Catering event

[PriceMP5]

Im going to be catering a friends party, it is about 35-40 people. How many pounds of pork shoulder would y'all recommend cooking? I was thinking somewhere around 18

 

[arthurdent]

I did 60 people. 34 pounds was about right. Figure on 40 to 50% shrinkage due to fat content. Two large Costco pork butts. I did a bit extra as this was a harvest party for field workers in our pumpkin operation. They burn lots of calories and eat heartily.

With a 650 ironwood, I smoked low and slow overnight with 180* super smoke starting about 9 pm. I then bumped it up to 220* till the fat was properly rendered. (about 204*) internal.

Since my cater also included 2 briskets smoked the day of the event,I smoked the pork 5 days ahead of the event, refrigerated, and reheated it to 140* the day of serving. While refrigerating I let the shredded pork soak in a nice flavored broth. Some of the best-shredded pork I have smoked. I think the extra time in the broth did good things.

60 person cater

Good luck and happy smoking.

 

[JPSBBQ]

Im going to be catering a friends party, it is about 35-40 people. How many pounds of pork shoulder would y'all recommend cooking? I was thinking somewhere around 18

I’d error on the high side a hit as pork butt/shoulder is relatively quite inexpensive and reheats easily for left overs. Also freezes well. I’d do at least 20 maybe 24 or so personally. Depends on number of women and children.

 

[Slimpicker]

Here is a very widely used catering excel file... just unzip it and fill in the fields you want to know

 

[Slimpicker]

Pork loses 50% of it's weight to become pulled pork.
1 pound "normally" equals 3 people

(Number of Guests x (1/3)) x 2 = Amount of Raw Pork You Should Buy

some didn't eat meat, some didn't show up hungry, some women on a diet, some too drunk to eat, etc.
Every party will have this happen which equals out to be "enough for the party and then some"

Here's a good article I found on this: https://ownthegrill.com/how-much-pulled-pork-per-person/

 

[JPSBBQ]

A huge factor is what if any sides will be served. Also is it self serve or will it be served by others who can help ensure portion control.

 

[GrillMeister]

Im going to be catering a friends party, it is about 35-40 people. How many pounds of pork shoulder would y'all recommend cooking? I was thinking somewhere around 18

I had an event with about 40 people and cooked 3 pork butts. Plenty for all and leftovers to freeze. Too much pulled pork is never a problem for me.

 

[Kallizorro]

When I catered for a similar-sized party, I cooked around 18 pounds of pork shoulder, and it worked out well. It's a good starting point, and you can adjust based on your guests' appetites. Remember to season it nicely. Also, you can invite sound and light professionals for the best party. I hope that helps!