Turkey’s neck dish is a delicious, hearty favorite for many households worldwide.
Turkey necks are packed with flavor and can be prepared in various ways – but one way, in particular, stands out on top; baking them in your oven.
Baking turkey necks provide juicy tenderness that no other method could offer and are worth trying if you haven’t already.
In this blog post, we’ll talk about how to cook turkey necks in the oven at home.
What Are Turkey Necks
Turkey necks are essentially the neck and gizzard of a turkey. They are filled with collagen and connective tissues, making them tender and flavorful. They are a highly affordable cut of meat and can be found in almost any grocery store.
Turkey’s necks are high in protein and low in calories, making them an excellent choice for those trying to watch their weight. The collagen and connective tissues also make them beneficial to your joints and skin.
In addition, turkey necks are incredibly versatile and can be used in various dishes. From soups to stews, they can be used as the base of any savory dish.
How to Cook Turkey Necks in the Oven
To prepare Turkey necks in the oven, you should follow the following:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment or foil paper.
- Place your turkey necks on the prepared baking sheet and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, or your favorite spices.
- Drizzle with olive oil and place in the oven.
- Bake for 35-45 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
- Let your turkey necks rest for 10 minutes and serve.
Which Temp Is Good for Cooking Turkey Necks in the Oven?
The desired temperature for preparing turkey necks using an oven is 375°F. This temperature allows the collagen and connective tissues to break down, resulting in a juicy and tender turkey neck. It’s essential to ensure the internal temperature of your turkey neck reaches 165°F so it is safe to eat.
Additionally, you can use a thermometer to check the temperature while cooking to ensure that your turkey neck is cooked perfectly and safely.
How to Make Smothered Turkey Necks
Smothered turkey neck is another delicious dish you can make with the same baking method. To make smothered turkey necks, you should:
- Preheat oven to 375°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment or foil paper.
- Place your turkey necks on the prepared baking sheet and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, or your favorite spices.
- Drizzle with olive oil and place in the oven.
- Bake for 20 minutes and remove from the oven.
- Pour a can of condensed cream of chicken soup over your turkey necks and stir to combine.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the juices are clear.
- Let your turkey necks rest for 10 minutes and serve.
How To Prepare & Season the Turkey Neck
Remove excess fat and trim any extra skin when prepping the turkey neck for baking. Once this is done, you can season the meat however you like. Popular choices are garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
Remember that a little goes a long way when selecting spices for your turkey necks. Start with small amounts and work up to get the flavor you want. The same goes for seasoning with salt, as too much can make the turkey neck taste overly salty.
However, if you’re using a soup for your smothered turkey necks, it’s best to keep the seasonings minimal so that the flavors of the soup can shine through.
Pro Tips To Cook Turkey Necks in the Oven
The pro tips for cooking turkey necks in the oven are to:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment or foil paper.
- Season your turkey necks with salt, pepper, garlic powder, or your favorite spices, and drizzle with olive oil before baking.
- Bake for 35-45 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
- Let your turkey necks rest for 10 minutes before serving.
- Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of your turkey neck while cooking.
- When making smothered turkey necks, use a can of condensed cream of chicken soup for the best flavor.
- When selecting spices for your turkey necks, start with small amounts and work your way up to get the flavor you want.
- Keep seasonings minimal when using a soup for your smothered turkey necks to let the flavors of the soup shine through.
- Remove excess fat and trim extra skin before seasoning your turkey necks.
Ways To Serve the Cooked Turkey Necks
There are many delicious ways to serve cooked turkey necks, including:
- Over mashed potatoes or rice
- With a side of green beans, carrots, or broccoli
- In tacos with a side of guacamole
- Wrapped in tortillas with cheese and salsa
- In a casserole with vegetables and other proteins
- On top of a salad for some added flavor and protein
- As a sandwich or wrap
- In a soup for extra flavor and texture
- With roasted vegetables as part of a hearty meal
- As an appetizer with dipping sauces
No matter how you serve them, turkey necks are sure to be a hit. They’re packed with flavor, easy to bake, and can be done in various ways.
Different Recipes To Cook Turkey Necks
You can make various recipes with cooked turkey necks, such as:
- Turkey Neck Stew – A warm, hearty stew perfect for winter nights.
- Turkey Neck Soup – You can easily make a flavorful and creamy soup in a slow cooker.
- Mexican Style Turkey Neck – Tacos filled with seasoned turkey necks and topped with all your favorite Mexican flavors.
- Stuffed Turkey Necks – Stuff your turkey necks with a mix of vegetables and herbs for added flavor.
- Sweet & Sour Turkey Necks – Baked turkey necks simmered in a sweet and sour sauce.
- Smothered Turkey Necks – A classic dish of turkey necks smothered in a can of condensed cream of chicken soup.
- BBQ Turkey Necks – Baked turkey necks smothered in a tangy and tasty BBQ sauce.
- Jerk Chicken Necks – Spicy, flavorful turkey necks baked with a homemade jerk seasoning blend.
- Honey Garlic Turkey Necks – Sweet and savory turkey necks cooked in a delicious honey garlic sauce.
- Fried Turkey Necks – A crispy, fried version of the classic dish that satisfies everyone.
Can You Use Turkey Legs or Turkey Wings?
Yes, you can use turkey legs or turkey wings in the same recipes. The cooking time may vary, as turkey wings tend to cook faster than turkey necks.
However, the same seasonings and techniques apply to both. You may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Once cooked properly, you can use turkey legs and wings in the same recipes as turkey necks. Additionally, you might use turkey necks in the same recipes as chicken. The cooking time may vary, but the same techniques and seasonings apply.
Can You Use Chicken Wings?
You can use chicken wings in the same recipes as turkey necks. However, chicken wings tend to cook faster than turkey necks, so keep an eye on them and adjust the cooking time accordingly. Additionally, you may need to adjust the seasonings as chicken wings tend to have a milder flavor than turkey necks.
When cooking with chicken wings, be sure to monitor the internal temperature of the meat to ensure it has reached a safe temperature. No matter what poultry you use, the key is to season and cook it correctly for the best flavor and texture.
How to Store Turkey Necks
You can store cooked turkey necks in the refrigerator for up to four days. Place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with aluminum foil. If you plan to freeze them, place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they’ll keep for up to six months.
Additionally, you can store uncooked turkey necks in the freezer for up to one year. Place them in a zip-lock bag, and press out any excess air before freezing. They’ll be ready to use whenever you need them.
No matter how you store your turkey necks, make sure to label them with the date to keep track of when they were purchased or cooked.
Conclusion
Turkey necks are a tasty and nutritious choice for any meal. Whether you’re looking for a hearty stew, flavorful soup, or savory tacos, you can use them to make all kinds of delicious recipes.
They are also easy to store, so you can always have them on hand for your next meal. In many recipes, you can use turkey necks instead of chicken wings and legs. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as chicken wings tend to cook faster.
FAQs
How Long Does It Take Turkey Necks To Cook?
It depends on the recipe and the size of your turkey necks. Generally, they take between 30 minutes to an hour to cook thoroughly.
However, if you are braising or stewing them, it may take longer. In this case, check the internal temperature of the meat with a food thermometer to ensure it has reached a safe temperature before consumption.
How Do You Know When Turkey Neck Is Done?
When the internal temperature of your turkey neck reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit, it is done. You can use a food thermometer to measure this accurately. Additionally, the meat should be tender and moist. If it is dry or tough, it has probably been overcooked.
What Do You Do With a Turkey Neck?
You can use Turkey necks in a variety of dishes. They are excellent for braising, stewing, and making soups and tacos. Additionally, you can use turkey necks to make a crispy fried version of the classic dish that pleases everyone.
How Long Does It Take To Cook a Turkey in the Oven at 350?
It depends on the size of the turkey and whether or not it is stuffed. Generally, an unstuffed turkey will take about 2 to 3 hours to cook at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. An 8-pound turkey should take about 2 1/2 hours to cook, while a 12-pound bird will take about 3 1/2 hours.
Do I Cover Turkey When I Put It in the Oven?
You should cover the turkey with foil when putting it into the oven to prevent the skin from getting too dry and brown. It also prevents the drippings from burning on the bottom of the pan. Remove the foil for the last 30 minutes of cooking time to allow the skin to brown.
Covering the turkey also helps it retain moisture and cook evenly. This will ensure that you have a juicy, delicious bird every time.
Is It Better to Cook a Turkey at High or Low Temperature?
It’s best to cook a turkey at a low temperature for the most flavorful and juicy results. A lower oven setting will allow the bird to cook more evenly, so all juices are retained.
Additionally, cooking the bird at a low temperature will prevent it from drying out and becoming tough. However, cooking at high temperatures can be beneficial for crisping up the skin. If you prefer a crispy turkey, try increasing the temperature for 30 minutes.
Can I Use Frozen Turkey for Baking?
Yes, you can use frozen turkey for baking. However, it is important to thaw the bird completely before cooking. This will help ensure that all the juices are retained, and the meat will be cooked evenly. Additionally, remove any excess air before freezing to prevent freezer burn.
