If you are a fan of no-waste cooking, this recipe has your name all over it. And even if you aren’t, you’ll still probably be surprised by how delicious this overlooked part of the turkey can taste when prepared properly. My family was skeptical too, but when they tasted these smoked beauties, they were immediately convinced that turkey necks deserve their soul food status. Give this amazing recipe a try, and I guarantee you’ll never throw a turkey neck out again. In fact, you’ll probably find yourself adding turkey necks to your grocery list on the regular.
Recipe Ingredients
How to Smoke Turkey Necks
Prep the Turkey Necks
Clean – Remove the turkey necks from their packaging and pat them dry with a clean paper towel to remove any excess liquid. Then place them in a large bowl. (Photo 1)Make the Marinade – Mix the olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, Creole seasoning, brown sugar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. (Photos 2-3)Marinate – Pour the marinade over the turkey necks and mix well until they are fully coated in marinade. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the fridge until you are ready to smoke. Marinate for up to 24 hours. (Photos 4-5)
Smoke the Turkey Necks
Preheat Smoker – Add your choice of wood or pellets to the smoker and preheat it to 250℉/120℃.Start Smoking – Place the turkey necks directly on the smoker racks. (Photo 6)Finish Smoking – Cover and smoke for two to four hours, moving them around occasionally for even cooking. Smoke until the turkey has reached an internal temperature of 165℉/74℃.Serve – When cooked, remove the turkey necks from the smoker, let them rest for about 5 minutes, and serve.
Recipe Variations
Tips and Tricks
Sometimes some parts of the smoker get hotter than other parts. That’s why you move the necks around occasionally as they cook. You know your smoker, so just use your best judgment here.You’ll know when the necks are cooked when a meat thermometer shows 165℉/75℃.Most of the time, turkey necks come packaged whole. You can cut these guys into smaller pieces before marinating or leave them whole, whatever you prefer.
Make-Ahead Instructions
I recommend marinating turkey necks for 24 hours before smoking. Then your prep work is done, and all you need to do is smoke them. However, you can make these a few days in advance if you want, as long as you refrigerate them. You can also freeze turkey necks for three months if you’re going to make them way ahead of time.
Serving and Storage Instructions
Let the turkey necks rest for about five minutes after pulling them out of the smoker, and then serve them warm with whatever Southern sides you please. (Don’t forget the hot sauce.) 🔥 Store leftover turkey necks in an airtight container. You can either refrigerate them for 3-5 days or freeze them for three months. To reheat smoked turkey necks, pop them in your microwave or air fryer for a few minutes until heated through. You can also plop them into soups or stews as you cook. If you freeze them, you can thaw them in the fridge overnight or toss them directly into your stew or soup and simmer until heated through.
What Goes with Smoked Turkey Necks
I love serving smoked turkey necks with collard greens, garlic mashed potatoes, and gravy. It is such an excellent down-home meal. They can also flavor other dishes. I like adding them to Brunswick stew. They also are great flavor boosters for turnip greens or Southern mustard greens. 😋
More Delectable Turkey Recipes to Try
Baked Turkey WingsSmoked Turkey BreastThanksgiving TurkeySlow-Cooker TurkeyGiblet Gravy
Conclusion
So break out the smoker and get ready for a real soul-food treat! Has your family ever made a meal of just the turkey necks? Let me know in the comments, and give this recipe a five-star rating if you love it as much as I do. 😉
