This smoked turkey necks recipe is served tender and delicious using any smoker or pellet grill. Pair this with rice, collard greens, cornbread, or any of your favorite side dishes.
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What Are Turkey Necks
The turkey neck is the part of the turkey that is made up of bones and meat, the small pieces at the bottom. It can be used to make soups, stews, broth, or roasted to enjoy as an amazing main dish for a meal.
When you grab them in the store, they usually come in packs of three or more. The necks don’t have any feathers. Oftentimes, when purchased the neck, is cut into pieces. My grocer provides a full neck.
Where to Find Them
I find them readily available in local grocery stores. You can also check specialty markets, even some Asian grocery stores.
What Type of Wood/Pellets to Use
I love to use apple. You can also use the Traeger Signature blend, cherry, pecan, oak, peach, or alder.
How to Make Smoked Turkey Necks
Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Pat the turkey necks dry. Drizzle both sides of the necks with olive oil and then sprinkle the spices onto both sides of the necks.
- Add the seasoned turkey necks to the smoker. Smoke.
- If you like tender, fall-off-the-bone turkey necks, pressure cook or bake.
Smoker Temperature
Smoke the necks at 225 degrees.
Cook Time/How Long to Smoke
It will take 2-3 hours to smoke the turkey necks until they are cooked through.
How to Tell When the Turkey is Done/Get Fall-Off-the-Bone-Turkey
You will need to use a meat thermometer. Insert the meat thermometer into the thickest part of the neck. According to the USDA, Poultry must be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees.
Your total cook time will vary based on how you like your turkey. If you like tender turkey necks that fall off the bone, you will need to finish them off in the pressure cooker/Instant Pot or in the oven once they are smoked. I’ve smoked turkey necks up to 4 hours and they still weren’t quite as tender as I would like.
Can You Use Turkey Legs or Turkey Wings?
Check out my Smoked Turkey Wings recipe here.
How to Store Them
Cooked turkey necks can be stored in the fridge tightly covered for 3-4 days.
Freezer Tips
You can freeze leftover necks tightly covered and sealed. For best taste, they will last up to 3 months. Defrost the turkey necks overnight in the fridge and reheat.
Pair With These Side Dishes
Southern Soul Food Baked Mac and Cheese
Ranch Mashed Potatoes
Southern Green Beans
Southern Collard Greens
Baked Corn on the Cob
Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes
Slow Cooker Crockpot Neck Bones
Tender Juicy Oxtail recipe
Thanksgiving Chicken
More Turkey Recipes
Baked Turkey Wings
Smothered Turkey Wings
Air Fryer Turkey Wings
Smoked Turkey Wings
Traeger Smoked Turkey
Crockpot Slow Cooker Bone-in Turkey Breast
Traeger Smoked Cornish Hens
Slow Cooker Crockpot Boneless Turkey Breast
Smoked Turkey Necks
Ingredients
- 1 1/2-2 pounds raw turkey necks Not smoked or previously cooked.
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/2 tablespoon Creole Seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons melted butter Measured solid.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup broth Any broth, turkey, chicken, vegetable, etc.
- foil
Instructions
- Preheat smoker to 225 degrees.
- Pat the turkey necks dry. Drizzle both sides of the necks with olive oil and then sprinkle the spices onto both sides of the necks.
- Add the seasoned turkey necks to the smoker. Smoke for 1 1/2 hours. Remove the turkey necks and place them onto foil. Drizzle with melted butter and apple cider vinegar. Wrap the turkey necks in the foil. Smoke for an additional hour.Ensure the turkey reaches an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees. Cook longer if necessary.
- If you like tender, fall-off-the-bone turkey necks, add the broth to a pressure cooker then place the smoked turkey necks on top. Pressure cook for 15-20 minutes until tender.Alternatively, you can add the smoked turkey necks to a baking dish. Bake on 370 degrees until tender.
