Smoked Turkey Necks

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I've been sharing recipes with yall for a decade, and with my Southern roots you know to expect well-seasoned, real deal flavor from me. The trick to turkey necks that make people stop mid-bite is all about that smoke and simmer. You can’t rush it. Let the smoke do its thing, then let ‘em cook low and slow until they’re tender enough to fall apart with a fork. I've done the hard work so you don't have to. Go ahead and pull up a seat!

smoked turkey necks, mashed potatoes, and broccoli in a black plate

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Table of Contents

Smoked Turkey Neck Ingredients

Turkey Necks
Olive Oil
Creole Seasoning, Smoked Paprika, Salt, and Pepper
Butter
Apple Cider Vinegar
Broth

What Are Turkey Necks

The turkey neck is the part of the turkey that is made up of bones and meat, the small pieces at the bottom. It can be used to make soups, stews, broth, or roasted to enjoy as an amazing main dish for a meal.

When you grab them in the store, they usually come in packs of three or more. The necks don’t have any feathers. Oftentimes, when purchased the neck, is cut into pieces. My grocer provides a full neck.

a bowl of spices and raw turkey necks on parchment paper

How to Make Smoked Turkey Necks

Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Prep the turkey necks: Start by patting the turkey necks dry with paper towels, we’re not steaming, we’re smoking, so you want the surface dry. Drizzle with olive oil and season generously with Creole seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Don’t be shy; this is where the flavor starts.
Fire up the smoker: Preheat your smoker to about 225°. I like to use a fruitwood like apple or cherry for a slightly sweet, smoky flavor, but hickory or pecan hits too.
Smoke low and slow: Place the turkey necks directly on the smoker grates. Close the lid and let them smoke for 1 ½ hours, or until they’ve got that deep, golden-brown color.
Wrap in foil: Remove the turkey necks and place them onto foil. Drizzle with melted butter and apple cider vinegar. Wrap the turkey necks in the foil. Smoke for an additional hour.Ensure the turkey reaches an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees. Cook longer if necessary.

seasoned raw turkey necks on parchment paper

smoked turkey necks wrapped in foil on a smoker

Smoked Turkey Necks

Brandi Crawford

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 2 30

Total Time 2 40

Course dinner, lunch

Cuisine American

Servings servings

Calories 622 kcal

Want to save this recipe for later?

I'll email it to you, so you can come back to it later! You will also get our free digital cookbook with 30-Minute One-Pot Recipes and weekly recipes and tips.

Equipment

Ingredients

1 ½-2 pounds raw turkey necks Not smoked or previously cooked.
1 teaspoon olive oil
½ tablespoon Creole Seasoning
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons melted butter Measured solid.
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 cup broth Any broth, turkey, chicken, vegetable, etc.
foil

Instructions

Preheat smoker to 225 degrees.
Pat the turkey necks dry. Drizzle both sides of the necks with olive oil and then sprinkle the spices onto both sides of the necks.
Add the seasoned turkey necks to the smoker. Smoke for 1 ½ hours. Remove the turkey necks and place them onto foil. Drizzle with melted butter and apple cider vinegar. Wrap the turkey necks in the foil. Smoke for an additional hour.
Ensure the turkey reaches an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees. Cook longer if necessary.
If you like tender, fall-off-the-bone turkey necks, add the broth to a pressure cooker then place the smoked turkey necks on top. Pressure cook for 15-20 minutes until tender.
Alternatively, you can add the smoked turkey necks to a baking dish. Bake on 370 degrees until tender.

Notes

The recipe can easily be doubled and adjusted to suit what will fit in your smoker.

I love to use apple wood/pellets. You can also use the Traeger Signature blend, cherry, pecan, oak, peach, or alder.

Nutrition

Serving: 1poundCalories: 622kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 92gFat: 26g

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Nutrition Data

Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.

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Where can I find turkey necks?

Check the meat department, especially around the poultry section. Most large chain grocery stores carry them. A local butcher is always a solid move. They can tell you exactly when they’ll have fresh turkey necks in stock and sometimes you can even request them to be cut to your desired size.

What type of wood or pellets work best?

I love to use apple. You can also use the Traeger Signature blend, cherry, pecan, oak, peach, or alder.

What temperature do I use for the smoker?

Smoke the necks at 225 degrees.

What is the cook time and how long do I smoke the turkey necks?

It will take 2-3 hours to smoke the turkey necks until they are cooked through.

How can I tell when the turkey is done? How do I get fall-off-the-bone-turkey?

The meat should be tender enough to shred easily. You will need to use a meat thermometer. Insert the meat thermometer into the thickest part of the neck. According to the USDA, Poultry must be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees.

Your total cook time will vary based on how you like your turkey. If you like tender turkey necks that fall off the bone, you will need to finish them off in the pressure cooker/Instant Pot or in the oven once they are smoked. I've smoked turkey necks up to 4 hours and they still weren't quite as tender as I would like.

Can I use turkey legs or wings?

Check out my Smoked Turkey Wings recipe here.

How do I store leftover turkey necks?

Cooked turkey necks can be stored in the fridge tightly covered for 3-4 days.

Freezer Tips

You can freeze leftover necks tightly covered and sealed. For best taste, they will last up to 3 months. Defrost the turkey necks overnight in the fridge and reheat.