What Goes with Neck Bones: A Guide to Enjoying Your Meal
Anyone who has eaten neck bones knows they are a delicious Southern staple. But what goes well with them?
Here are what goes with neck bones:
Side dishes: Collard Greens, Potato Fries, Cornbread, Green Beans, etc.
Dessert: Apple Cobbler, Pecan Pie, Sweet Potato Pie, etc.
And many more.
This blog post will explore some of the best side dishes to serve with neck bones. We’ll also provide recipes for some of our favorite sides. So, read on if you’re looking for new ideas for your next meal!
Many different side dishes go well with neck bones. Here are what sides go with neck bones:
Collard Greens
Southern-style Collard Green, with neck bones rice & gravy and Cornbread. Credit: canva
Collard greens are a classic Southern dish that goes great with neck bones. They’re flavorful and nutritious, and they pair well with the savory flavor of the meat.
Mac and Cheese
This classic side dish is always a hit and goes great with neck bones. The creamy cheese sauce pairs well with the savory meat, and it’s sure to please everyone at your table.
Cornbread
Cornbread is a quick bread made from a combination of yellow or white cornmeal, flour, eggs, butter (or oil), sugar, and milk. It’s often called “southern-style” because it’s popular in the southern United States.
Cornbread is unique among side dishes because it can either be served as an accompaniment to savory entrées or enjoyed sweet with jams and jellies.
Green Beans
Green beans are an incredibly versatile and delicious vegetable that can act as the perfect side dish for any meal.
Some of the best green bean dishes include classic green bean casseroles, garlic roasted green beans with parmesan cheese, and blistered shishito peppers with lemon-garlic butter sauce!
Potatoes
Potatoes are one of the most versatile side dishes out there that can be prepared in many different ways.
When pairing potatoes with neck bones specifically, I like making Hasselback Potatoes – they’re delicious! This dish is super easy to make and adds a nice crunchy texture when baked in the oven or air-fried without all that added fat.
I also like mixing some rosemary and thyme herbs into my Hasselback Potatoes for extra flavor – it makes them even tastier!
Rice
Rice is the perfect side dish! It’s versatile, simple to prepare, and usually quite affordable. Plus, there are so wide varieties of rice out there that can be used in various dishes.
White rice is a classic choice for sides with its subtle flavor and light texture, but I’m especially partial to jasmine or basmati for its more flavorful taste and aromatic scent.
Brown rice provides a more earthy flavor when paired with proteins like fish or chicken.
Soup
Soup is one of my favorite side dishes! It’s warm, comforting, and versatile enough to add to any meal. In the wintertime, there’s nothing better than a hot bowl of soup to keep you satisfied and cozy.
And even in the summertime (especially if it’s chilly out!), some chilled gazpacho or vichyssoise can hit the spot.
Baked Beans
Baked beans are a hearty and flavorful side dish that accompanies neck bones perfectly. They are easy to make, and their sweet taste complements the savory flavor of meat perfectly!
Salad
Salads are one of my all-time favorite accompaniments to any meal. They provide an explosion of freshness, crunch, and flavor that can’t be beaten!
Whether you’re into the kale and spinach salads or prefer something a little more exotic, like roasted Brussels sprouts with quinoa and lentils, I’m sure there’s a salad for everyone!
Dessert: What to Eat with Neck Bones?
Dessert is always a great way to end a meal. We have a dessert for you, whether you want something sweet or savory.
Apple Cobbler
Apple cobbler is one of my favorite desserts; I know you’ll love it too! It’s a delicious mix of sweet, tart apples in a warm crumb topping. Plus, baking it yourself is super easy and fun!
Pecan Pie
Pecan pie is another classic dessert that goes great with neck bones. It’s sweet and nutty and the perfect way to end your meal.
Sweet Potato Pie
When it comes to sweet potato pie, I have nothing but good things to say! This classic Southern dessert is bursting with flavor and is perfect for any occasion.
Not only is it delicious, but it’s also incredibly versatile and a great way to get the kids involved in the kitchen.
Banana Pudding
Banana pudding is one of the most delectable desserts out there! It’s sweet, creamy, and just so yummy. The great thing about banana pudding is that it can be made in many different ways to suit everyone’s taste buds.
While the classic version involves layers of cooked custard and sliced bananas topped with meringue or whipped cream, people also often like to mix in various delicious ingredients like Nilla wafers and marshmallows.
Chocolate Cake
After a delicious meal, nothing satisfies quite like an indulgent slice of chocolate cake. Its sinfully sweet flavor pairs perfectly with smoky neck bones, creating a culinary experience that will delight everyone’s taste buds!
Ice Cream
Indulge your sweet tooth with a delicious classic dessert – ice cream, the perfect complement to neck bones. This simple treat is easy to make and an absolute delight!
Pecan Pie Ice Cream
To conclude your meal in an incredibly scrumptious way, you must try pecan pie ice cream — it’s the ultimate combination of sweet and nutty flavors. Neck bones perfectly complement this delectable dessert to create a delightful dining experience!
What Are Neck Bones?
Grilled Pork Neck Bones with Potato Fries and Salad. Credit: canva
What Animal is Neck Bones Made from?
They are from pigs or cows. They are usually made into soup or stew but can also be roasted or grilled.
What Part of the Pig is Neck Bones?
Neck bones have a distinct, hearty flavor and offer an abundance of protein. Derived from the pig’s neck, they are tough meat that can be cooked in various ways to draw out their full potential.
What are Pork Neck Bones Used for?
Neckbones, pork, and beef are commonly used in soup or stew. They can also be roasted, braised, or grilled, but they will be a little tougher.
What do Neck Bones Taste Like?
They have a strong flavor that some people love and others hate. They are very salty, so they are best paired with bland sides.
How to Cook Neck Bones?
Southern Style Pork Neck Bones Recipe
In this down-home Southern dish, seasoned pork neck bones are baked until soft and browned in the oven.
what to cook with neck bones
Prep time: 15 mins
Cook time: 2 hrs 45 mins
Serves: 5
Ingredients:
2 onions, roughly chopped
5 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
¼ cups water
4 pounds of pork neck bones
1 ½ teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions:
Preheat an oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Sprinkle 3/4 of the onion and garlic into the bottom of a roasting pan; pour in the vinegar and water.
Season neck bones with salt and pepper and place them into the roasting pan. Sprinkle the remaining onion and garlic over the neck bones; cover the roasting pan tightly with aluminum foil.
Set the oven to 350°F. Bake for 2 hours, basting every 30 minutes. When basting, use a clean piece of foil each time.
After 2 hours, remove the foil and bake until neck bones golden brown, about 45 minutes.
Neck Bone Gravy and Rice Recipe
Gravy and rice are filling and cheap. This recipe calls for fresh and smoked pork neck bones and toasted flour for thickening. Serve with greens.
Prep time: 1 hr
Cook time: 2 hrs
Serves: 8
Ingredients:
1 cup all-purpose flour
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
1 pound smoked pork neck bones
1 large onion, finely chopped
1 large green bell pepper, finely chopped
2 celery stalks, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
3 tablespoons (or more) Worcestershire sauce
1 cup thinly sliced scallions, plus more for garnish
8 to 10 cups hot cooked white rice
Instructions:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, lightly toast the flour, stirring, until golden brown; set aside.
Season the fresh neck bones with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of oil and brown the fresh neck bones on all sides. Remove to a plate.
In the same pan, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the onion, bell pepper, celery, garlic, cayenne, and black pepper. Stir frequently for 5 to 7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Return the browned neck bones along with the smoked bones to the pot. Pour in the water to cover (about 8 cups). Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 1 hour until the meat is ready to fall off the bones.
Remove the bones from the pot. Once cool enough to handle, remove the meat from the bones with a knife or clean hands. Return the meat to the pot, careful not to include any small bones.
Combine the reserved toasted flour and water in a small mixing cup. Add it to the pot, bring it to a boil, and check the thickness of your gravy. If your gravy is too thin, you may want to make another slurry with some or all of the remaining flour.
Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and taste. Add salt as needed. It may take up to 1 tablespoon and will depend not only on your taste but on how salty your smoked bones are. Stir in 1 cup of the scallions.
Place about 1 cup of the cooked rice into each bowl, ladle some gravy over, and garnish with more scallions.
FAQs
How long does it take Neckbones to cook on the stove?
On average, neck bones require approximately one hour of cooking on the stovetop. Nevertheless, depending on their size and thickness, they may demand a longer duration.
What can you do with pork neck bones?
Pork neck bones can be cooked in various ways, including boiling, braising, roasting, and smoking. They’re also great for making soup or broth.
How long does it take neckbones to get done?
It usually takes about an hour to cook neck bones. However, depending on their size, you may need to cook them longer.
Can I freeze cooked neck bones?
Yes, you can freeze cooked neck bones. Simply place them in a freezer-safe container and store them in the freezer for up to six months.
Do you have to clean neck bones?
Yes, it would be best to clean neck bones before cooking them. This can be done by removing excess fat and sinew and then rinsing them under cold running water.
What sides go with turkey necks?
Various sides enhance Turkey necks, but our preferred combination consists of creamy mashed potatoes, cheesy macaroni and cheese, and savory collard greens.
This delectable trio merges perfectly with the turkey neck’s flavor profile to create an unforgettable meal! Plus, they’re all simple enough for even the busiest families on the go to whip up in no time!
What to cook with neck bones?
There are so many delicious ways to cook neck bones that you’ll never get bored! From classic braising dishes like Beef Neck Bones with Cabbage and Carrots to worldly favorites like Jamaican “Jerk” Pork Neck Bones, plenty of potential recipes are waiting to be discovered.
