Roasted turkey necks in a garlic brown gravy over broccoli and pepper rice and cheese.
FEATURED STANDOUTS
Turkey Necks
Turkey necks possess a subtle, slightly wild flavor reminiscent of dark meat chicken. The taste of turkey necks may vary based on cooking methods. Ideally, when cooked to perfection, turkey necks become fall-apart tender and can serve as a comforting dinner option, particularly when craving turkey.
Garlic
Garlic has a unique and complex flavor that is both sharp and pungent. It is often described as having a slightly bitter, nutty, and earthy taste. Garlic also has a strong aroma that mellows while roasting. Its a great addition to achieve deep flavors.
Brown Gravy
Brown pan gravy possesses a deep, savory flavor with a subtle hint of saltiness. This gravy is traditionally crafted from the drippings of the roasted turkey necks. The addition of dried herbs, which are slowly roasted on the turkey and vegetables, further enhances the richness and complexity of the gravy’s flavor.
Broccoli
Broccoli has a slightly bitter taste with a hint of sweetness. It is earthy, with a crunchy texture. The taste of broccoli can vary depending on the variety, how it is grown, and how it is prepared. The broccoli adds a nice crunch to the baked rice and cheese dish.
Pepper
A jalapeño pepper has a spicy, slightly bitter taste with a hint of sweetness. Fresh jalapeños tend to be spicier than dried jalapeños, and roasted jalapeños have a sweeter, milder flavor. In contrast the poblano pepper has milder flavor, as a wider flat pepper that allows you to consume more without all the additional heat.
White Rice
The best rice for broccoli cheese and rice is a matter of personal preference, but some of the most popular and versatile options include:
- Long-grain white rice: This type of rice is fluffy and light, and it cooks quickly. It’s a good choice for broccoli cheese and rice because it won’t overpower the other flavors in the dish.
- Basmati rice: This type of rice has a long, slender grain and a nutty flavor.
- Jasmine rice: This type of rice has a slightly sticky texture and a floral aroma. It’s a good choice for broccoli cheese and rice if you want a creamy dish.
- Brown rice: This type of rice is a whole grain, so it’s higher in fiber and nutrients than white rice. It has a chewy texture and a nutty flavor. It’s a good choice for broccoli cheese and rice if you want a healthier dish.
Ultimately, the best rice for broccoli cheese and rice is the type of rice that you enjoy the most. So experiment with different types of rice until you find one that you love.
TIPS & TRICKS FOR THE BEST SMOTHERED TURKEY NECKS + BROCCOLI AND PEPPER RICE AND CHEESE
How to Select Turkey Neck Pieces
When selecting turkey neck pieces for this recipe, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Size: The turkey neck pieces should be cut into 1-inch pieces. This will ensure that they cook evenly and quickly.
- Freshness: Choose turkey neck pieces that are fresh and have not been frozen. This will give you the best flavor and texture.
- Color: The turkey neck pieces should be a light pink color. Avoid any pieces that are dark or discolored.
- Smell: The turkey neck pieces should have a mild, fresh smell. Avoid any pieces that have a strong or unpleasant odor.
How to make the gravy
Gravy develops flavor through a combination of factors, including:
- Ingredients: The ingredients used in the gravy, such as meat drippings, vegetables, herbs, and spices, all contribute to the flavor.
- Maillard reaction: This chemical reaction occurs when proteins and sugars are heated, and it is responsible for the characteristic brown color and savory flavor of gravy.
- Fond: The fond is the browned bits that stick to the bottom of the pan when meat or vegetables are cooked. These bits are full of flavor and are essential for making a flavorful gravy.
- Simmering: Simmering allows the flavors in the gravy to develop and deepen over time.
Can I make this recipe in a crock pot?
Absolutely! This recipe allows for a convenient “set it and forget it” approach. Follow the original recipe, but instead of placing the turkey in the oven, transfer it to a crock pot. Be sure to double the cooking time. To make it a complete meal, add some potatoes and cabbage to the crock pot. Enjoy a delicious and effortless feast with minimal effort!
EQUIPMENT NEEDED TO MAKE THIS RECIPE
- Chef knife
- Cutting Board
- Roasting Pan
- Tongs
- Rubber spatula
- Pot
- Measuring cups and spoons
SIMILAR INGREDIENTS TO
Brown Stew Turkey Necks
Brandy and Sage Injected Smoked Turkey
Roasted Turkey + Poblano Cheese and Rice Casserole
ENJOY THIS RECIPE WITH
CHOPPED CHERRY & SPINACH SALAD
CHEF’S SALAD + GOLDEN RANCH
STRAWBERRY COLESLAW
Roasted turkey necks with a garlic brown gravy over broccoli and pepper rice and cheese.
INGREDIENTS
- 2 pounds turkey necks, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2Tb Cornstarch
- 8 Garlic Cloves, minced
- ½ Yellow onion, diced
- 2Tb butter, melted
- 2Tb garlic powder
- 1Tb onion powder
- 1 Tb paprika
- 1Tb salt
- 2Tb black pepper
- 2 tsp each dried Sage, Oregano, rosemary, thyme
- 1Tb chicken bouillon powder
- 2 cup white wine or water
- Poblano cheese and rice
- 2 cup water
- 1c white rice
- ½ tsp Salt
- 1 cup broccoli florets, chopped
- 1 jalapeno, diced
- 1 poblano, diced
- 3c shredded cheddar cheese (1c reserved for the top)
- 2Tb Cream cheese
- 1/4c Milk
- 2Tb Butter
- 1Tb Garlic Powder
- 2 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 2tsp Seasoned Salt
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (190°C).
- Combine turkey necks, butter, starch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, herbs, and black pepper in a large bowl. Toss to coat.
- Spread the turkey necks on a baking sheet with the garlic and onions in a single layer.
- Bake covered for 3 hours.
- Increase the temperature to 375°F and cook uncovered for 30-60 minutes until the turkey is a deep brown color.
- While the turkey necks are cooking, make the broccoli and cheese.
- Add broccoli and peppers to the baking sheet with the turkey necks. Bake for 10 minutes or until the vegetables are tender. Cool and chop the vegetables.
- Cook the rice according to the package instructions.
- Fluff and cool the rice for 10 minutes, then add seasoned salt, garlic, and peppers.
- Mix the softened cream cheese, butter, and shredded cheese with the peppers, broccoli, and seasoned rice.
- Pour the rice mixture into a buttered loaf pan, top with remaining cheese, and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.
- Broil to crisp the top and remove from the oven.
- Remove the turkey necks from the oven when tender and serve over the rice and cheese with a spoonful of pan sauce.
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