Cooking turkey necks can be intimidating if you’ve never done it before. Many home cooks aren’t quite sure where to begin when it comes to preparing this underrated cut of meat. However, with the right technique baked turkey necks can become an absolutely delicious addition to your dinner table. In this article I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to bake turkey necks to tender, fall-off-the-bone perfection.
Why Choose to Bake Turkey Necks?
Baking is one of the easiest and most foolproof cooking methods for turkey necks. The steady dry heat of the oven slowly renders the collagen and connective tissues transforming tough turkey necks into succulent flavorful meat in a hands-off process. Baking also allows you to easily add aromatics like onions, carrots, and herbs to infuse moisture and taste right into the turkey necks as they cook.
Unlike grilling or pan frying, baking turkey necks requires very little oil or added fat. You can simply place seasoned necks right onto a sheet pan, letting the natural fats and juices baste the meat from within. This makes oven-baked turkey necks a great lighter option compared to deep fried variations.
Overall, baking makes turkey necks readily accessible to home cooks of all skill levels. Once you learn the ideal oven temperature and cooking time, you can reliably recreate delicious baked turkey necks whenever the craving strikes.
How Long Should You Bake Turkey Necks at 375°F?
When it comes to selecting the perfect oven temperature for tender turkey necks, 375°F is just right. This strikes a balance between cooking the necks thoroughly without drying them out. Baking at 375°F gently renders collagen while allowing the meat to become knife-tender.
As for baking time, plan on 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours for turkey necks to fully cook through and become pull-apart tender at 375°F. Thinner necks on the smaller side may be done slightly sooner. Larger, meatier necks can take a bit longer.
I recommend checking for doneness after about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Carefully take the baking pan out of the oven and pierce a turkey neck with a fork or skewer. If the meat feels very tender and starts easily separating from the bone, your turkey necks are ready. If they still feel tough, return them to the oven for 15 minutes more.
For the juiciest results, let the baked turkey necks rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. The residual heat will continue gently cooking the meat while allowing the natural juices to redistribute.
Step-by-Step Guide to Bake Turkey Necks
Follow these simple steps for foolproof oven-baked turkey necks every time:
Ingredients:
- 3-4 lbs turkey necks
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1⁄2 tsp garlic powder
- 1⁄2 tsp paprika
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 cup chicken broth or water
Instructions:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with foil or use an oven-safe baking dish.
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Pat the turkey necks dry and place them in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat evenly.
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Season the turkey necks on all sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
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Arrange the seasoned necks on the prepared baking pan and top with sliced onion.
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Pour chicken broth or water into the bottom of the pan. The liquid will help keep the turkey necks moist and tender as they bake.
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Bake for 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours, until necks are very tender when pierced with a fork.
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Let turkey necks rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
The seasoned broth in the baking pan makes a fantastic gravy or sauce to complement your baked turkey necks. Simply strain out the solids and serve the liquid drizzled over individual portions.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Baked Turkey Necks
Follow these handy tips for the most flavorful, tender baked turkey necks:
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For added flavor, try marinating the necks overnight in a zip top bag with a marinade of olive oil, garlic, herbs, and spices.
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Resist the urge to crowd too many necks onto one baking sheet. Overcrowding prevents even cooking and airflow.
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Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, especially for very large necks. Internal temp should reach 165°F.
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Add root veggies like carrots, celery, and potatoes to the baking pan for a one-pan meal.
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Play around with different seasonings like lemon pepper, Italian seasoning, or Cajun spices.
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Brush necks with extra broth or bbq sauce in the last 15 minutes for a glazed finish.
Serving Suggestions for Baked Turkey Necks
Once you’ve mastered the simple art of baking turkey necks in the oven, it’s time to start enjoying them! Here are some of my favorite ways to serve up these tasty oven-baked turkey necks:
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On top of creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles
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Chopped and added to soup, chili, or stew for rich flavor
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Piled high on a platter with cornbread and collard greens
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Shredded for turkey neck sandwiches with bbq sauce and slaw
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Over rice with gravy for a budget-friendly protein
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In tacos or burritos with all your favorite toppings
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On top of a hearty salad for a protein punch
However you choose to enjoy your baked turkey necks, you can feel good serving up a sustainable, old-fashioned cut of meat slow-cooked to become juicy and delicious.
So next time you come across turkey necks at the store, don’t be afraid to grab them and pop them in the oven. An hour and a half of hands-off baking time is all it takes to transform these underappreciated cuts into a super tasty and affordable family meal. Enjoy discovering all the different ways to serve oven-baked turkey necks!
Explore More Delicious Recipes and Uses
After mastering the oven-roasting technique for turkey necks, the culinary adventure doesnt end there. The guide provides an array of recipes that utilize turkey necks in diverse and flavorful ways. For those looking to enhance their dinner table, the Oven-Roasted Turkey Neck Gravy Recipe offers a perfect starting point, creating a rich and savory sauce that pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. The Southern Style Turkey Neck and Collard Greens Recipe and the Caribbean Jerk Turkey Neck Recipe are highly recommended for their deep, regional flavors that bring a taste of Southern comfort and tropical zest to your kitchen. Each recipe is crafted to transform the humble turkey neck into a star component of your meal, showcasing its versatility and rich taste. Share your thoughts and experiences with cooking turkey necks in the oven in our
How To Cook Turkey Necks In The Oven
Do you have some turkey necks on hand and wondering how to prepare and cook them in the oven? Look no further! In this article, we will guide you through the delicious process of cooking turkey necks in the oven. With our easy-to-follow steps, you’ll be able to enjoy tender and flavorful turkey necks that will leave your taste buds craving for more.
- 6 turkey necks
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried rosemary
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the turkey necks in a large bowl and drizzle them with olive oil. Toss them gently to coat evenly.
- In a small bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and dried rosemary to create a flavorful spice rub.
- Sprinkle the spice rub over the turkey necks, making sure to coat them on all sides.
- Place the turkey necks on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil, ensuring they are not touching each other.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and cook for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the turkey necks are golden brown and fully cooked.
- Once cooked, remove the turkey necks from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes.
- Serve the turkey necks hot and enjoy!
These juicy and flavorful turkey necks are the perfect addition to your dinner table. Whether you serve them as a main dish or incorporate them into a hearty stew, they are sure to impress your family and friends.
So next time you find yourself with some turkey necks, don’t hesitate to try this simple recipe. Your taste buds will thank you!
Keep in mind that you can always adjust the seasoning according to your preferences. Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to add your personal touch to the dish. Happy cooking!
OVEN BAKED TURKEY NECKS WITH GRAVY
FAQ
How long does a turkey take to cook at 375 degrees?
Why are my turkey necks tough?
How long to cook a turkey in the oven?
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Weight
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Cook Time (Unstuffed)
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Cook Time (Stuffed)
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7-10 lbs.
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2½-3 hrs.
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2¾-3½ hrs.
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10-18 lbs.
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3-3½ hrs.
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3¾-4½ hrs.
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18-22 lbs.
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3½-4 hrs.
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4½-5 hrs.
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22-24 lbs.
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4-4½ hrs.
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5-5½ hrs.
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How long do you bake turkey necks in the oven?
What temperature and duration should I bake the turkey necks in the oven? Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the turkey necks for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, or until they are tender and fully cooked. Can I add vegetables or other ingredients to the turkey necks while baking them in the oven?
How long does it take to cook a turkey neck?
The cooking time for turkey necks in the oven can vary depending on their size and the desired level of tenderness. On average, it takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to cook turkey necks at 350°F (175°C). However, it’s important to check their internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure they are cooked thoroughly.
How do you cook turkey necks in a Dutch oven?
In the same dutch oven, saute the onions and minced garlic until fragrant. Deglaze the skillet with chicken broth then add the turkey necks back to the dutch oven. Use the lid to cover the necks then place them in the oven to braise. Remove your turkey necks from the oven when they’re done.
How long do you cook frozen turkey necks?
This will ensure that the necks are cooked through evenly without any raw or undercooked parts. Typically, for every pound of frozen turkey necks, you should allow for an extra 10 to 20 minutes of cooking time in the oven. So, if your package of turkey necks weighs 2 pounds, you would add an extra 20 to 40 minutes to the total cooking time.