How Many Servings in a Pint of Pulled Pork? A Helpful Guide

Pulled pork is a classic barbecue dish that is perfect for feeding a crowd. Its versatility makes it a go-to choice for potlucks picnics backyard cookouts – anytime you need to serve a lot of people. But when planning your next pulled pork feast, how do you determine how much meat you need? Specifically, how many servings fit into one pint of pulled pork? Read on for a helpful guide to estimating portion sizes.

What Goes Into a Serving of Pulled Pork?

A standard serving size of pulled pork is around 4-6 ounces or 1⁄2 cup once cooked This is typically the amount that would go on a regular sandwich bun or fit as a single taco filling

When calculating how much raw pork to buy, plan on about 1⁄3 to 1⁄2 pound of meat per person. You’ll need to buy extra since the pork loses moisture and shrinks as it cooks.

For example, if you want 6 ounces or 1⁄2 cup of finished pulled pork per serving, you’d need around 1⁄2 to 3⁄4 pound raw meat per person.

How Much is in a Pint of Pulled Pork?

A pint is 16 ounces by volume. Pork is dense and heavy, so a pint will hold around 10-12 ounces by weight. This equals approximately 11⁄2 to 2 servings.

So if you have a pint container of leftover pulled pork, you can expect it to feed 1 very hungry person or 2 people with average appetites.

Keep in mind that sides, buns, and other meal components will affect how far a pint of pork stretches. The pint could make 2 ample sandwiches or 4 slider-sized ones. It could also be part of a pork taco bar along with fixings.

Tips for Serving Pulled Pork

Here are some tips to ensure your pulled pork feeds the right number of people:

• Cook extra. Having too much is better than running out. Shredded pork freezes well for later use.

• Factor in sides. Bulk up your meal with coleslaw, beans, mac and cheese, etc. so you need less meat.

• Consider appetites. Adults eat more than kids. Plan accordingly.

• Try sliders. Mini rolls let you adjust sandwich sizes.

• Offer other proteins. Take the pressure off pork by also serving chicken or beef.

• Use small plates. Guests take smaller portions when using small plates.

Handy Formulas

Use these simple formulas to calculate how much pulled pork you need:

• Raw meat: Guests x 0.33 to 0.5 lbs per person

• Cooked meat: Allow for 50% shrinkage after cooking

• Sandwiches: Estimate 4 slider or 2 regular sandwich buns per pound

So for a party of 20, you’d need 20 x 0.5 = 10 lbs raw pork, yielding around 5 lbs cooked or 20 slider sandwiches.

Storing and Freezing Leftovers

Use these tips for storing leftover pulled pork:

• Let cool completely, then refrigerate in a sealed container within 2 hours of cooking.

• Use within 3-4 days for best quality.

• For longer storage, freeze in portions in airtight bags or containers for up to 3 months.

• Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating. Add barbecue sauce or broth to moisten.

Creative Ways to Use Leftover Pulled Pork

Leftover pulled pork is a fantastic ingredient for:

• Sandwiches – pile it on rolls or stuff in tacos

• Breakfast – scrambled with eggs or in burritos

• Salads – on top of leafy greens or in pasta salad

• Soups – add to bean, veggie, or tomato-based soups

• Nachos/pizzas – sprinkled over tortilla chips or flatbread

• Baked potatoes – for pulled pork stuffed spuds

• Casseroles – mixed into rice, mac and cheese, or veggie bakes

With some basic planning, you can ensure your next pulled pork meal is a crowd-pleasing success. A pint will feed 1-2 hungry guests, and recipes stretch further with sides. Cook extra, use small plates, and get creative with leftovers!