Cody Casey
Cooking neck bones in a crock pot is a great way to make a soul food classic. Pork neck bones are a cheap, tasty, and tender cut of meat that can be slow-cooked to fall off the bone. This versatile dish can be served with potatoes, rice, collard greens, mac and cheese, and cornbread.
So, how do you cook neck bones in a crock pot?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of dish | Soul food |
| Main ingredient | Pork neck bones |
| Other ingredients | Water, broth, vinegar, onion, garlic, thyme, salt, pepper, paprika, Cajun seasoning, chicken bouillon, bell peppers, cornbread, potatoes, rice, beans, gravy |
| Cooking method | Slow cooker, crockpot, oven |
| Cooking time | 2.5-8 hours |
| Temperature | High, Low |
| Preparation | Season neck bones, add broth, cover and cook |
| Storage | Refrigerate for 3-4 days, freeze for up to 3 months |
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What You'll Learn
How long to cook pork neck bones in a crock pot
Cooking pork neck bones in a crock pot is a great way to prepare a delicious, soul food-style meal. This cut of meat is full of flavour and can be slow-cooked until tender, resulting in fall-off-the-bone meat. The cooking time for pork neck bones in a crock pot can vary depending on the desired level of doneness and the specific crock pot being used. However, here is a general guide for cooking pork neck bones in a crock pot:
For a slow cook, it is recommended to set the crock pot to low and cook the pork neck bones for an extended period, typically 6 to 8 hours. This longer cooking time allows the meat to become tender and juicy, absorbing all the rich flavours of the dish. It is perfect for preparing the dish early in the day and having it ready for dinner.
If you prefer a faster cooking time, you can set the crock pot to high. Cooking pork neck bones on high for about 4 hours should result in tender meat. However, it is important to keep in mind that cooking times may vary, and some recipes suggest baking pork neck bones in an oven for about 2.5 hours for 2 lbs of meat.
Additionally, the cooking time can be influenced by the specific crock pot model and its heat settings. Each crock pot may heat slightly differently, so it is essential to refer to the manufacturer's guidelines and adjust the cooking time accordingly. Checking the meat's temperature with a meat thermometer can also ensure it is cooked to your desired level of doneness.
When preparing pork neck bones in a crock pot, it is common to add vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, and garlic. Seasonings like Soul Food seasoning, chicken bouillon, smoked paprika, and Cajun seasoning enhance the flavour. Water or broth is added to the crock pot to create a moist cooking environment, and vinegar is often included to add a tangy flavour.
In summary, the cooking time for pork neck bones in a crock pot can range from 2.5 hours in an oven to 6 to 8 hours on a low setting or about 4 hours on a high setting in the crock pot. Adjustments may be necessary based on your crock pot's characteristics and your desired level of doneness. Enjoy your delicious, tender, and flavourful pork neck bones!
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What to serve with crock pot neck bones
Neck bones cooked in a crock pot are a hearty and budget-friendly meal. The meat becomes tender when cooked slowly, and the gravy adds a rich flavour. This dish is often served with rice, potatoes, and vegetables.
Rice is a popular side dish to serve with crock pot neck bones. White rice can be cooked to absorb the sauce created by the neck bones, adding a nice flavour to the dish. Plain rice can also be served with the gravy from the crock pot, or rice with pigeon peas (arroz con gandules) is another option.
Potatoes are also a common side dish to serve with crock pot neck bones. Mashed potatoes are a great option to soak up the gravy, and steamed potatoes can also be added directly to the crock pot.
Vegetables are often served as a side dish or included in the crock pot with the neck bones. Green beans are a popular choice, as are peas, okra, and butter beans. Cornbread is another option to serve with the meal, adding a crunchy texture.
Overall, crock pot neck bones are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides to suit different tastes and preferences. The tender meat and rich gravy form a flavourful base that can be complemented by a range of side dishes.
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How to prepare the neck bones before cooking
Neck bones are a delicious, budget-friendly meal, but they can be quite tough and take a while to cook. They are filled with connective tissue, so they need to be cooked slowly at low temperatures to become tender. Before cooking neck bones in a crock pot, there are several steps you can take to prepare them.
Firstly, it is important to clean the neck bones. This will ensure that your broth does not taste gamey. To clean the neck bones, you can blanch them in boiling water until the scum coagulates. Then, wash the bones before proceeding with your chosen recipe. This will ensure that any unwanted substances are removed, resulting in a clearer and more aesthetically pleasing broth.
Another step you can take is to brown the meat before placing it in the crock pot. This can be done by searing the neck bones in a hot pan, which will add flavour and help to tenderise the meat. Additionally, you can remove any fatty parts and veins from the neck bones. This is a matter of personal preference, but it can improve the texture and flavour of the final dish.
When preparing neck bones for a crock pot recipe, it is also essential to gather and prepare your other ingredients. For example, you may want to chop or mince garlic and onions, which are commonly used in neck bone recipes. You can also decide on the type of liquid you want to use, such as water, wine, beef stock, or vinegar.
Overall, preparing neck bones for a crock pot involves several key steps, including cleaning the bones, browning the meat, and removing any unwanted parts. By taking the time to properly prepare your neck bones, you can ensure that your final dish is tender, flavourful, and enjoyable.
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What to add to the crock pot with the neck bones
Neck bones are a classic soul food dish, and when cooked in a crock pot, they become tender and full of flavour. Here are some ideas for what to add to the crock pot with the neck bones:
Vegetables
Onions, bell peppers, and garlic are a great base for your neck bones. You can chop or slice them to your preferred size. Some recipes also include green beans, okra, or peas.
Seasonings
You can season your neck bones with a variety of spices, such as soul food seasoning, smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper, thyme, oregano, or cilantro. You can also add a bay leaf, salt, and black pepper to taste.
Broth or Water
You'll need some liquid to cook your neck bones in. You can use broth—chicken, pork, or vegetable—or simply water. Use enough liquid to cover the neck bones, about 2-3 cups, or enough to come about halfway up the neck bones.
Starch
Neck bones go well with starchy sides like potatoes, rice, or cornbread. You can choose one or a combination of these to add to your crock pot, or serve them as sides.
Other Meats
Some recipes call for adding other meats to the crock pot with the neck bones, such as short ribs or pigs' feet.
Beans
Neck bones are often served with beans, such as butter beans, lima beans, or black-eyed peas. You could add these directly to the crock pot or serve them as a side dish.
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How to store leftover cooked neck bones
Neck bones are a great, budget-friendly meal option that can be cooked in a crock pot. They can be paired with rice, potatoes, greens, or cornbread.
Now, let's talk about storing leftover cooked neck bones:
Firstly, allow the leftover cooked neck bones to cool down to room temperature. This step is important as storing hot food in the refrigerator can decrease its efficiency and cause bacterial growth.
Once the neck bones have cooled, store them in airtight containers. You can use glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids. Make sure to use shallow containers so you can divide the leftover neck bones into smaller portions that will cool and chill faster.
Label the containers with the date and content. This will help you keep track of how long the leftovers have been stored.
Leftover cooked neck bones should be refrigerated and consumed within 3 to 4 days. If you won't be eating them within this timeframe, it's best to freeze them.
To freeze leftover cooked neck bones, wrap them tightly in freezer paper or store them in freezer bags. Make sure to squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. They can be frozen for up to 2 to 3 months.
When you're ready to enjoy your frozen leftover neck bones, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat them thoroughly before consuming.
Remember, it's important to handle and store food safely to prevent foodborne illnesses. Enjoy your leftover neck bones!
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to cook the neck bones in a crock pot for 3-4 hours on High or 7-8 hours on Low.
You will need neck bones, broth or water, onions, and a bay leaf. You can also add bell peppers, garlic, and various seasonings.
Neck bones are often served with Southern side dishes such as rice, potatoes, collard greens, cornbread, mac and cheese, green beans, and butter beans.
You can use pork or beef neck bones. Look for neck bones with a good amount of meat on them, as some packages may contain mostly bones.
