What Sides Go Best with Turkey Necks for a Delicious Meal?

Turkey necks are an underrated and flavorful cut of meat that can be the star of a great family meal. With their rich taste and meaty texture, turkey necks pair wonderfully with a variety of delicious side dishes. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best side options to serve with turkey necks to create a mouthwatering and satisfying meal.

Hearty Veggies and Starches Provide Substance

Turkey necks have a remarkably deep, savory flavor that stands up well to bold seasonings and robust ingredients. Hearty vegetables and starches make excellent pairings, as they provide texture and substance to balance the succulent meatiness of the turkey necks.

Collard greens simmered with smoked turkey necks is a classic Southern pairing. Slow cooking the greens with the necks allows their flavors to mingle into a rich pot likker that coats each tender collard leaf. Cornbread with cracklin’ crust and fluffy interior soaks up pot likker wonderfully. Mashed potatoes or potato salad also complement turkey necks’ richness. Roasting red potatoes with onions and sausage makes a delicious one-pot side. Other excellent veggie choices include roasted Brussels sprouts, glazed carrots, or vinegary slaw.

Complementary Proteins Add Extra Flavor

In addition to veggies, turkey necks pair neatly with other proteins and meaty ingredients. Smoked turkey wings or legs offer similar deep, savory flavors. Hearty beans, such as pintos, black beans or white beans, make an excellent protein-packed pairing. The creaminess of the beans balances the turkey necks’ richness.

Andouille sausage lends a peppery punch when added to beans potatoes or greens. Crumbled bacon or a fried egg on top of collard greens or roasted veggies adds a smoky, salty accent. Beef short ribs and turkey necks together create an indulgent, carnivorous feast.

Satisfying Sauces and Gravies Bring It Together

No turkey neck meal is complete without a delicious sauce or gravy to pull the entire plate together. Creamy peppercorn gravy enriched with pan drippings is a classic choice. Herb-flecked turkey gravy or chicken gravy also pair nicely. For a zesty kick, hot pepper vinegar provides a bright contrast to the rich meat.

Barbecue sauce, especially tangy vinegar-based styles, complements turkey necks marvelously A scoop of mustardy potato salad or vinegary slaw cuts through the richness. Gravy-smothered turkey necks with sides of mashed potatoes and collard greens makes for quintessential soul food

Putting It All Together for a Satisfying Meal

Turkey necks deserve more time in the spotlight, and serving them with considered, flavorful sides makes a wonderful family meal Collard greens, roast potatoes and cornbread create a simple, satisfying pairing. Turkey necks served over creamy mashed potatoes and blanketed in gravy is pure comfort food Get creative with spices, sauces and vegetables to make the most of turkey necks’ bold, distinctive flavor. With the right combination of sides, turkey necks can be the star of the dinner table.