Is a turkey neck good to eat?

Absolutely! Turkey necks are not only flavorful but also rich in nutrients like protein and collagen. When cooked properly—whether smothered, roasted, or in soup—they become tender and fall-off-the-bone delicious. Their rich flavor makes them perfect for hearty Southern dishes or comfort food recipes.

How long does it take to cook the neck of a turkey?

Cooking time depends on the method you choose: Stovetop: It typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours of simmering for the meat to become tender. Slow Cooker: On low heat, expect it to cook for 6–8 hours, or 3–4 hours on high. Pressure Cooker: Turkey necks can be ready in as little as 45–60 minutes. The key is to cook them long enough to break down the connective tissue, resulting in tender, flavorful meat.

What is a turkey neck called?

A turkey neck is simply referred to as a "turkey neck." In culinary contexts, it might be described as part of the “offal” or “giblets” of the bird, but its use in soul food and Southern cuisine has earned it a reputation as a prized cut.

What can I do with the turkey neck?

Turkey necks are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes: Smothered Turkey Necks: Cooked with gravy for a classic Southern dish. Turkey Neck Soup: Slow-cooked with vegetables and broth for a hearty soup. Stock or Broth: Simmered with aromatics to create a rich base for soups, stews, or rice. Roasted or Smoked Necks: Enjoyed as a savory appetizer or used to add depth to other dishes.

Turkey Necks: The Ultimate Smothered Recipe For A Flavorful Feast

Description

Smothered turkey necks are a classic Southern comfort dish featuring fall-off-the-bone turkey necks cooked in a rich, savory gravy. Perfectly paired with rice, cornbread, or collard greens, this dish is a soul-satisfying meal ideal for Sunday dinners, holidays, or any occasion where hearty food is a must.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Turkey Necks:

2–3 pounds turkey necks
1 tsp Cajun seasoning
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Gravy:

2 tbsp vegetable oil or butter
1 large onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp all-purpose flour (for roux)
4 cups chicken broth or vegetable stock
2 bay leaves
1 tsp thyme
Optional: 1 tsp browning sauce (for color)

Instructions

Prep the Turkey Necks:

Clean turkey necks by rinsing them and soaking in a mixture of lemon juice and water for 10 minutes. Trim excess fat and pat dry.
Season the necks with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Brown the Turkey Necks:

Heat oil or butter in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Brown the turkey necks on all sides for about 5 minutes, then remove and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables:

In the same skillet, add onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

Prepare the Gravy:

Stir in flour to make a roux and cook for 2–3 minutes. Gradually add chicken broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Add bay leaves, thyme, and optional browning sauce.

Cook the Turkey Necks:

Return the necks to the skillet, ensuring they’re submerged in the gravy. Cover and simmer on low heat for 1.5–2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the meat is tender.

Serve and Enjoy:

Remove bay leaves and serve smothered turkey necks over rice, mashed potatoes, or with cornbread.

Notes

For a lighter gravy, use a slurry made with 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with water instead of a roux.
Turkey necks can be cooked in a slow cooker for 6–8 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for 6 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Southern Soul Food

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
Calories: 320
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: turkey necks, smothered turkey necks, Southern recipes, turkey necks in gravy, comfort food recipes