Are you planning a party or gathering and want to serve up some delicious pulled pork sliders?
One of the biggest questions you may have is how much pork do you need to feed your guests? With so many factors to consider, such as portion sizes, appetites, and side dishes, it can be overwhelming to figure out the right amount.
But fear not, we’ve done the research for you and have all the information you need to make sure your guests are satisfied and happy.
In this article, we’ll break down the calculations and provide some helpful tips on how to serve up the perfect amount of pulled pork for 50 sliders.
So let’s get started!
How Much Pulled Pork For 50 Sliders?
When it comes to serving up pulled pork sliders for a crowd, the general rule of thumb is to plan for about 2.5 ounces of meat per slider. This means that for 50 sliders, you’ll need approximately 7.8 pounds of cooked pulled pork.
But how much raw pork do you need to buy in order to end up with 7.8 pounds of cooked meat? The answer depends on a few factors, such as the type of pork you’re using and whether it’s bone-in or boneless.
If you’re using boneless pork, you can expect to lose about 40% of the weight during cooking and shredding. This means that for 7.8 pounds of cooked meat, you’ll need approximately 13 pounds of raw pork.
However, if you’re using bone-in pork, you’ll need to account for the weight of the bone as well. In this case, you can expect to lose about 50% of the weight during cooking and shredding. This means that for 7.8 pounds of cooked meat, you’ll need approximately 15.6 pounds of raw bone-in pork.
It’s important to note that these calculations are based on the assumption that each slider will have a generous portion of pulled pork. If you’re looking to stretch your meat further or if your guests have smaller appetites, you may be able to get away with less.
Determining Portion Sizes For Pulled Pork Sliders
When it comes to determining portion sizes for pulled pork sliders, it’s important to consider the size of your buns and the amount of meat you want to serve per slider. As mentioned earlier, the general rule of thumb is to plan for about 2.5 ounces of meat per slider.
If you’re using standard hamburger buns, each slider will typically hold about 1-1.5 ounces of pulled pork. This means that for 50 sliders, you’ll need approximately 75 ounces (or 4.7 pounds) of cooked pulled pork.
To determine how much raw pork you’ll need, you’ll need to take into account the amount of weight lost during cooking and shredding. If you’re using boneless pork, you can expect to lose about 40% of the weight during cooking and shredding. This means that for 4.7 pounds of cooked meat, you’ll need approximately 7.8 pounds of raw boneless pork.
If you’re using bone-in pork, you’ll need to account for the weight of the bone as well. In this case, you can expect to lose about 50% of the weight during cooking and shredding. This means that for 4.7 pounds of cooked meat, you’ll need approximately 9.4 pounds of raw bone-in pork.
Of course, these calculations are just a guideline and can be adjusted based on your specific needs and preferences. If you want to serve larger portions or if your guests have heartier appetites, you may want to plan for more meat per slider. On the other hand, if you’re looking to stretch your meat further or if your guests have smaller appetites, you may be able to get away with less.
Ultimately, determining portion sizes for pulled pork sliders is all about finding the right balance between flavor, quantity, and budget. By following these guidelines and making adjustments as needed, you can ensure that your guests are satisfied without breaking the bank.
Factors To Consider When Planning For 50 Guests
When planning to serve pulled pork sliders for 50 guests, there are several factors to consider in order to ensure that you have enough food for everyone. Here are some things to keep in mind:
1. Age and Appetite of Guests: Consider the age range of your guests and their typical appetites. Children may eat less than adults, while teenagers and young adults may eat more. Take this into account when estimating how much pulled pork you’ll need.
2. Time of Day: The time of day that your event is taking place can also affect how much food you’ll need. If you’re serving sliders as part of a larger meal, such as at dinner time, you may need more pulled pork than if it’s a mid-day snack.
3. Type of Event: Different types of events may have different food expectations. For example, if you’re hosting a casual backyard BBQ, your guests may expect larger portions than if you’re hosting a more formal event.
4. Side Dishes: Consider the other dishes that will be served alongside the pulled pork sliders. If there are a lot of other options, guests may eat less pulled pork than if it’s the main dish.
5. Leftovers: Finally, consider what you’ll do with any leftover pulled pork. If you’re comfortable with having leftovers, you may be able to make less than if you want to ensure that everyone has enough to eat.
By taking these factors into account, you can estimate how much pulled pork you’ll need to serve 50 sliders and ensure that your guests leave satisfied.
Calculating The Amount Of Pulled Pork Needed
Calculating the amount of pulled pork needed for a specific number of servings can seem daunting, but it’s actually quite simple. The general rule of thumb is to estimate about 1/3 pound of cooked pulled pork per person, which translates to roughly 2.5 ounces of meat per slider.
To calculate the amount of raw pork needed, you’ll need to take into account the yield percentage, which varies depending on the type and cut of pork. For boneless pork, you can expect to lose about 40% of the weight during cooking and shredding, while bone-in pork will result in a yield of about 50%.
Using these percentages, you can calculate the amount of raw pork needed for 50 sliders. If you’re using boneless pork, you’ll need approximately 13 pounds of raw pork to end up with 7.8 pounds of cooked pulled pork. However, if you’re using bone-in pork, you’ll need approximately 15.6 pounds of raw bone-in pork to get the same amount of cooked meat.
It’s important to keep in mind that these calculations are based on generous portions of pulled pork per slider. If you’re looking to stretch your meat further or if your guests have smaller appetites, you may be able to get away with less. Additionally, other factors such as the time of day and style of dish may also affect the amount needed. By following these guidelines and making adjustments as necessary, you’ll be able to confidently calculate the amount of pulled pork needed for any event or gathering.
Tips For Serving And Presenting Pulled Pork Sliders At Your Party
Now that you know how much pulled pork you’ll need for your party, it’s time to focus on the presentation and serving of your sliders. Here are some tips to make sure your sliders look and taste amazing:
1. Keep the toppings separate: To prevent your sliders from getting soggy, keep the toppings separate from the pulled pork until it’s time to serve. Arrange the slaw, BBQ sauce, pickles, and fried onions in separate serving dishes and place them on a large tray or baking sheet. This will also allow your guests to customize their sliders to their liking.
2. Nest cold toppings in ice: If you’re serving cold toppings like slaw or pickles, consider nestling the bowls in crushed ice to keep them chilled and fresh throughout the party.
3. Reheat pulled pork before serving: To ensure that your pulled pork is hot and juicy when it’s time to serve, reheat it in a heat-safe serving dish and place it in the reserved spot on the tray.
4. Keep a backup of pork warm: If you have a large crowd or if you anticipate that your guests will be going back for seconds (or thirds!), it’s a good idea to keep a backup of pork in an Instant Pot or slow cooker on “keep warm” mode. This way, you can easily refill the serving tray as needed.
5. Arrange slider rolls around toppings: Finally, pull apart your slider rolls and arrange them around the toppings on the tray. This will make it easy for your guests to assemble their sliders and dig in!
Other Menu Items To Complement Your Pulled Pork Sliders
While pulled pork sliders are a delicious and satisfying main dish, no meal is complete without some tasty sides to round out the menu. Here are some other menu items that will complement your pulled pork sliders and leave your guests satisfied:
1. Mac and Cheese: This classic comfort food pairs perfectly with the smoky flavor of pulled pork. Serve it up in individual cups or in a large casserole dish for easy serving.
2. Baked Beans: Another BBQ staple, baked beans add a sweet and savory element to your meal. Make them from scratch or use a canned version for a quick and easy side.
3. Potato Salad: Creamy and tangy, potato salad is a refreshing side dish that will balance out the richness of the pulled pork. Add some chopped bacon or pickles for extra flavor.
4. Grilled Vegetables: For a healthier option, grill up some veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and onions to serve alongside your sliders. The charred flavor will complement the smokiness of the pork.
5. Corn on the Cob: Nothing says summer like fresh corn on the cob. Grill it up with some butter and seasoning for a simple yet delicious side dish.
6. Coleslaw: As mentioned above, coleslaw is a classic accompaniment to pulled pork sliders. Make it ahead of time and let it chill in the fridge for maximum flavor.
7. Sweet Potato Fries: Swap out regular fries for sweet potato fries for a healthier twist on a classic side dish. The sweetness of the potatoes will pair well with the tanginess of the BBQ sauce.
With these tasty sides, your pulled pork sliders will be the star of a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
