Get ready to transform ordinary pork neck bones into a finger-licking, fall-off-the-bone delicacy that will have your family and friends begging for seconds! This classic American dish is more than just a recipe—it's a culinary journey that combines tender, slow-cooked meat with a rich, caramelized BBQ sauce that promises to tantalize your taste buds and transport you straight to comfort food heaven. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a curious food enthusiast, this recipe is your ticket to creating a hearty, soul-satisfying meal that celebrates the art of low and slow cooking.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Pork neck bones
- BBQ sauce
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the middle of the oven.
- Rinse the pork neck bones thoroughly under cold running water to remove any bone fragments or debris.
- Pat the neck bones completely dry using paper towels to ensure proper seasoning adherence and better browning.
- In a small bowl, mix together salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to create a dry seasoning blend.
- Generously season the pork neck bones on all sides with the prepared spice mixture, massaging the seasonings into the meat.
- Place the seasoned neck bones in a large baking dish or roasting pan, arranging them in a single layer without overcrowding.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to help retain moisture during the slow cooking process.
- Place the covered baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and generously brush the neck bones with BBQ sauce, ensuring complete coverage.
- Return the uncovered dish to the oven and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes to allow the BBQ sauce to caramelize.
- Check the internal temperature of the meat, which should reach at least 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.
- Remove from the oven and let the neck bones rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
- Serve hot, with additional BBQ sauce on the side for dipping if desired.
Tips
- Always choose fresh, high-quality pork neck bones from a trusted butcher to ensure the best flavor and texture.
- Pat the meat completely dry before seasoning to help create a perfect, crispy exterior when baking.
- Don't rush the cooking process—low and slow is the secret to tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F for safe and perfectly cooked pork.
- For extra flavor, consider marinating the neck bones in the seasoning mixture for 2-4 hours before cooking.
- If you prefer a deeper BBQ sauce flavor, try making your own homemade sauce or choosing a high-quality artisan BBQ sauce.
- Let the meat rest after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness and flavor.
- Serve with classic sides like coleslaw, mac and cheese, or roasted vegetables to complete your meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
