Boston Butt for Pulled Pork - How Much?

GreenEggs&Ham

I'm having a party next Saturday for 27 people. No gigantic appetites, but was wondering what opinions were as to how much uncooked Boston Butt I'd need to feed a crowd this large. Currently have two 8lb. roasts set aside to fill the bill, with another 2 available if needed. What do you all think??? Also, when doing these in the past, I've only cooked 'em one at a time. Will I need to increase cook, and can I trust my Redi-Check on one and assume the others are close, check individually as the one reaches temp. or am I looking at a VERY LONG & Slow cook for up to 4 Butts?
As always, thanks for any & all feedback! Once again, this community supports all of us in our Egging endeavors.

Nature Boy

GreenEggsHam,
At a minimum, you need to cook 3 of those butts. If you can set up for 4, that would be plenty. It will take a bit longer with all that meat...at least if you go by dome temp. If you can keep your cooking level at 225-230 things should move along nicely....say 14-16 hours.
Have fun!
Chris

bigmikej

GreenEggsHam,
You could probably get away with 2, but if going through the trouble of an over night, might as well do 4. Leftovers are great anyway. I have found that when I cook this much butt, it usually takes 20-23 hours. I ususally plan on 21 or 22 and speed it up or slow it down as necessary. you will need some sort of grid extender to pull this off. I wouldn't sweat it, I have had a number of things go wrong during large overnight cooks, but have always been happy with the final product.

JSlot

GreenEggsHam,[p]For catering purposes, I figure 1/2 lb. per person for healthy appetites and 1/3 lb. for smaller eaters. You can also go with 1/3 lb. if you are serving another meat and/or lots of sides, too. Figuring you will get 4-5 lb. of finished product from each butt, you should probably do all four to be on the safe side. Unless your BBQ is exceptionally good, most folks won't remember if it is good or not so good, but they WILL remember if you run out! Since you are doing this for friends and family, running out won't be too terrible. It may even be a high compliment![p]As for time and temps being the same, I only use one thermometer as a guide and then check each butt when that one's done. Never had a problem that way. Doing two side by side should not increase your cooking time, but stacking two more on top may increase your time a little.[p]Good luck!![p]Jim