Party Planning: How Much Pulled Pork For 50 People?

This guide will answer the question: “How much pulled pork for 50 people?” Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, a casual get-together, or a special occasion, we’ll provide you with some helpful tips and guidelines to ensure you have enough delicious pulled pork to go around. So, let’s dive right in and figure out the perfect amount of pulled pork for your upcoming event!

How Much Pulled Pork For 50 People?

Standard Serving Size for Pulled Pork

To begin with, let’s establish the standard serving size for pulled pork. The general rule of thumb is to serve around ⅓ pound of pork per adult and ¼ pound per child. This amount allows for a hearty serving without being wasteful.

Amount of Pulled Pork Needed for 50 People

Now that we know the standard serving size, let’s calculate how much-pulled pork you need for 50 people. Based on the serving size mentioned above, you’ll need approximately 16.5 pounds of boneless pulled pork or 22 pounds of bone-in pulled pork.

Boneless vs. Bone-In

• When it comes to deciding between boneless and bone-in pulled pork, it’s essential to consider a few things. Bone-in pork tends to have a richer flavor as the bone adds more depth to the meat’s taste. On the other hand, boneless pork is easier to serve and clean up.
• If you decide to go with bone-in pork, you’ll need about 1/3 to 1/2 pounds of uncooked bone-in pork per person, as the weight of the bone will reduce the quantity of meat available. In contrast, boneless pork provides around 60% meat yield; thus, you’ll need around 1/4 to 1/3 pounds of uncooked boneless pork per person.

Basic Calculation for Planning the Quantity of Pulled Pork

• Serving Size Calculation: The first step is to determine the serving size of your pulled pork. A good rule of thumb is to estimate about 1/3 pound of cooked pulled pork (or Boston butt) per person. This means that for 50 people, you’ll need about 16.7 pounds of cooked meat.
• Portion Calculation: Once you know the serving size, you can calculate the portions based on the number of guests you’ll be serving. For example, if you’re serving 50 people, you’ll need 50 portions of pulled pork. To get the total amount of meat you’ll need to cook, multiply the number of portions by the serving size. In this case, 50 x 1/3 = 16.7 pounds of cooked meat.
• Weight Calculation: Finally, you’ll need to purchase the right amount of raw pork before cooking it. Remember that during the cooking process, the meat will shrink about 40-50%, losing about half of its weight in moisture and fat. Therefore, you’ll need to buy about twice the amount of raw meat to get your desired amount of cooked meat.

Factors to Consider When Calculating Serving Sizes

1. Appetite and Occasion of the Event: Generally, adults eat about 1/4 to 1/2 pounds of meat per person. Still, depending on the event, you may need to adjust this amount. For example, you may want to plan for a slightly higher intake if it’s a casual backyard barbecue. However, guests may eat less than expected if it’s a formal event.
2. Number of Side Dishes and Other Food Items Being Served: Pulled pork is often served alongside other dishes, such as macaroni and cheese, potato salad, or coleslaw. Ensure you consider those extras when calculating the amount of pulled pork you need. If you have a large variety of sides, you might be able to scale back the amount of pork you provide per person.
3. Serving Style and Presentation: If you’re serving a buffet-style meal, you may want to provide more meat. However, if the pulled pork is portioned ahead of time, you can get away with a smaller amount per person. Additionally, if you’re planning on serving sandwiches or sliders, you can plan for smaller servings of pulled pork.
4. Time of Day: If you’re serving lunch, you may need a smaller amount compared to dinner because people tend to eat lighter during the daytime. However, if the event happens in the evening, people will be more won’t be holding themselves back from eating more.

Read more:

• Pulled Pork 195 Or 203: Which Will You Choose?
• When To Pull Pork Butt: A Guide To Achieving Tender, Mouthwatering Deliciousness
• Brisket Vs Pulled Pork

Serving Suggestions for Pulled Pork

Popular accompaniments to pulled pork

• Coleslaw – This sweet and crunchy side dish pairs perfectly with pulled pork.
• Baked beans – A classic BBQ side dish that complements the smoky flavor of pulled pork.
• Corn on the cob – Simple and delicious, grilled corn on the cob is a great addition to any BBQ menu.
• Mac and cheese – Another classic BBQ side dish that is sure to please.
• Fruit salad – For a refreshing and healthy option, serve a colorful fruit salad alongside your pulled pork.

Serving styles (e.g. buffet, family-style, plated)

• Buffet – A buffet-style serving is perfect for large crowds. Set up a table with warmers and let your guests serve themselves.
• Family-style – A family-style serving is a great option if you prefer a more intimate gathering. Place the pulled pork in a large serving dish and pass it around the table.
• Plated – For a more formal affair, plate individual servings of pulled pork with accompanying sides.

Tips for presenting pulled pork to a large group

• Keep it warm – Use a slow cooker or warming tray to keep your pulled pork warm and tender.
• Provide enough buns – As a rule of thumb, plan on 1-2 buns per person.
• Label your dishes – If you’re serving multiple sides, label each dish to make it easy for your guests to navigate.
• Serve different sauces – Offer a variety of BBQ sauces to please everyone’s taste buds.