Pork neck bones are a classic Southern soul food dish, slow-cooked until tender and full of flavor. Serve with collard greens, cornbread, and rice for the perfect down-home meal.
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We’re bringing back an old-school favorite with this pork neck bones recipe! This dish was a Sunday dinner staple at Marrekus’ house and one of his all-time favorite soul food meals. His mom would make a big pot and serve it with buttered rice, greens, and cornbread—a true down-home Southern comfort meal.
For our version, we use a Crock Pot to cook the neck bones low and slow until they’re fork-tender. This slow cooking method also helps them soak up all that rich, delicious flavor!
If you enjoy pork neck bones, you may also like our slow cooker pigs feet recipe!
What we love about this recipe
- Tender: These neck bones are slow-cooked until the meat falls right off the bone.
- Easy: Just set it up early in the day, and by dinnertime, you’ve got a meal ready to enjoy. Perfect for a relaxing Sunday!
- Flavorful: Packed with rich soul food flavor from the meaty neck bones, onion, bell pepper, and seasonings.
What Are Pork Neck Bones?
Pork neck bones are a cheap cut of meat that comes from the pig’s neck. They’re full of flavor and often used in soul food recipes to make rich, tasty broths.
You can cook neck bones in the oven or on the stove the same way as oxtails or other smothered dishes. When slow-cooked for hours, the meat gets so tender it falls right off the bone.
Be sure to also check out this smoked neck bones recipe; it’s perfect for dishes like black-eyed peas, pinto beans, and red beans and rice. Smoked pork neck bones make a flavorful broth and will take your beans to the next level!
Where to Buy Pork Neck Bones
You can buy raw pork neck bones at butcher shops, many local grocery stores, and even online. Some online butchers will deliver them straight to your door.
Ingredients
- Raw pork neck bones
- Green bell pepper
- Yellow onion
- Soul Food Seasoning
- Chicken bouillon powder (or bouillon cubes, Better than Bouillon, etc.)
- Smoked paprika
- Cajun or Creole seasoning
- Water
- Diamond Crystal kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
How to Cook Pork Neck Bones
- Place raw neck bones in the slow cooker.
- Add sliced bell peppers and onion.
- Season with Soul Food Seasoning, chicken bouillon, smoked paprika, and Cajun seasoning.
- Pour enough water to cover all of the ingredients.
- Cook on Low for 6-8 hours until meat is tender.
- Adjust to taste with salt and black pepper, if needed.
What Goes Good with Neck Bones For Dinner?
- Pork neck bones go good with other Southern side dishes.
- We usually make them with rice or potatoes and cornbread.
- Other side dishes to eat with neck bones are collard greens, Southern mac and cheese, green beans and potatoes, and butter beans.
Commonly Asked Questions
Place the neck bones in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add chopped bell pepper and onion. Season with Soul Food seasoning, chicken bouillon, smoked paprika, and Cajun seasoning. Pour in enough water to cover the neck bones. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 2.5 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally. Cook until the meat is tender and nearly falling off the bone. Taste and adjust with salt and black pepper, if needed.
Preheat your oven to 325°F. Place the neck bones in a large roasting pan or deep baking dish. Add chopped bell pepper and onion. Season generously with Soul Food seasoning, chicken bouillon, smoked paprika, and Cajun seasoning. Pour in about 2-3 cups of water or enough to come about halfway up the neck bones. Cover the pan tightly with foil and roast for 2.5 to 3 hours, until the meat is tender and nearly falling off the bone. Remove the foil for the last 30 minutes to let the meat brown. Taste and adjust with salt and black pepper, if needed.
Neck bones and ham hocks both from from the pig. Neck bones come from the neck, spine, and back area from the pig. Ham hocks come from the leg and ankle area of the pig. Both are used to season soul food dishes and make flavorful broths.
Pork Neck Bones Recipe
Equipment
- Crockpot (slow cooker)
Ingredients
- 3 pounds pork neckbones about 8 pieces, but it can vary based on how they're cut
- 1 green bell pepper sliced
- 1 medium yellow onion sliced
- 2 tablespoons Soul Food Seasoning
- 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- Water
Instructions
- Place neck bones in slow cooker.
- Add bell pepper and onion.
- Season with Soul Food Seasoning, chicken bouillon, smoked paprika, and Cajun seasoning.
- Cover with water and cook on low for 6-8 hours, until meat is tender.
- Adjust to taste with salt and black pepper, if needed.