce
- Beans (Black Beans, Chickpeas, Baked Beans, etc)
- Soups
- Tuna
- Green Chiles
- Canned Veggies
- Coffee or Tea
Get more details on the best non-perishable and pantry foods
CONDIMENTS/SPICES
- Black Pepper
- Chili Powder
- Cinnamon
- Crushed Red Pepper
- Cumin
- Garlic Powder
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Mayo
- Nutmeg
- Paprika
- Salt (Course Sea Salt and Kosher Salt)
- Soy Sauce
- Steak Sauce
- Hot Sauce/ Buffalo Sauce
- Salad Dressings
OILS/VINEGARS
- Apple cider vinegar
- Balsamic vinegar
- Coconut Oil
- Olive Oil
- Vegetable/Canola Oil
- Red Wine Vinegar
- White Vinegar
- Cooking Wine
- White Wine Vinegar
SNACKS
- Crackers
- Nuts
- Quick Oats
- Popcorn
- Tortilla Chips
- Cereal
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!

Click ☝🏻 for my FREE Grocery List Printable!
I hope this essential grocery list can help you buy what you need and make your home cooking so much easier!
Stock Your Kitchen
Find more ideas for your grocery list, stock up your kitchen, and print more cooking guides and charts to keep handy!

Non-Perishable Foods to Stock Up On

Frozen Vegetables to Stock Up On (and Recipes to Make)

Ultimate List of Cooking Herbs for Your Kitchen

Ultimate List of Cooking Spices for Your Kitchen

Cooking Oil 101: Types of Cooking Oils to Use

26 Types of Pasta and When to Use Them

What Fruits and Vegetables are in Season?

Meat Temperature Chart (Free Printable)

How to Meal Prep (Guide for Beginners)

Basic Cooking Measurements & Kitchen Conversion Chart
