slow cooker pork neck bones recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
slow cooker pork neck bones recipe
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The Best slow cooker pork neck bones recipe

I’m so excited to share my slow cooker pork neck bones recipe with you. This dish is a staple in our household, and I’ve been making it for years.

The rich, tender meat falls apart easily, and the flavorful sauce is just incredible. I love how easy it is to prepare – just toss all the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it do its magic.

My family loves when I make this for dinner, and it’s also perfect for potlucks or family gatherings. Plus, it’s a great way to get some protein and healthy fats into our diets without having to fuss over complicated cooking methods.

The history of this dish dates back to traditional Southern cuisine, where pork neck bones were slow-cooked in a rich broth with vegetables and spices. It’s a hearty, comforting meal that’s sure to become a favorite in your household too.

Over time, I’ve tweaked the recipe to make it even more delicious and convenient for busy weeknights or special occasions. And the best part?

It’s incredibly easy to make – just set it and forget it! We love serving this with some crusty bread or over rice for a filling meal that everyone will enjoy.

Slow Cooker Pork Neck Bones

Slow Cooker Pork Neck Bones

4.9 from 1798 votes

Tender, fall-off-the-bone pork neck bones slow cooked in a savory broth with onions and garlic. This hearty dish is perfect for a comforting meal with rice or mashed potatoes.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time6 hours
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time6 hours 15 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 420 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pork Neck Bones

3 pounds pork neck bones
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 large onion, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt

For Thickening (Optional)

2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water

👨‍🍳Directions

1Pat the pork neck bones dry with paper towels.
2Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3Sear the neck bones in batches for 3 to 4 minutes per side until deeply browned.
4Transfer the browned neck bones to the slow cooker.
5Add the sliced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion softens.
6Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.
7Stir in the apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt.
8Pour the broth mixture over the pork neck bones in the slow cooker.
9Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the meat is very tender and pulls away from the bone easily.
10If a thicker gravy is desired, whisk the cornstarch and cold water together in a small bowl.
11Stir the slurry into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking and let it simmer until the liquid thickens.

🔧Equipment

Slow cooker
Large skillet
Tongs
Measuring spoons
Measuring cups
Small bowl

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 420 kcal🧈Total Fat: 28g💛Saturated Fat: 9g❤️Cholesterol: 110mg🧂Sodium: 720mg🌾Total Carbs: 6g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 2g🥩Protein: 35g

📝Notes

For extra flavor, add a bay leaf or a sprig of fresh rosemary to the slow cooker. Serve the neck bones and gravy over steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread to soak up the juices.

Watch Video Of How Slow Cooker Pork Neck Bones Works

This slow cooker pork neck bones recipe is always a good idea for any occasion because it is simple, affordable, and feeds a crowd with very little effort. I love how the house smells all day while it cooks, and the final dish feels like a special meal without any stress.

For storage, let the leftovers cool completely, then transfer the meat and broth to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it seems dry.

You can also freeze the cooked meat and broth for up to three months. Serve it over rice, with crusty bread for sopping up the sauce, or alongside collard greens and cornbread for a true Southern meal.

This recipe has become a staple in my kitchen, and I hope it becomes one in yours too.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Pork Neck Bones

1. Do I need to brown the pork neck bones before putting them in the slow cooker?

Browning is optional but recommended. Searing the neck bones in a hot skillet with a little oil for a few minutes per side adds deep color and flavor. If you are short on time, you can skip this step and still get a good result, but browning really elevates the taste.

2. How long should I cook pork neck bones in the slow cooker?

Cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 4 to 6 hours. The meat is done when it is fork tender and easily pulls away from the bone. Longer cooking on low gives the best texture and flavor.

3. Can I use frozen pork neck bones in the slow cooker?

It is safer to thaw them first in the refrigerator. Cooking frozen meat in a slow cooker can keep it in the danger zone temperature too long. Thaw overnight, then pat dry and season before cooking.

4. What liquid should I add to the slow cooker with pork neck bones?

Chicken broth, beef broth, or water all work well. I like to use low sodium chicken broth and add a splash of apple cider vinegar or Worcestershire sauce for extra depth. You only need about one cup of liquid because the meat releases its own juices.

5. How do I thicken the sauce from pork neck bones?

After cooking, remove the bones and skim any excess fat. Mix two tablespoons of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water, stir it into the hot liquid, and let it simmer on the stovetop for a few minutes until thickened. You can also mash some of the cooked vegetables into the broth.

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