Learn How to Clean And Cook Neck Bones with 4 easy recipes that bring out the rich, savory flavor of this underrated cut of meat. Whether you prefer the comfort of your slow cooker or the quick pressure of an Instant Pot, these methods will help you transform pork neck bones into a hearty, satisfying meal. Besides, I’ll also share with you how to clean neck bones properly and best sides to serve with your neck bones.
1. How to Cook Neck Bones on Stove
Cooking neck bones on the stove creates a flavorful dish with tender meat and a savory broth. Here’s a complete recipe you can follow.
Ingredients
For Cleaning
- 1 large lemon, sliced
- 8 cups water
For Cooking The Neck Bones
- 4 lbs pork neck bones
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp ground black pepper
- 2 ½ tbsp Rosamae Seasonings Seasoning Salt (or any seasoning salt of your choice)
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 cup sliced white mushrooms
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 10 cups water
- 1 envelope French onion soup mix
Equipment
- Large stockpot with lid
- Wooden spoon
- Skillet for roux
Instructions
First, place neck bones in a large bowl or sink. Next, add 8 cups of cold water and 1 large lemon ( sliced ). Soak for 30 minutes, scrubbing and rinsing to remove impurities. Then drain and pat dry before cooking.
Heat olive oil in a stockpot over medium-high heat. Add sliced onions and sauté until golden and fragrant.
Season the cleaned neck bones with seasoning salt and black pepper. Add to the pot and brown on all sides.
Stir in garlic and mushrooms, cooking for another 2 minutes.
In a separate skillet, heat vegetable oil. Gradually whisk in flour to create a roux. Cook until golden brown, about 3–4 minutes.
Next, add roux to the pot, stirring to coat the neck bones. Then pour in 10 cups of water and add the French onion soup mix. Stir well.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 2–3 hours until meat is tender and nearly falling off the bone.
Serve hot with rice, mashed potatoes, or cornbread.
2. How to Cook Neck Bones in Slow Cooker
Using a slow cooker brings out deep, rich flavors and requires minimal effort.
Ingredients
For Cleaning
- 1 large lemon, sliced
- 8 cups water
For Cooking The Neck Bones
- 3 lbs fresh pork neck bones
- 1 ½ large yellow onion, sliced
- 2 packets brown gravy mix
- 3 tsp seasoning salt
- 1 ½ tsp coarse black pepper
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 5 medium russet potatoes, peeled and sliced
Equipment
- Slow cooker (6-quart recommended)
- Mixing bowl
Instructions
Clean the neck bones as described above
Place sliced onions and potatoes at the bottom of the slow cooker.
Next, season the neck bones with seasoning salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper. Layer seasoned neck bones over the vegetables.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together vegetable broth and brown gravy mix until smooth. Then pour the gravy mixture over the neck bones.
Cover with lid and cook on low for 8–10 hours or high for 4–5 hours, until neck bones are fork-tender.
Serve warm, spooning gravy and vegetables over the meat.
3. How to Cook Neck Bones in Instant Pot
For a faster method, the Instant Pot is ideal. Pressure cooking gives tender results in a fraction of the time.
Ingredients
For Cleaning
- 1 large lemon, sliced
- 8 cups water
For Cooking The Neck Bones
- 3 lbs pork neck bones
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp white pepper
- 1 tsp chicken or beef bouillon
- 2 cups water
- 1 packet brown gravy or au jus mix
- 1 tsp black pepper
Equipment
- Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker
Instructions
Clean the neck bones as described above
Turn the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add cleaned neck bones and brown them lightly on all sides.
Add onions, garlic powder, white pepper, and liquid smoke. Sauté for 2 minutes.
Stir in bouillon, black pepper, and water. Sprinkle gravy or au jus mix over the top.
Lock lid, set valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 45 minutes.
Allow a natural release for 15 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
Open lid, stir, and serve with rice or collard greens.
4. How to Cook Neck Bones in Oven
Oven-baked neck bones develop rich, roasted flavors with crispy edges.
Ingredients
For Cleaning
- 1 large lemon, sliced
- 8 cups water
For Cooking The Neck Bones
- 3–4 lbs pork neck bones (about 3.25 lbs used here)
- 1 tbsp seasoned salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp sage
- 4 tbsp bacon fat or vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 tbsp chicken bouillon powder OR 2 large chicken bouillon cubes
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
Equipment
- Large roasting pan
- Mixing bowl
- Aluminum foil
Instructions
Clean the neck bones as described above
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine seasoned salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and sage. Rub mixture evenly over the neck bones.
Heat bacon fat or oil in a large roasting pan. Brown neck bones on all sides over medium heat.
Remove from heat, sprinkle flour over the neck bones, and toss gently to coat.
Next, add sliced onions and chicken bouillon powder. Stir to mix. Then cover pan tightly with aluminum foil.
Bake for 2–2 ½ hours, or until meat is tender. Remove foil for the last 20 minutes for a crispy finish.
Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or cornbread.
5. Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Neck Bones?
Neck bones are cuts of meat taken from the neck of pork or beef. While they don’t have a lot of meat, they are flavorful and become tender when slow-cooked, often used in soups, stews, and broths.
Where to Buy Neck Bones?
You can find neck bones at most grocery stores, butcher shops, or international markets. They’re usually sold fresh in the meat section and are very affordable compared to other cuts.
How to Choose Neck Bones?
Look for fresh neck bones that are pinkish-red with a bit of marbling. Avoid pieces that look dull or have an unpleasant odor. Smaller bones tend to cook faster and have more tender meat.
Best Side Dishes for Neck Bones
Neck bones pair beautifully with soul food staples such as collard greens, cornbread, rice, or mashed potatoes. They also go well with roasted vegetables or mac and cheese for a comforting meal.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers?
Store leftover neck bones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a saucepan over medium-low heat or in the oven at 325°F until heated through. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
With these four easy recipes in this article, I hope that you can enjoy tender, flavorful neck bones cooked just the way you like them. Whether you choose the stovetop, slow cooker, Instant Pot, or oven, this humble cut of meat is sure to deliver comfort and taste in every bite.
