Pulled pork is a classic barbecue dish that is loved by many for its tender, juicy meat and smoky flavor. But when cooking pulled pork for a crowd, it can be tricky to figure out how much you need to make sure there is enough to go around. So how much pulled pork per person should you plan for? Here’s a guide to help you estimate how many people a pound of pulled pork will feed.
What is Pulled Pork?
Pulled pork is made by slowly cooking pork shoulder or pork butt (cuts from the upper part of the front leg of the pig) until the meat becomes very tender and falls apart easily. The pork is then “pulled” or shredded into strands using two forks. The shredded pork is lightly sauced or seasoned and served on sandwiches, tacos, nachos, salads, or on its own.
Pulled pork is a staple of Southern American barbecue. It is seasoned with a dry rub, then slowly smoked over indirect heat, often from burning wood chips or charcoal. This long, slow cooking tenderizes the pork and infuses it with a delicious smoky flavor.
Factors That Determine Servings
There are several factors that determine how many people a pound of pulled pork will feed:
- pork butts vary in size and fat ratio. Some may have more usable meat than others once cooked.
- The cooking method affects moisture loss. Smoking, pressure cooking, braising and slow cooking all yield different amounts of finished pulled pork.
- Side dishes determine serving size. Less pork is needed per person when served with generous sides like bbq beans or coleslaw.
- Appetite and portion size. Big eaters or a crowd of hungry teenagers will need more than lighter eaters or kids.
- Leftovers are factored in. More pork may be cooked if leftovers are desired.
Taking these factors into account, here are some general guidelines for how many a pound of pulled pork feeds:
Pulled Pork Sandwiches
If serving pulled pork sandwiches with just the pork and bbq sauce:
- 1⁄4 to 1⁄3 lb pork per regular sandwich
- 1⁄2 lb pork per overstuffed sandwich
So 1 lb of pulled pork makes:
- 3-4 regular sandwiches
- 2 overstuffed sandwiches
With Sides
If serving sandwiches with side dishes like coleslaw, beans, cornbread or chips, estimate:
- 1⁄4 lb pork per person
So 1 lb pulled pork would feed:
- 4 people
Pulled Pork Tacos or Nachos
For tacos or nachos with pulled pork:
- Estimate 1⁄4 to 1⁄3 lb pork per person
So 1 lb pulled pork makes:
- 3-4 tacos or portions of nachos
With Sides
With sides like beans, rice, guacamole, etc estimate:
- 2-3 tacos or nacho portions per lb pork
So 1 lb would feed:
- 3-4 people
Pulled Pork Plates or Bowls
For dinner plates or bowls with pulled pork as a main dish:
- 1⁄3 to 1⁄2 lb pork per person
So 1 lb of pulled pork would feed:
- 2-3 people
With Multiple Sides
If served family-style with generous portions of multiple sides like coleslaw, baked beans, mac & cheese, cornbread, etc. estimate:
- 1⁄4 lb pork per person
So 1 lb of pulled pork could feed up to:
- 4 people
Pulled Pork Appetizers
For pulled pork appetizers like mini sandwiches, sliders, bites, etc:
- Estimate 2-3 oz pork per person
So 1 lb of pulled pork would yield:
- About 16-24 mini appetizers
And could feed:
- 8-12 people
Leftovers
To ensure ample leftover pulled pork:
- Plan on 1⁄2 lb pork per person
- Cook at least double the amount needed for one meal
For example, for a group of 8, cook at least 4 lbs pulled pork, allowing for 1⁄2 lb per person, with about 2 lbs leftover.
Pulled Pork Storage
Properly stored, leftover pulled pork keeps well for:
- 3-4 days in the refrigerator
- 3-6 months in the freezer
To store, let pulled pork cool completely, then place in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for several months.
Cooking Pulled Pork
Here is a overview of how much uncooked pork to start with when smoking or slow cooking pulled pork:
- Pork shoulder or Boston butt: 8-12 lbs
- Pork loin: 4-8 lbs
After cooking, this will yield about 50-60% usable pulled pork. So an 8 lb pork butt will produce around 4-5 lbs pulled pork.
Cook pulled pork until it reaches an internal temperature of 195-205°F and the meat shreds easily. Allow to rest 20-30 minutes before pulling.
Buying Pre-Cooked Pulled Pork
Buying fully cooked, ready-to-eat pulled pork from a barbecue restaurant, grocery store deli or online vendor can save a lot of time and effort. Here’s how much to get:
- Sandwiches – 1⁄3 to 1⁄2 lb per person
- Nachos or tacos – 1⁄4 to 1⁄3 lb per person
- Dinner plates or bowls – 1⁄3 to 1⁄2 lb per person
- Appetizers – 2-3 oz per person
Make sure to account for leftovers if desired. Ready-to-eat pulled pork keeps for 3-5 days refrigerated.
Cost of Pulled Pork
The cost for pulled pork depends on:
- If cooking yourself or buying pre-made
- Type of cut – shoulder is cheapest, loin most expensive
- Sale prices and promotions when purchasing
Some average costs for pulled pork (based on 2022-2023 prices):
- Home cooked – $1.50-$3 per lb
- Grocery store pre-made – $6-$12 per lb
- Restaurant – $12-$16 per lb
Buying a full pork shoulder when on sale and cooking yourself is the most economical option. Pre-cooked options are quicker and more convenient but come at a premium price.
Conclusion
Estimating 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 lb of finished pulled pork per person is a good rule of thumb for sandwiches, tacos, nachos, dinner plates and appetizers. Side dishes, appetites and leftovers also help determine how far a pound will go. Cooking extra pulled pork can help stretch your dollar while having delicious leftovers handy. Properly stored pulled pork keeps for several days refrigerated or months frozen. Buying pre-cooked pulled pork at a restaurant, deli or vendor saves time, but cooking pork shoulder yourself yields the best value.
