
Have you Ever wondered how many mouthwatering pulled pork sandwiches you can whip up with a hefty 10-pound pork shoulder?
Whether you’re orchestrating a BBQ party, planning for a large gathering, or just love the idea of having an abundance of sandwiches, this guide will turn you into a pulled pork portion master.
Let’s dive into the smoky, succulent world of BBQ pork and ensure your next event is a hit without the excess!
The Magic of Pulled Pork

Pulled pork is more than just food; it’s an experience. Its tender, juicy texture and its ability to soak up flavors make it a beloved star at any BBQ. Here’s what you need to know:
What is Pulled Pork?
It’s pork shoulder (also known as pork butt or Boston butt) that’s been slow-cooked until it’s tender enough to shred with forks.
Why 10 Pounds?
This quantity is perfect for those hosting pulled pork for a crowd, for meal prep, or for those who enjoy having pulled pork leftovers.
The Calculation Game
Mastering the art of pulled pork portion size is crucial for your BBQ party planning:
Pulled Pork Serving Size Calculator

1. Standard Serving Size
A common guideline is to plan for about 1/3 pound of cooked pulled pork per person for sandwiches. This means one pound of cooked pork makes around 3 to 4 sandwiches.
2. Shrinkage
Remember, pork loses about half its weight during cooking. Thus, 10 pounds of raw pork shoulder will yield approximately 5 pounds of cooked BBQ pork.
3. Bun Size
The size of the bun influences how much meat you can pile on. A standard bun holds about 5 ounces of meat, but sliders or larger rolls might alter your calculations.
How Many Sandwiches from Pulled Pork?

a) With Standard Buns
With 5 pounds of cooked pork, at 1/3 pound per sandwich, you’re looking at around 15 to 20 sandwiches.
b) For Smaller Sandwiches
If you’re making sliders, where each holds about 2.5 ounces, you might get up to 32 sliders from your 5 pounds.
c) Larger Sandwiches
If you’re serving up heartier portions, say 1/2 pound per sandwich, you’ll make around 10 big sandwiches.
Pulled Pork Sandwich Yield for Larger Crowds

1. How Much Pulled Pork for 100 People?
For 100 people, you’d need roughly 33 pounds of cooked pork, meaning approximately 66 pounds of raw pork, assuming 1/3 pound per sandwich.
2. How Many Pounds of Pulled Pork for Sandwiches for 50 People?
Around 16.7 pounds of cooked pork is needed, so start with about 33 pounds raw.
3. How Many Pounds of Pulled Pork for 200 Sandwiches?
Considering 1/3 pound per sandwich, you’d need around 67 pounds of cooked pork, or about 134 pounds raw.
4. How Much Pork for 100 Guests?
Similar to above, around 33 pounds of cooked pork should serve 100 guests if sandwiches are the main dish.
Pulled Pork Quantity for Specific Numbers

a) How Much Will 2 lbs of Pulled Pork Feed?
Approximately 6 people if you’re serving 1/3 pound per sandwich.
b) How Many People Does 10 Pounds of Pulled Pork Feed?
With a yield of 5 pounds cooked, you can feed roughly 15-20 people.
c) How Many Pounds of Pork Butt for Pulled Pork for 40-50 People?
You’d need about 15-20 pounds of raw pork butt.
Serving Pulled Pork
Your sandwiches won’t be complete without the right accompaniments:
1. BBQ Sauce
Some like their pork drenched in sauce, while others prefer it on the side. A good sauce is a must.
2. Slaw
A crunchy coleslaw adds texture and zing. It’s a classic pulled pork sandwich topping.
3. Pickles, Onions, JalapeƱos
These can elevate your sandwich from good to great.
Event Planning
- Guest Appetite: If you know your crowd has big appetites or if it’s a dinner event, lean towards larger portions.
- Children vs. Adults: Kids generally eat less. Consider scaling back to about 1/4 pound per child.
- Event Type: Casual BBQs might mean guests grab more than one sandwich, so plan accordingly.
Cooking Methods for Pulled Pork Sandwich Prep Time
1. Smoking
Traditional and delivers that authentic BBQ flavor. Plan for about 90 minutes per pound.
2. Slow Cooker/Oven:
Great for ease and consistent results.
3. Instant Pot
Quick and retains moisture well but might not give the same bark as smoking.
Tips for Perfect Pulled Pork
- Rub and Season: A good spice rub can make or break your pork.
- Resting: Always let your pork rest before pulling to keep it juicy.
- Pulling: Use forks or your hands (with gloves!) to shred the meat, mixing back in some of the cooking juices for flavor.
Pulled Pork Sandwich Variations & Leftovers
Leftovers
Freeze It
Portion it out and freeze for future meals. Vacuum sealing is great for this.
Repurpose:
Use it in tacos, nachos, or as a pizza topping. The possibilities are endless!
Safety:
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for 2-3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Pulled Pork Sandwich Variations
1. Experiment with Buns
Try different pulled pork bun types like brioche, pretzel, or even Hawaiian rolls for sliders.
2. Sides
Complement your sandwiches with classic pulled pork sandwich sides like baked beans, corn on the cob, or potato salad.
FAQs
What’s the best pulled pork sandwich recipe?
A simple recipe includes pork shoulder, a good rub, low and slow cooking, and finishing with your favorite BBQ sauce.
How much pulled pork per person for sandwiches?
Approximately 1/3 pound of cooked pork per sandwich is standard.
How much pulled pork per person kg?
About 0.15 kg (or 150 grams) per person for sandwiches.
How much meat for 50 sliders?
For sliders, you might need around 10 to 12 pounds of raw pork to get about 50 sliders, considering each slider uses about 2.5 ounces of meat.
How many pounds of pulled chicken for 50 people?
If planning for similar portions as pork, you’d need about 16-17 pounds of cooked pulled chicken, hence starting with 32-34 pounds raw.
How much shredded pork for 60 people?
You’ll need about 20 pounds of cooked pork, so start with around 40 pounds of raw pork shoulder.
How much pulled pork for 25 people?
Approximately 8-9 pounds of cooked pork, which means you’d start with 16-18 pounds raw.
How many will an 8.66 lb pork shoulder feed?
Assuming a 50% yield, this would give you roughly 4.33 pounds of cooked pork, potentially feeding 13-14 people with sandwiches.
How much will 40 pounds of pulled pork feed?
This would feed approximately 120 people with 1/3 pound servings per sandwich.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or a weekend BBQ enthusiast, understanding how to calculate the yield from 10 pounds of pulled pork for sandwiches is key. It ensures you’re the star of your next gathering, manages food waste, and maximizes your BBQ experience.
So, the next time you’re at the meat counter, consider these guidelines. Happy cooking, and may your sandwiches always be succulent, flavorful, and plentiful!