Southern Style Neck Bones

Name: Southern Style Neck Bones
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 120 min
Total time: 145 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 kg pork neck bones (trimmed of excess fat); 1 tbsp vegetable oil; 2 tsp salt (to taste); 1 tsp black pepper (freshly ground); 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 large onion (sliced); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium); 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

145 min 4 servings Medium

All Recipes

Tender and flavourful Southern style neck bones that will warm your soul and satisfy your taste buds.

Prep

15 min

Cook

120 min

Total

145 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

Southern style neck bones are a comfort food classic, known for their rich flavour and tender meat. This dish embodies the heart of Southern cooking, combining simplicity with deep, savoury notes that develop through slow cooking. The key to this recipe is in the slow simmering, which allows the flavours to meld beautifully and the meat to become fall-off-the-bone tender. This version uses classic Southern spices and ingredients to bring out the best in the neck bones. Perfect for anyone craving a taste of the South, this recipe is both easy to follow and incredibly rewarding, bringing warmth and comfort to your dining table.

Instructions

Prepare the neck bones

Rinse the neck bones under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Pro tip: Ensure neck bones are well-dried to achieve a good sear.

Sear the neck bones

Heat vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Brown the neck bones in batches for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden.

Pro tip: Avoid overcrowding the pot to ensure even browning.

Sauté the aromatics

Remove the neck bones and set aside. In the same pot, add the sliced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent.

Pro tip: Stir frequently to prevent garlic from burning.

Deglaze the pot

Pour in the chicken broth and apple cider vinegar, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

Pro tip: These bits add flavour to the dish, don't skip this step!

Simmer the neck bones

Return the neck bones to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.

Pro tip: Ensure the liquid covers the neck bones for even cooking.

Rest and serve

Once cooked, let the neck bones rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavours to meld together.

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Tips & Tricks

Use a heavy-bottomed pot to ensure even heat distribution.
Brown the neck bones well for a deeper flavour.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to enhance flavours.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Southern style neck bones?

Southern style neck bones are a comforting dish made by slow-cooking pork neck bones with spices and aromatics until tender.

How long to cook Southern style neck bones?

They should be simmered for approximately 2 hours until they are tender and flavourful.

Can I make Southern style neck bones ahead of time?

Yes, they can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to three days.

What to serve with Southern style neck bones?

Serve them with mashed potatoes, rice, or collard greens to soak up the delicious gravy.

How many calories are in Southern style neck bones?

Each serving contains approximately 450 calories.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Southern style neck bones with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or over a bed of fluffy white rice to soak up the delicious gravy. This dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove to preserve the tenderness of the meat.