How many butts?

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meatpie

Newbie
Original poster
Jun 27, 2013
5
10
I was asked to put my new WSM 22.5 to good use and make pulled pork for a graduation party of at least 50ppl. (They can't get enough of the stuff) I'm uncertain as to how many Boston Butts I'm going to need for that amount of people. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Meatpie.
 
I always figured 1/2 pound per person especially if your graduating class is young adults.....pretty much big eaters, no? So, that's like 2 quarter pounders, easily consumed over the course of a party. Some will eat more, some will eat less. Throw in a couple dozen ABT's and you should be covered....Willie
 
Meatpie,

It would help if you found out what else will be served at the party and how it will be served.  IF the pulled pork is the main attraction/only entrée, and if it's going to be self serve, Chef Willie's 1/2 pound per person number is spot on.     If there will be other entrees and if someone is serving it up and controlling portions, then you might be safe with a 1/3 pound per person.

Also, boston butts have about a 50-60% yield.  I usually go conservative with estimations and use the 50% number.  This means that if you want 1/2 of cooked pulled pork per person, you would need 1 lb of raw butt per person. 
 
Thanks guys. I was figuring right around 1/2lb per person for the cook. Chef Willie that's a good call on the ABT's! I do believe I will be throwing a couple dozen in the smoker! D9 there will be a lot of other food there also, but that stuff doesn't usually go until after my pulled pork is empty. The suggestions definitely help. Thanks.

Meatpie.
 
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