Kansas City Ribs

Prep and get the ribs cooking: Preheat a convection oven to 400°F (205°C) or grill to 400-425°F (205-218°C).

Combine all rub ingredients together in a bowl and mix.

Place ribs meat side down onto a cutting board. Sprinkle half of the rub all over. Flip over and sprinkle the rest of the rub over the meat side of the ribs. Thoroughly massage the seasoning into the meat on both sides so everything is covered.

Lay out two pieces of foil long enough to wrap the ribs. Have them overlap a bit. Lay out one equally long piece of parchment paper on top in the middle of the foil. Place seasoned ribs onto the parchment paper and wrap tight with the parchment paper and foil. Wrap with another layer of two foil pieces.

Place in the oven on a baking sheet or onto the grill, meat side up, and cook for 1 hour. After 30 minutes, flip and cook for the remaining time. While cooking, prepare the sides.

Make the pork & beans: Dice the bacon into small pieces. In a small saucepan, cook the bacon on medium heat just until tender to render off the fat, not crispy. Turn off heat. Remove the bacon pieces, drain the fat and add the bacon back in. Add the remaining ingredients to the saucepan, mix and turn the heat back on to medium.

Once the beans are heated through and start to simmer, remove from heat and portion into individual oven safe ramekins and place onto a foil lined baking sheet. Bake uncovered for 1 hour at 325°F (163°C) or add to the oven with the ribs for 30 minutes.

Cook noodles: Fill a saucepan with water. Bring to a boil and cook the noodles according to package instructions. While cooking, make BBQ sauce and cheese sauce.

Make BBQ sauce: Combine all ingredients in a saucepan on medium heat and bring to a simmer. Remove from heat and cover to keep warm until ready to serve.

Make cheese sauce: In a saucepan on medium heat, melt the butter. Add in the flour and whisk together. Once combined, gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream. Whisk regularly and when it starts to simmer it will thicken up. Once thickened, remove from heat and add the cheese. Whisk to combine and season with salt to taste.

Finish mac and cheese: Incorporate the noodles with the sauce. Keep on low heat until serving.

Make coleslaw: Whisk together all of the ingredients (except cabbage and corn) in a bowl until combined, season with salt and pepper. Add in the cabbage mix and corn and combine.

Remove the pork and beans from the oven.

Finish the ribs: Unwrap the ribs and brush with BBQ sauce on both sides. Broil on high or place back on the grill for a few minutes on each side until there is some caramelization.

Seve: Place ribs on a cutting board and slice in between the bones. Transfer to a plate and enjoy with mac & cheese, bbq sauce, coleslaw, and pork & beans.