Planning a large dinner, party, or gathering? Pork loin is a delicious, budget-friendly option for feeding 100 guests. But determining how many pounds you need can be tricky. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know to buy, prepare, and serve the perfect quantity of boneless pork loin for a crowd.
How Much Pork Per Person?
The standard recommended serving size is 6-8 ounces or 0.5 pound of boneless pork loin per person. To determine the amount needed for 100
- 100 guests
- x 0.5 pound per person
- = 50 pounds of raw pork loin
Purchasing 50 pounds ensures generous 8 ounce servings for a crowd You may need to adjust slightly depending on side dishes and demographics.
Factors That Impact Serving Size
Consider these factors that can influence ideal serving sizes:
-
Side dishes – Less meat needed if serving pasta, potatoes, etc.
-
Kids – Smaller servings, around 4 oz. for children.
-
Teens – Larger servings, up to 12 oz. for hungry teens.
-
Leftovers – Buy 10% extra to allow for leftovers.
-
Other proteins – Less pork if also serving chicken, fish, etc.
With these considerations, you may need to adjust pork quantities up or down by 5-10 pounds.
Choosing Pork Cuts for a Crowd
For feeding 100 people, boneless pork loin roasts are the best option. Here’s why:
-
Affordable – More budget-friendly than chops or tenderloins.
-
Lean and tender – Provides juicy, tender meat.
-
Uniform sizing – Easy to portion consistently.
-
Easy prep – Requires minimal seasoning or work.
-
Cooks evenly – Averages 10-15 minutes per pound baked.
Boneless pork loin is the ideal fuss-free option for pleasing a large group.
Pork Loin Roasting Time Estimates
To estimate total roasting time for 50 pounds of pork loin for 100 people:
- 50 pounds divided into 10-15 pound roasts
- 10-15 pound roasts take 2.5-4 hours to bake at 350°F
So for 50 pounds in total, plan on a total oven time of 10-16 hours. Use multiple ovens or stagger roasting times to have all pork ready at once.
Carving and Serving Tips
Once roasted, here are some tips for easy serving:
- Let rest 15-20 minutes before carving.
- Slice across the grain into 1/2 inch thick medallions.
- Arrange slices over a large platter or in a chafing dish.
- Estimate 2-3 slices per person.
- Keep por k warm in a low oven or chafing dishes.
- Serve buffet style or plate individual servings.
- Provide pork au jus or gravy for moistness.
Proper slicing technique and keeping pork loin warm is key for the best texture and taste.
Accompaniments for Serving a Crowd
Round out your pork loin feast with these tasty crowd-pleasing sides:
- Roasted potatoes or potato salad
- Warm dinner rolls or bread
- Green salad or cabbage slaw
- Sauteed vegetables like Brussels sprouts or asparagus
- Fresh fruit plates or fruit salad
Having a variety of sides and starters will ensure a satisfying meal.
Leftover Pork Ideas
With 50 pounds of pork, plan for lots of delicious leftovers!
-
Pork sandwiches – Stack sliced pork on rolls or bread.
-
Breakfast tacos or burritos – Add to eggs, potato, cheese.
-
Pork fried rice – Toss with vegetables, eggs and soy sauce.
-
Pork salad – Mix into leafy greens, veggies, beans.
-
Soup – Simmer pork in vegetable or bean soup.
Get creative with leftovers for easy meals all week long after your event!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about buying and serving pork loin for 100:
What if I have more or less than 100 guests?
Simply adjust up or down from the 50 pound estimate based on your headcount.
Should I buy extra as a buffer?
Yes, buy 10% extra pork to allow for large appetites and leftovers.
What if I want to serve ribs or pulled pork too?
Reduce pork loin to 4 oz. servings if also serving other pork dishes.
Can I cook pork loin day before?
Yes, just slice, refrigerate and reheat gently to serve.
How long can cooked pork be kept?
Store leftovers for 3-4 days. Freeze additional cooked pork up to 4 months.
Feeding 100 people requires forethought and calculations, but boneless pork loin is a fairly straightforward option. With this handy guide, you can impress your guests with perfect portions for the crowd.
