How Many Buns Do You Need For Pulled Pork When Feeding A Crowd?

Planning to serve pulled pork sandwiches at your next backyard barbecue or large gathering? With so many hungry guests to feed, it can be tricky to figure out exactly how many buns you’ll need. Never fear – I’m here to provide a simple guide to estimating the right quantity of buns for pulled pork sliders and sandwiches when cooking for a crowd.

The Most Important Factors To Consider

When determining how many buns you’ll need for pulled pork sandwiches, there are a few key factors to take into account:

• Number of guests – This is the obvious one. You’ll need to have a fairly accurate guest count to estimate portions.

• Serving size – Will you be serving full size sandwiches sliders, or both? Sliders and smaller sandwiches require more buns per person.

• Other foods – If you’re only serving pulled pork, sides, and buns, you’ll need more buns per person than if you have other proteins and starches on the menu.

• Appetites – Consider the demographics of your crowd Teen boys will likely eat far more than the book club!

• Leftovers – Do you want leftovers? Plan for extra.

How Many Buns Per Person?

As a general guideline:

• Full sandwiches – Allow 2 buns per person
• Sliders – Allow 4-6 buns per person
• Combination – Allow 3-4 buns per person if serving some of each

However, adjust as needed based on your crowd and other menu options. The more sides and proteins, the fewer buns they’ll likely eat.

Here’s a quick rundown of how many buns you’ll need for different crowd sizes:

For 10 People

• Full sandwiches – 20 buns
• Sliders – 40-60 buns
• Combo – 30-40 buns

For 25 People

• Full sandwiches – 50 buns
• Sliders – 100-150 buns
• Combo – 75-100 buns

For 50 People

• Full sandwiches – 100 buns
• Sliders – 200-300 buns
• Combo – 150-200 buns

For 100 People

• Full sandwiches – 200 buns
• Sliders – 400-600 buns
• Combo – 300-400 buns

Choosing Buns for Pulled Pork

You’ll want a sturdy bun that can stand up to juicy pulled pork without getting soggy. Some great options include:

• Brioche buns – Soft and slightly sweet, these are a pulled pork favorite.

• Potato buns – These have a bit more structure than regular buns.

• Hawaiian rolls – These small, soft rolls make perfect sliders.

• Pretzel buns – The pretzel flavor pairs great with smokey pork.

• King’s Hawaiian rolls – Sweet, soft rolls ideal for sliders.

For even more support, consider toasting the buns before assembling the sandwiches. This helps create a protective barrier against moisture.

Purchasing and Storing Buns

When buying buns for a crowd, keep these tips in mind:

• Check dates and pick buns with the furthest out freshness date.

• If possible, buy from warehouse stores like Costco or Sam’s Club. You can purchase bun packages in larger quantities for savings.

• Store in a cool, dry area like a pantry. Do not refrigerate.

• If making sandwiches ahead, cool them separately from buns then assemble just before serving to maintain bun texture.

• Leftover buns freeze well for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temp or warm slightly before serving.

Final Tips

Serving delicious pulled pork sandwiches for a crowd is totally doable with the right planning! Just be sure to:

• Use the guest count and serving size estimates to purchase enough buns. Get extras, just in case!

• Select bun types that can stand up to juicy pork. Brioche, potato, and Hawaiian rolls are all great choices.

• Toast buns if possible for added moisture protection.

• Check dates and buy from warehouse stores to get the best deals.

• Store properly and freeze any extras for later.

With the right calculations and preparations, you’ll have perfectly portioned pulled pork sandwiches ready for every member of your hungry crowd. Now focus on nailing the seasoning, smoke, and shred!