How big a Boston Butt to feed 15

Unknown · September 2001

I will be providing lunch for 15 hungry people. The question is how big a boston butt do I need to start with to end up with enough pulled pork for 15 people? I plan on bringing cole slaw and beans. Pulled pork will be served on "plain white bread"
Thanks in advance,
Rich B[p]

KennyG · September 2001

Rich B,[p]Figure about 5 oz. of pulled meat per sandwich or 3 sandwich portions per pound of finished meat. If you are really talking "hungry" folks, many will want more than 1 sandwich. Allow for 35-40% shrinkage during the cook.[p]I'd say do a pair of the biggest butts you can find (usually less than 7 lbs.) and you should have enough for the crowd. Left overs are never a problem and freeze well.[p]K~G

WessB · September 2001

Rich B,
When I was cooking for a crowd.....I believe I was told....figure 2-4 people/pound...and you should figure on losing 30% of your initial weight when cooking...a 9# butt will yield 6# of PP....it would certainly not be a bad thing to make to much, it freezes well and you will be surprised at how much of it will get eaten...not to mention the actual cook itself..for the time it takes to cook,it makes sense to make extra..I am hoping to do some this Sunday and am cooking double what I originally intended..and it`s just for 2 of us..LOL..hope this helps, I`m sure others will chime in also..[p]Wess

YB · September 2001

KennyG,
You are dead on the money...I need to cook a couple of butts myself.
Larry

Nature Boy · September 2001

Rich B,
I cooked three 8 pounders for a group of 12 big guys, and we ate about 2 of them. If they are hungry big eaters, I would go with three butts in the 6-8 pound range. Like K~G sez....leftovers are righteous.
Cheers. When is the big cook?
NB

Citizen Q · September 2001

Rich B,
I'd go with three 6 to 8 pounders, this will give you plenty for everybody and then some. One serving suggestion though, go with Martin's Potato Bread or Rolls if you can get them. It comes out of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, so availability in your area may vary, but it's the most addictive carbohydrate known to man, I've even heard it referred to as "crack-loaf". Well, not really, I just made that up, but this stuff is GOOOOOOD.

BBQfan1 · September 2001

KennyG, My limited exposure to catering Que shows that your numbers are pretty accurate. I'm currently doing up two butts that are in the 4 lb range each with intention of feeding 11 folks. This is as a favour to Denise's co-worker who has family over from Ireland and wants to feed them some 'North American' food. Will pull them about 2 pm, lightly sauce and sprinkle with rub then into big aluminum tray and wrap tight. Will also send along a small jar of the sauce (homemade of course). Only thing I would add to your initial advise is to set aside about a pound or so of the pulled pork, put into a freezer bag and save for adding into your next batch of baked beans!
Qfan

KennyG · September 2001

BBQfan1,[p]That's good advice! As I think about it, everytime I've done PP for a party, it all seems to go no matter how much I make. Even after all have eaten, they will keep pickin' at the extra if left out. [p]Next time, I will stash some away before serving guests. It's also great as a pizza topping.[p]K~G

Jeff · September 2001

Citizen Q,
I'm not sure, could this be Martin's contact info.....[p]MARTIN'S FAMOUS PASTRY SHOPPE
1000 POTATO ROLL LANE
CHAMBERSBURG, PA 17201
Contact: LLOYD MARTIN
Phone: (717) 263-9580
Fax: (717) 263-7889
Product: potato rolls[p]I wonder if they ship to Illinois.......

Citizen Q · September 2001

Jeff,
That's the stuff, I live on Cape Cod and the three supermarket chains near me all carry Martin's products, though in limited quantities, they all get their deliveries on Saturday and are usually sold out by Thursday. If they ship to MA, I'm sure IL must get some too.

How big a Boston Butt to feed 15

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