Neck bones are a flavorful and affordable cut of meat that can be transformed into a delicious and hearty meal with the help of a crock pot. Slow cooking neck bones in a crock pot is a great way to infuse the meat with flavor while keeping it tender and juicy. In this article, we will guide you through the process of cooking neck bones in a crock pot, from choosing the right ingredients to serving the finished dish.

Choosing the Right Ingredients

Before you start cooking, it’s essential to choose the right ingredients. The first step is to select the right neck bones. Pork neck bones are the most common type of neck bones used in cooking, but beef neck bones can also be used. Look for neck bones with a good amount of meat on them and avoid bones that are discolored or have a strong odor.

Aside from the meat, you will need to choose the right vegetables and seasonings. Vegetables such as onions, garlic, carrots, and celery are great for adding flavor and nutrition to the dish. You can also add potatoes, sweet potatoes, or turnips for a heartier meal. For seasonings, you can use a combination of herbs and spices such as bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, paprika, and cumin.

Before adding the ingredients to the crock pot, make sure to prepare them properly. Chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces and brown the neck bones in a pan to add more flavor to the meat. Season the meat and vegetables with salt and pepper to taste.

Preparing the Crock Pot

A crock pot is an essential tool for slow cooking neck bones. Before adding the ingredients, clean the crock pot thoroughly with soap and water. Once the crock pot is clean, choose the right temperature and time settings. For neck bones, we recommend cooking on low heat for 8-10 hours or high heat for 4-5 hours.

Once you have chosen the right temperature and time settings, add the prepared meat and vegetables to the crock pot. Be sure to layer the meat and vegetables evenly to ensure even cooking. If needed, you can add water or broth to the pot to keep the ingredients moist. Cover the crock pot with the lid and let it cook to perfection.

Preparing the Crock Pot

Once the ingredients are prepped and ready to go, it’s time to prepare the crock pot. Cleaning the crock pot is essential to ensure that it’s free of any bacteria or debris. Use soap and water to wash the crock pot and let it dry completely before using it.

Choosing the right temperature and time settings is crucial to ensure that the neck bones are cooked to perfection. Low heat is recommended for slow cooking neck bones, as it allows the meat to become tender and juicy. Cooking on high heat can cause the meat to become tough and dry. The recommended cooking time is between 8-10 hours on low heat or 4-5 hours on high heat.

Adding the ingredients to the crock pot is the final step in preparing the dish. Layer the neck bones and vegetables in the crock pot, making sure that everything is evenly distributed. If needed, add water or broth to the crock pot to keep the ingredients moist. Cover the crock pot with the lid and let it cook undisturbed.

Cooking the Neck Bones

Cooking neck bones in a crock pot is a simple process, but there are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure that the meat is cooked to perfection. First, resist the urge to lift the lid and check on the meat too often. Every time you lift the lid, you release heat and moisture, which can affect the cooking time.

Check for doneness by inserting a fork into the meat. If it’s tender and falls off the bone, it’s done. If it’s still tough, continue cooking for another hour or two. If the meat is done but there’s excess fat or bone, remove it before serving.

Once the neck bones are cooked to perfection, they can be served in a variety of ways. Serve them over rice, with a side of steamed vegetables, or in a bowl of soup. Neck bones are a versatile and delicious cut of meat that can be enjoyed in many ways.