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Pork Neck Bones

This Pork Neck Bones recipe is a homestyle favorite cooked on the stove until the meat from the neck bones falls off the bone. Pair this with rice, greens, or cornbread.

pork neck bones on a black plate with rice, collard greens, and cornbread

What Are Neck Bones

Pork neck bones are the meat and bone from the neck of a pig or hog. They have a small amount of meat on them and when simmered, the meat is tender and juicy. Neck bones are very inexpensive and are often served for soul food meals along with Collard Greens and Southern Cornbread.

Neck bones are also great stocks, soups, and gravy. You can make bone broth using neck bones.

raw pork neck bones in a glass bowl

Where to Buy Them

You may find packages of neck bones with little to no meat, which are mostly bones. Pay close attention and look for packages with meatier bones.

I find them readily available in local grocery stores. You can also check specialty markets, even some Asian grocery stores.

broth, onions, and spices in separate bowls

How to Make Pork Neck Bones

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

  1. Pat the neck bones dry and season both sides.
  2. Place a large pot on medium-high heat. When hot add the olive oil along with the seasoned neck bones.
  3. Sear each side of each neck bone.
  4. Add onions and saute.
  5. Add broth to the pot and deglaze the pot by scooping up any brown bits.
  6. Adjust the heat to medium-low. Simmer.
pork neck bones in a pot with broth

Cook Time

You will need to simmer them on the stove for a couple of hours. If you like them really tender, juicy, and fall-off-the-bone, it will take 3-4 hours to cook.

How to Store Them

Cooked neck bones can be stored in the fridge tightly covered for 3-4 days.

Freezer Tips

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

pork neck bones in a pot with broth

Pair With These Recipes

Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes
Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Southern Green Beans and Potatoes
African American Cornbread Dressing
Southern Fried Okra
Slow Cooker Crockpot Oxtails

pork neck bones on a black plate with rice, collard greens, and cornbread
pork neck bones on a black plate with rice, collard greens, and cornbread
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4.89 from 9 votes

Pork Neck Bones

This Pork Neck Bones recipe is a homestyle favorite cooked on the stove until the meat from the neck bones falls off the bone. Pair this with rice, greens, or cornbread.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 20 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 397kcal
Author Brandi Crawford

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2-2 pounds pork neck bones
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 2 cups broth Any broth: chicken, pork, vegetable or simply water. Use enough liquid to cover the neck bones.
  • 1 cup chopped onions I used white onions.

Instructions

  • Pat the neck bones dry and season both sides of each with the spices.
  • Place a large pot on medium-high heat. When hot add the olive oil along with the seasoned neck bones.
  • Sear each side of each neck bone.
  • Add the onions and saute for 2-3 minutes or until soft and fragrant.
  • Add the broth to the pot and deglaze the pot by scooping up any brown bits (leave them in the pot for flavor) with a spatula or wooden spoon.
  • Adjust the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and simmer for 2-4 hours. The longer the neck bones cook, the more tender they will be. Fall-off-the-bone neck bones typically take 3-4 hours.

Notes

Just like ham hocks, you may find packages of neck bones with little to no meat, which are mostly bones. Pay close attention and look for packages with meatier bones.
I find them readily available in local grocery stores. You can also check specialty markets, even some Asian grocery stores.
You will need to simmer them on the stove for a couple of hours. If you like them really tender, juicy, and fall-off-the-bone, it will take 3-4 hours to cook.

Nutrition

Serving: 8oz | Calories: 397kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 46g | Fat: 27g
Recipe Rating




sallie

Wednesday 8th of January 2025

I haven't made this yet because I first wanted to ask you about another reviewer who mentioned "cleaning" the neck bones. Do they need cleaning and if so, cleaning of what? and why?

Brandi Crawford

Thursday 20th of February 2025

I don't do anything different.

Bob gifford

Saturday 27th of April 2024

I look forward to neck bone soup.

Brandi Crawford

Thursday 20th of February 2025

Yum!

Henrietta

Saturday 24th of February 2024

Thank you for this recipe. Love it. Will follow your directions for a delicious meal.

It will taste just like home.

Brandi Crawford

Thursday 20th of February 2025

Yes!

Debra

Sunday 4th of February 2024

The recipe itself sounds pretty good, I read the whole thing and I did not see anywhere the method used to clean the neck bones, I find that cooking your neck bones with some vinegar in the water helps with keeping the blood pressure down for those with HB who want to enjoy some neck bones, also adding some minced garlic to the water adds an awesome flavor to the meat.

Brandi Crawford

Thursday 15th of February 2024

Thanks for sharing!

Tashia Brown

Sunday 19th of February 2023

I added a roasted garlic and rosemary seasoning and they are delicious!!

Brandi Crawford

Tuesday 21st of February 2023

Wonderful! I'm glad you enjoy them!