Are you planning a pulled pork feast for your next gathering?
One of the biggest questions you’ll face is how much meat to buy. While it’s easy to calculate the amount of pork needed, figuring out how many buns to serve can be a bit trickier.
You don’t want to run out of buns and leave your guests with a pile of meat and nothing to put it on. But you also don’t want to end up with a surplus of buns that go to waste.
In this article, we’ll break down the factors you need to consider when determining how many buns to buy for your pulled pork crowd.
So, let’s get started!
How Many Buns For A Pulled Pork Crowd?
When it comes to determining how many buns to buy for your pulled pork crowd, there are a few key factors to consider.
First and foremost, you’ll need to think about the number of guests you’re expecting. As a general rule of thumb, you should plan on serving about 5 to 6 ounces of pork per sandwich or bun. So, if you’re expecting 20 guests, you’ll need approximately 100 to 120 ounces of pork, or 6.25 to 7.5 pounds.
Next, you’ll want to consider the type of gathering you’re hosting. If it’s a sit-down meal, you may want to provide each guest with their own bun. In this case, you’ll need to purchase enough buns for each guest, plus a few extras just in case.
On the other hand, if you’re hosting a buffet-style event, you may want to provide fewer buns and let guests serve themselves. In this case, you can estimate that each guest will use one bun and purchase accordingly.
Another factor to consider is the time of day. If you’re serving pulled pork sandwiches for lunch, guests may be less likely to eat as much as they would at dinner. In this case, you may be able to get away with purchasing fewer buns.
Finally, think about the other dishes you’ll be serving alongside the pulled pork. If you’re offering a variety of sides and appetizers, guests may be less likely to fill up on sandwiches. In this case, you can adjust your bun count accordingly.
Calculating The Amount Of Pulled Pork Needed
To calculate the amount of pulled pork needed for your gathering, you’ll need to consider a few factors. As mentioned earlier, a good rule of thumb is to estimate about 1/3 pound of cooked pulled pork per person. This means that for 20 guests, you’ll need approximately 6.67 pounds of cooked pulled pork.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that during the cooking process, the meat will shrink about 40-50%, losing about half of its weight in moisture and fat as it cooks. This means that for every 20 pounds of raw pork, you’ll end up with about 10 pounds of cooked pulled pork.
To calculate how much raw pork you need, you can use the following formula:
(Number of guests x 1/3) x 2 = pounds of cooked pulled pork needed
Pounds of cooked pulled pork needed / 0.5 (50% yield) = pounds of raw pork needed
For example, if you’re expecting 20 guests and plan on serving pulled pork as the main dish, you’ll need approximately:
(20 x 1/3) x 2 = 13.33 pounds of cooked pulled pork
13.33 / 0.5 = 26.67 pounds of raw pork needed
Keep in mind that this calculation is based on serving pulled pork as the main dish. If you’re serving other main dishes in addition to the pulled pork, you can reduce the amount you need to cook by one-third.
Consider The Type Of Bun
Now that you have an idea of how many buns to purchase for your pulled pork crowd, it’s important to consider the type of bun you’ll be using. A good bun should be able to hold up to the moist meat and savory sauce without falling apart. Here are some top choices for buns:
1. Potato buns: In my opinion, potato buns are the best choice for pulled pork sandwiches. They are soft yet sturdy, and have a slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with the pork.
2. Brioche buns: These buttery buns are a great alternative to potato buns. They are slightly sweet and have a soft texture that holds up well to the pork.
3. Sourdough bread: If you’re looking for a more savory option, sourdough bread is a great choice. It has a tangy flavor that pairs well with the pork.
4. Kaiser rolls: If you’re serving a larger crowd or want to include more toppings, Kaiser rolls are a good option. They are larger than regular burger buns and have a tougher exterior that holds up well to the barbecue sauce.
5. Cheap hamburger buns: If you’re on a budget or can’t find any of the above options, cheap hamburger buns will suffice. Just make sure to toast them before serving to give them some extra stability.
Ultimately, the choice of bun comes down to personal preference and availability. Just remember to choose a bun that can hold up to the juicy pulled pork and all its delicious toppings!
Appetite Of Your Guests
One important factor to consider when determining how many buns to buy for your pulled pork crowd is the appetite of your guests. As mentioned earlier, the general rule of thumb is to plan on serving 5 to 6 ounces of pork per sandwich or bun. However, this may not be enough for guests with bigger appetites.
If you’re hosting a gathering with mostly adults or people with larger appetites, you may want to increase the portion size to 1/2 pound per person. On the other hand, if there will be a lot of children in attendance, they will likely not consume as much as an adult. In this case, using the 1/3 of a pound per person recommendation may leave you with leftovers.
It’s also important to consider the size of the buns you’ll be using. Regular hamburger buns will hold about 5 ounces, but if you’re using slider buns or larger bulkie rolls, you may need to adjust your calculations accordingly.
Additionally, if you’re serving a lot of side dishes or if there will be other meat choices available for your guests, you may not need as many buns. Conversely, if pulled pork sandwiches are the main dish and there won’t be many other options available, you may want to purchase extra buns just in case.
Ultimately, it’s important to take into account the age, gender, and appetite of your guests when determining how many buns to buy for your pulled pork crowd. By considering all of these factors, you can ensure that everyone leaves your gathering satisfied and full.
Account For Other Side Dishes
When planning your pulled pork event, it’s important to consider the other side dishes that will be served alongside the meat. If you’re offering heavy-duty sides such as hot dogs, burgers, baked beans, potato salad, and more, guests may be less likely to fill up on sandwiches. In this case, you can reduce the amount of pork you need to purchase.
A good rule of thumb is to estimate about 1/3 pound of cooked pulled pork per person. However, if you’re offering a variety of other meats, then less meat will suffice under these circumstances. You can also adjust the portion size to 1/2 pound per person if you have a lot of adults or people with bigger appetites in attendance.
Additionally, consider the size of the buns you’ll be serving the pulled pork on. A smaller slider bun will hold approximately 2.5 to 3 ounces of meat, while a hamburger bun will hold 5 to 6 ounces. If you’re serving the meat in a smaller bun, guests may take just one sandwich at a time and be filled up before coming back for more. This means that smaller portions may be sufficient and reduce waste.
Lastly, it’s always a good idea to make an extra pound of meat to ensure there’s enough for everyone. Even if you have leftovers, pulled pork freezes and refrigerates well for future meals. By accounting for other side dishes and adjusting portion sizes accordingly, you can ensure that your pulled pork event is a success without breaking the bank.
Tips For Buying The Right Amount Of Buns
Here are some tips for buying the right amount of buns for your pulled pork crowd:
1. Estimate the number of guests you’re expecting and plan on serving 5 to 6 ounces of pork per sandwich or bun.
2. Consider the type of gathering you’re hosting – for sit-down meals, provide each guest with their own bun, while for buffets, estimate one bun per guest.
3. Take into account the time of day – guests may eat less at lunch than at dinner, so adjust your bun count accordingly.
4. Think about the other dishes you’ll be serving – if there are plenty of sides and appetizers, guests may not eat as many sandwiches, so adjust your bun count accordingly.
5. Consider the size of your buns – smaller buns will hold 4 ounces of pulled pork, while larger buns can hold up to 6 ounces.
6. Don’t forget to factor in any children attending – they may eat less than adult guests, so adjust your calculations accordingly.
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be able to purchase the right amount of buns for your pulled pork crowd and ensure that everyone is well-fed and satisfied.
Avoiding Wastage Of Buns
One common issue when serving pulled pork sandwiches is leftover buns. To avoid wastage, it’s important to plan ahead and purchase the right amount of buns. If you’re unsure of how many buns to buy, it’s better to err on the side of caution and purchase a few extra.
If you do end up with leftover buns, there are a few ways to repurpose them. One option is to freeze them for later use. Simply wrap the buns in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be thawed and used for future meals or snacks.
Another option is to use the leftover buns for other recipes. For example, they can be used to make bread pudding, French toast, or croutons. They can also be toasted and used as a base for mini pizzas or as a substitute for crackers in a cheese platter.