How to Cook Turkey Backs: Tips and Recipe Ideas

You’ve heard how quick and easy it is to roast turkey pieces instead of a whole turkey, and the turkey is juicier too. Now learn how to do it!

Eating the big Thanksgiving turkey each year is something to look forward to. But the process of thawing, brining, and cooking that whole turkey might be more of a dreaded process. I have all of the instructions for how to roast a turkey over here for you, but, I have an easier, kind of brilliant idea for you instead, if you’d like.

Roasting turkey in parts! Turkey pieces cooked separately turn out even more delicious, and they are definitely easier to manage.

Turkey backs offer a tasty and affordable poultry option. However, cooking them can be tricky if you’re unfamiliar with the process. This guide covers tips, techniques, and recipe ideas for preparing delicious turkey backs.

What are Turkey Backs?

Turkey backs are the back portion of the turkey containing the spine and ribs. They have more connective tissue than breast meat so require longer cooking times to become tender. When cooked properly, the meat pulls away from the bone and delivers rich flavor.

Benefits of Cooking Turkey Backs

There are several advantages to using turkey backs:

Less expensive than breast meat
Contains more natural collagen
Imparts great flavor when making stock
Provides meat for soups, stews and casseroles
Utilizes often discarded turkey parts

Preparing Turkey Backs

Proper preparation ensures the best results when cooking turkey backs:

Choose fresh, high-quality turkey backs
Thaw completely if frozen
Remove giblets and neck if still attached
Rinse well and pat dry
Trim off any excess fat or skin
Cut into smaller sections if desired

How to Cook Turkey Backs – Stovetop

Braising turkey backs on the stovetop is a simple cooking method.

Sear the backs in a hot pan with oil to caramelize the exterior.
Simmer in flavorful liquid like broth, wine or tomatoes until fork tender, about 1-1.5 hours.
Shred the tender meat from the bones to use in other dishes.

How to Cook Turkey Backs – Oven Roasted

Low and slow oven roasting yields delicious results:

Season turkey backs all over with salt, pepper and herbs.
Roast at 300°F for 2-3 hours until deeply browned.
Rest 10 minutes before separating meat from bones.
Reserve drippings to make gravy.

How to Cook Turkey Backs – Grill

Grilling imparts smoky flavor:

Brush turkey backs with oil and season as desired.
Grill over medium heat for 15 minutes per side until charred and cooked through.
Let rest 5 minutes then slice or shred meat.

How to Cook Turkey Backs – Slow Cooker

Using a slow cooker makes preparation easy

Add seasoned turkey backs and aromatics to slow cooker.
Cook on low setting for 8-10 hours until very tender.
Shred meat and use as desired.

Tips for Cooking Turkey Backs

Braise in broth for extra flavor
Remove skin first for crisper texture
Grill over indirect heat if flaming occurs
Use leftovers in soups, sandwiches, casseroles
Store cooked turkey backs up to 4 days refrigerated

Delicious Turkey Back Recipes

Try these tasty ways to use cooked turkey backs:

Braised Turkey Backs

Braise with crushed tomatoes, red wine, basil, and garlic

Turkey Back Soup

Simmer turkey backs in chicken broth with veggies

Turkey Back Chili

Cook with beans, peppers, onions, and chili powder

BBQ Turkey Backs

Roast with sweet and spicy barbecue sauce glaze

Turkey Back Hash

Sauté with potatoes, peppers and onions

Turkey Back Tacos

Shred and use as taco meat filling

Turkey Back Sandwiches

Pile on crusty rolls with cheese, lettuce, and tomato

With the right prep and cooking technique, turkey backs deliver mouthwatering flavor and nutrition. Explore different seasons and methods to put this economical poultry option to delicious use.

how to cook turkey backs

Cons Of Cooking Turkey Pieces

You need to monitor the temperature and doneness. Since the breasts and wings don’t need as long in the oven as the thighs and legs, there is some checking and moving things in and out of the oven. It does result in every piece being cooked to perfection though.

There’s no beautiful, whole turkey to present. If you look forward to seeing that whole roasted turkey on the dinner table, this could be disappointing. But I still think these perfectly cooked turkey pieces look pretty amazing.

Where To Get Turkey Pieces

There are a few options when it comes to finding turkey pieces. You can certainly break down a turkey just like you would a whole chicken, by cutting it into pieces. Cutting through a turkey breast bone can be challenging though, so you can ask your local butcher or grocery store butcher to cut up the turkey for you.

Or, my favorite method, is to simply buy turkey pieces from the meat section of the grocery store. You’ll find turkey pieces sold either with the frozen turkeys or next to where the chicken is sold.

If you have a small group, or just want white meat, you can try my Juicy Boneless Turkey Breast recipe or Turkey Tenderloins recipe instead.

Turkey Backs and Cornbread Hack| Sunday Soulfood Dinner| Carters Eat

FAQ

How long to cook turkey back?

Regular Oven 325°

Weight	Cook Time (Unstuffed)	Cook Time (Stuffed)
6-7 lbs.	2-2½ hrs.	2¼-2¾ hrs.
7-10 lbs.	2½-3 hrs.	2¾-3½ hrs.
10-18 lbs.	3-3½ hrs.	3¾-4½ hrs.
18-22 lbs.	3½-4 hrs.	4½-5 hrs.

What are turkey backs used for?

The back. A turkey back is mostly skin, bones, and cartilage, but it still has a vital, if sometimes overlooked, purpose: turkey stock. Normally, the back cooks with the rest of the bird, so people have to use other stock, usually store-bought, to fulfill their gravy needs.

Can you eat turkey backs?

Looking for a way to add delicious, rich turkey flavor to your cooking? Try our pasture-raised turkey backs! A nutritious choice that can be used in a variety of dishes to add depth and complexity. Plus, they are full of essential vitamins and minerals.