Turkey Necks Recipe (The Classic Way) - Momsdish

Jump to Recipe

This turkey neck recipe is such a great way to use up leftover turkey giblets! With a little bit of seasoning, patience, and love, it’ll be perfectly fall-apart-tender!

Some of you might think I’m a little crazy for cooking with turkey necks, but trust me — this recipe will change your mind. Growing up in Ukraine, I was taught that every part of the animal has a place on the dinner table, and when prepared properly, turkey necks turn into the most tender, fall-off-the-bone comfort food. I cringe if I find out if anyone has tossed these out after their turkey dinner!

My mom actually started making these turkey necks around Thanksgiving when whole turkeys were on the menu. After that, the necks quickly became a staple in our home. Now, it’s the same in my house — my boys absolutely love them, and turkey necks have become the most fought-over cut of turkey.

Hot tip: If you’re looking for another turkey neck recipe, try my turkey neck soup. My boys love it, and just like chicken noodle soup, it is so comforting and the perfect dish to make when anyone is feeling under the weather.

How to Cook Turkey Necks

You might feel a little intimidated cooking turkey necks, but don’t worry — this turkey neck recipe is incredibly simple and honestly no different than roasting any other cut of meat.

• Sauté the necks & veggies: Brown the turkey necks in a hot skillet. Remove them, then do the same with the veggies.
• Combine the meat and veggies: Transfer the necks back to the cast iron skillet (here’s my go-to skillet) with the carrots and onions. Add the seasonings, and water or chicken broth.
• Bake: Put the skillet in the oven and bake covered with a lid for about 1.5 hours at 350°F.
• Enjoy: Remove from the oven and enjoy the fall-off-the-bone, ultra-tender meat.

Tips for Cooking Turkey Necks

Most people know how to cook a turkey, but when it comes to cooking turkey necks, not everyone knows how to do it best! Here are my top tips to get delicious necks your first go around.

• Add hot water for optimal tenderness: The key to keeping turkey necks tender is to add a cup of hot water to the cast iron skillet before you bake. Creating a slow boil in the oven ensures that the turkey necks do not become rubbery and burn. The added liquid also creates a yummy gravy!
• Opt for chicken broth (optional): If you have chicken broth, use it instead of water! It’ll add even more flavor!
• Feel free to omit the carrots: Sometimes, I don’t add carrots if I don’t feel like it. The onions and seasonings add plenty of flavor in case you don’t have carrots on hand!
• Season with your favorites: Use any of your favorite seasonings to season the turkey necks. It’s all up to you.
• Leave it in the oven to rest: Once the necks are done baking, turn off the oven and leave them in there until ready to serve. They will become extra tender and stay hot until ready to enjoy!
• Use the drippings to make gravy: Once the necks are done cooking, debone them, and use the drippings and remaining bits in the bottom of the pot/skillet to make a delicious gravy. Here’s my delicious five-minute gravy recipe. Oh, and this separator might come in handy!

Hot tip: You can find turkey necks in most, large grocery stores, although not every store carries them. If you didn’t get them with a whole turkey, you can buy them at Publix or Whole Foods. Or, ask your local butcher.

Storing & Reheating Tips

You may not have too many neck leftovers, but just in case you do, here are a few tips on how to store and reheat them later.

• Refrigerator: To store for 3-4 days, refrigerate cooled turkey necks in an airtight container.
• Freezer: Store cooked turkey necks in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge.
• Reheating: Reheat the necks gently on the stovetop in pan drippings or liquid until warmed through. Or, reheat in a covered dish in the oven at 325°For 20–30 minutes.

More Turkey Recipes

• How To Make a Smoked Turkey – A must if you have a smoker!
• Ground Turkey-Stuffed Bell Peppers – Everything you need in one dish
• Spatchcock Turkey Recipe – A super fast way to cook a whole turkey
• Turkey Bone Broth – Use the leftover bones to make this delicious broth

Recipe

Recipe contributed by: Natalya Drozhzhin This turkey neck recipe is such a great way to use up turkey giblets! With a little bit of seasoning, patience, and love, it'll be perfectly fall-apart-tender!

Ingredients

• 4 lbs turkey necks
• 1 large onion
• 3 carrots peeled
• 1 tbsp salt adjust to preference
• 1 tsp ground black pepper adjust to preference
• 4 bay leaves
• 1 cup hot water or chicken broth
• 1 tbsp oil olive or avocado

US Units – Metric

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350°F. Dice the onion into half rings, then clean carrots and cut them into large pieces.
• In a hot, oiled skillet, cook the turkey necks until browned on all sides. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
• Cook the onion and carrots in the same skillet, until they're slightly browned. Then, add turkey necks back into the skillet.
• Season the meat and vegetables with salt and pepper, and add the bay leaves. Then, add one cup of hot water to the dish, and cover with a lid. Place in the oven at 350°F to bake for 1.5 hours or until the meat begins to separate from the bone.
• Serve turkey necks with potatoes, rice, or simply on their own, while they are still warm.

Nutrition Facts Turkey Necks Recipe (The Classic Way) Amount Per Serving Calories 398 Calories from Fat 162 % Daily Value* Fat 18g28%Saturated Fat 5g25%Cholesterol 348mg116%Sodium 726mg30%Potassium 527mg15%Carbohydrates 5g2%Fiber 1g4%Sugar 2g2%Protein 50g100% Vitamin A 5225IU105%Vitamin C 3.1mg4%Calcium 87mg9%Iron 3.2mg18% * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.