Are you looking for an easy and delicious recipe that will fill your home with mouthwatering aromas? Look no further than turkey necks in a crock pot. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a comforting dish that will leave you craving for more. Serve it with your favorite side dish to enhance the flavors of this slow cooker turkey necks recipe. So, let’s dive in and explore how to make this delightful meal.
How to Make Turkey Necks in Crock Pot
The process of making turkey necks in a slow cooker is incredibly easy. You don’t need step-by-step pictures to guide you through it, but I’ve included some to showcase how I arranged the ingredients in my crock pot.
Start by opening the package of turkey necks and rinsing them with cold running water. Although it’s not necessary, I always prefer to wash poultry or meat before cooking to maintain cleanliness in my kitchen.
Next, place the turkey necks in the slow cooker and add chopped onions, minced garlic, salt, and your choice of spices. Give it a gentle mix and add water. The amount of water you add depends on the size of your crock pot. You don’t need to cover the turkey entirely; halfway will suffice.
Close the lid of the slow cooker and turn it on. If you’re pressed for time, you can cook the turkey necks on high heat for approximately 4 hours. However, I recommend cooking them on low heat for 8 hours to achieve the most tender and flavorful results. This is a great option for those who like to start cooking their dinner in the morning and come home to a perfectly cooked dish.
Where to Buy Turkey Necks
Turkey necks may not be a common item at your local grocery store. However, you can usually find them in the fridge section near other turkey and chicken products. Availability may increase during holidays. Alternatively, check the freezer aisle as many supermarkets keep their turkey necks frozen.
Can You Make It with Other Parts of Turkey?
Absolutely! If you can’t find turkey necks, you can use turkey wings instead. The cooking time in the slow cooker remains the same. To ensure they are cooked through, use an instant meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. However, after 8 hours in the crock pot, everything will be cooked to perfection.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips to help you make the most out of your turkey necks in crock pot recipe:
- Turkey necks are dark meat and require a longer cooking time to become tender and juicy. Avoid trying to cook them faster than the recommended time, or they may turn out tough.
- For added flavors, feel free to add vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, and celery to the slow cooker. This will transform your dish into a hearty ragout rather than just turkey necks with broth.
- If you prefer a gravy-like consistency, you can make a turkey gravy using the drippings. Mix 3 teaspoons of cornstarch with 3 teaspoons of cold water, then add it to the hot broth. Stir until the gravy thickens, ensuring you remove the necks before adding the slurry.
- For a richer taste and color, brown the turkey necks in a skillet before placing them in the crock pot. Although this will result in more dishwashing, it will fill your kitchen with a delightful aroma.
- If you enjoy a spicy kick, add your favorite hot sauce to the crock pot alongside the other ingredients. However, keep in mind your spice tolerance and whether your dining companions can handle the heat.
Side Dishes
There are numerous ways to enjoy this delicious turkey dish. My personal favorite is serving it with creamy dreamy mashed potatoes. The combination of garlic mashed potatoes, gravy, and slow-cooked turkey necks is simply divine. Alternatively, a bowl of plain white rice or a slice of toasted garlic bread can be the perfect accompaniment. The rice will soak up the flavorful turkey juices, while the garlic bread pairs wonderfully with the turkey broth.
Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your turkey necks in crock pot recipe, store them in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Alternatively, you can place the necks (with broth) in a large ziplock bag or a deep dish and cover them with foil, plastic wrap, or a flat plate. During the holiday season, when containers may be scarce, a medium-sized pot with a lid can also serve the purpose.
To reheat the leftovers, simply use a microwave. If you have more than you can consume within a few days, freezing is an option. Ensure you use a freezer-friendly container and include some broth. This will help maintain the juiciness and tenderness of the turkey necks after thawing, while also preventing freezer burn.
Make It for the Holidays
If you’re making this recipe for Thanksgiving or any other holiday occasion, consider adding a touch of cranberry sauce on top of the turkey necks and serving them over a bed of mashed potatoes. Additionally, you can make a gravy using the turkey drippings by creating a slurry. Dissolve 3 teaspoons of cornstarch in an equal amount of cold water before adding it to the crock pot. Stir until the gravy thickens, and then either pour it over the necks in the plate or add the necks back to the pot.
Discover More Turkey Recipes
If you’re a fan of turkey and want to explore more recipes, here are some other delicious options to try:
- Baked turkey gizzards
- Ninja Foodi frozen turkey breast
- Ninja Foodi turkey tenderloin
- Baked lemon pepper turkey tenderloin
- Instant pot turkey thighs
- Air fryer turkey thighs
- Air fryer cajun turkey wings
- Instant pot cabbage soup with turkey
- Instant pot turkey wings
That concludes our journey into the world of turkey necks in a crock pot. Enjoy the delightful blend of flavors and the tender meat that will leave you craving for seconds. If you want to explore more recipes or learn about Ekilove, head over to ekilove.com. Happy cooking!
