Here in Texas, we love to take our casual outdoor gatherings to the next level with great food. Nine times out of 10 this is going to be with barbecue of some nature. But what if you want to put a full fall spin on it by hosting a backyard pig roast? Hosting one of these feeding frenzies can take up plenty of time in the planning, preparation, and roll-out. It can also be labor-intensive. However, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Having a pig roast can be fun, if you have a handle on the integral components which can make or break your event.
Great pig roast planning is necessary to have a fun time. Leading up to the pig roast, you’ll need to decide how many guests you’ll be having, which determines the size of the pig that you’ll need to order. So, have your invitations sent out well in advance of your event (as in, several weeks ahead of time) in order to ensure everyone RSVPs and you’ll have enough meat to go around. After that, you’re going to want to find a farm or a butcher who can accommodate your pig order. This order will need to be made at a minimum of a week in advance of the pig roast. They’ll need to know how many people are expected in order to work with you on the pounds of pork that will be required. A good standard to go by is 1.5 pounds per each guest.
Photo: Instagram/theshedbbq
Now you’ll need to decide how to roast the pig in question. Some people will make use of a large mobile grill of some sort, called a pig cooker. These can be rented in order to ease your mind. However, others have cooked their pig on a spit constructed in their own backyard. Either way, you’ll need to ensure you have enough charcoal and wood available for the roasting. In addition, you’ll also need to accommodate your guests with seating, tables, tablecloths (if you so desire), napkins, cutlery, and some form of buffet-style serving and drink area. Have coolers on hand loaded with ice and the beverages of your preference, but perhaps also consider some fantastic sides to serve with the main event. A pig roast in and of itself is usually a uniquely intriguing meal, but the sides you can serve with this delicious pork are also star attractions! Choose them wisely.
Photo: Instagram/relishcatererny
On the day of the pig roast, your main menu item should arrive at your home chilled. It will need to be brought to room temperature. While this is happening, you can light the fire. This will take time to render down to a bed of coals (as the pig shouldn’t be cooked over open flame). You can season the pig with your choice of salt, dry rubs, or whatever you so desire. Then, truss the pig up on the rotisserie rod (the spit) and prepare to cook. This will take approximately six to eight hours, and your coals will need to be maintained at 225-250 degrees. You can tell when the roasting is done when the meat reaches a 145-160-degree reading via meat thermometer. Once that’s achieved, you can effectively carve/cut and serve!
