Celebrated on 03/30/2026
Turkey neck soup is a traditional Southern dish often made from the leftover necks of Thanksgiving turkeys. It's believed that the slow-cooked broth from turkey necks is especially rich in collagen, giving the soup a thick, hearty texture. Some historians trace its popularity to African American culinary traditions, where using every part of the bird was a necessity.
National Turkey Neck Soup Day was created to celebrate the humble but flavorful turkey neck, a cut of meat often overlooked in modern cooking. The exact origins of the holiday are unclear, but it is believed to have been established in the early 2000s by a group of food enthusiasts in the Southern United States. They sought to honor the resourcefulness of traditional Southern cooking, where turkey necks were commonly used to make hearty soups and stews. The day was chosen to fall in late November, coinciding with the post-Thanksgiving period when turkey necks are most readily available.
Over the years, National Turkey Neck Soup Day has grown from a niche observance into a broader celebration of comfort food and culinary heritage. Initially celebrated mainly in the South, the holiday has gained recognition through social media and food blogs, with many sharing recipes and photos of their turkey neck soup. Today, it is marked by home cooks and professional chefs alike, who experiment with regional variations—adding ingredients like collard greens, okra, or spicy sausage. Some communities host soup cook-offs, and restaurants may feature turkey neck soup as a special on the day. The holiday also serves as a reminder of nose-to-tail eating and reducing food waste.
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