How Many Pounds Of Boston Butt To Feed 100 People?

Throwing a huge party can be a handful. Especially when you are trying to feed Boston butt to 100 people.

So,how many pounds of Boston butt to feed 100people?

Approximately 33 pounds of cooked or 66 pounds of raw Boston butt for 100 adults. Similarly, 25 pounds of cooked or 50 pounds of raw Boston butt for 100 children. On average, each adult usually needs around ⅓ pounds. And children generally require ¼ pounds of cooked pork per serving. Also, cooking causes at least 50% weight loss due to different reasons. Additionally, it’s better to get some extra just in case. Considering all that, you will need around 75-100 pounds of pork. 

In the next sections, we will discuss more about this.

Source: BBQ Host

How Many Pounds Of Boston Butt To Feed 100 People?

To feed 100 people, the amount of Boston butt needed is hard to figure out. But with some calculations, we can figure it out. 

So, just to give you an idea, an adult person needs about ⅓ pounds of Boston butt per serving. For children, it’s a little less, which is ¼ pounds. 

But that’s the weight of cooked pork. When you cook meat, it loses almost half of its weight. That’s because, during the cooking process, the high heat evaporates the water content in the meat. Additionally, the rendering of fat that occurs during cooking can contribute to weight loss as well. 

On top of that, the heat causes the muscle fibers to contract, leading to a reduction in size. As the fibers contract, they squeeze out moisture and fat, resulting in additional weight loss.

Oh, and another thing, while prepping the meat, you will need to trim some extra fat. You need to take account of that too. 

Also, you have to get some extra meat in case someone wanted seconds. 

So, considering everything, here is a formula you can use- 

(⅓ x number of adults) + (¼ x number of children) x 2 + X 

Here, X denotes the amount of extra meat you will have to buy. It can be five pounds or ten pounds, totally depends on your judgment.   

For your convenience, we made this chart calculating the amount of pork butts needed for different crowd sizes:

Some Other Factors To Consider 

Consider the following factors when estimating the amount of Boston butt needed-

Appetite 

Individuals have varying appetites, so it's important to consider the average appetite of the guests. Some may have larger portions, while others may have smaller ones. It's advisable to gauge the appetite of your specific audience. Or, consider providing a slightly larger quantity to accommodate different preferences.

Other Dishes

Consider the overall menu and other dishes that will be served alongside the Boston butt. The pork may be eaten in smaller portions if there are several protein options or substantial side dishes. On the other hand, if the Boston butt is the main attraction or there are limited alternatives, guests may consume larger portions.

Source: Spruce Eats

Dietary Restrictions 

Take into account any dietary restrictions or preferences of the guests. For example, vegetarian or vegan diets, as they won't consume the Boston butt. Ensure that there are suitable alternative options available to accommodate these individuals.

Event Duration 

The duration of the event can impact the quantity of Boston butt needed. If it's a shorter gathering, guests may consume more in a shorter period, requiring a larger quantity. Conversely, for longer events, guests might consume smaller portions over an extended period, reducing the overall quantity needed. 

That’s because you have to serve a variety of foods during a longer event. Thus reducing the total amount of pork butt consumption.

Leftovers 

Consider whether having leftovers is desirable or practical. Leftoverpulled pork can be used in various dishes, such as sandwiches, tacos, or salads. If having leftovers is welcomed, it may be preferable to prepare a slightly larger quantity.

How To Store Leftovers If There’s Any

To store leftover pork butts, you can follow these steps:

• Allow the Pork Butt to Cool: Before storing the leftovers, allow the pork butt to cool down to room temperature. This helps prevent condensation inside the storage container, which can lead to moisture and potential bacterial growth.

• Separate the Meat:If the pork butt is large, you may want to separate it into smaller portions. This is for easier storage and reheating. Use a clean cutting board and knife to cut the meat into manageable pieces.

• Choose the Storage Container:Select an airtight container or freezer bag that is suitable for the amount of pork you have. Ensure that the container is clean and dry before use.

• Add the Pork Butt:Place the pork butt pieces into the container. Only leaving a little space at the top for expansion if you're using a freezer bag.

• Preserve the Juices:If there are any juices left from cooking the pork butt, add some of the juices to the container. This can help keep the meat moist during storage.

• Seal and Label:Seal the container or freezer bag tightly. This is to prevent air from entering and freezer burn in the case of freezing. Label the container with the date of storage to keep track of its freshness.

• Refrigerate or Freeze:If you plan to consume the leftovers within the next 48 hours, store the container in the refrigerator. If you want to keep them for a longer period, place the container in the freezer.

Tips For Cooking and Serving Boston Butts For a Party

Source: Australian Meat Emporium

Since you're preparing and serving Boston butts for a crowd, here are some tips to help you:

• Estimate the Quantity: Calculate the number of servings you'll need based on your guest count.

• Plan Ahead: Pulled pork takes time to cook, so plan accordingly. Allow for at least 1 ½ to 2 hours of cooking time per pound of pork butt. 

• Preparing the Pork Butts:Trim the excess fat from the pork butt, leaving a thin layer to keep the meat moist. Apply a dry rub of your choice, ensuring it covers the entire surface of the meat. While rubbing make sure you get the proper salt, pepper, and garlic ratio. Wrap the seasoned pork butt in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to penetrate.

• Cooking Method:You have a few options for cooking the pork butt. The most popular methods include smoking, slow roasting in the oven, or using a slow cooker. Choose the method that best suits your equipment and preferences. Also, you need to know if you should cook fat side up or fat side down.

• Resting and Shredding:Once the pork butt is cooked, let it rest for about 20-30 minutes before shredding. Knowing how long to rest is important. That’s because this allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful result. Use two forks or your hands to pull the meat apart into small, bite-sized pieces.

• Sides:Serve the pulled pork with your choice of barbecue sauce, buns, and a variety of sides. Coleslaw, pickles, baked beans, cornbread, and potato salad are popular accompaniments.

• Keep It Warm:To keep the pulled pork warm, use a slow cooker or chafing dish. Be sure to place a small amount of liquid in the bottom to prevent drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Why is it called a Boston butt? 

The term "Boston butt" is misleading as it does not refer to the rear end of the pig. It was given because pork shoulders were packed in barrels called "butts" during colonial times. As a result, "Boston butt" became a common method of cutting and preparing the shoulder.

What part of the pig is bacon? 

Bacon comes from various parts of the pig, including the belly, back, or sides. The specific cut of bacon depends on the region and preference. In the United Kingdom, back bacon is common, while in the United States, "streaky" bacon, which is cut from the pork belly, is more popular.

What part of the pig is ham? 

Ham is a cut of meat that comes from the hind legs of a pig. It can be prepared by salting, bringing, or smoking the meat. Salting helps preserve the ham by extracting moisture, allowing it to mature safely and develop rich flavors.

Conclusion

Well, now you know approximately how many pounds of Boston butt to feed 100 people. It is recommended to estimate a bit more than the approximate amount per person. Because of factors such as additional dishes and individual appetites. Planning accordingly will ensure that everyone is satisfied and well-fed.