Best Pork Butt Roast Recipe
Buying A Boston Butt Roast
What Is A Boston Butt Roast
You Want To Buy A Fatty Boston Butt Roast
Tool You Will Need
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To make the best Boston Butt Roast, with a good “bark” on the outside, you’ll need just a couple of tools:
- Large Roasting Pan
- A rack that goes inside your large roasting pan! This is really important to keep the bottom of the roast from sitting in liquid!
- Kitchen Shears – to open the plastic wrapping.
- Aluminum Foil or Pink Butcher Paper
- Meat Thermometer – There’s really no way around this one… The perfect butt roast is cooked by temperature, not by time. That’s because each roast is a different size and all ovens cook a tad bit differently from each other. You’ll cook your Boston butt roast till it reaches an internal temperature of 200 degrees!
- An extra large Cutting Board
- A Large Knife
- Serving Dish
- Tupperware or a large container with a lid to keep all the yummy leftovers!
Low Temperature
The Boston Butt is different than a T-bone steak… It’s not naturally tender so you can’t cook it on high heat the same way! If you cook a Boston butt too hot or too fast it will be tough, and not fall apart at all. There really are no shortcuts… The only way to make a Boston butt roast fall apart good is through the low and slow cooking process.
When you’re roasting a Boston Butt Roast or pork butt roast, you have to cook it at a super low temperature. In fact, the temperature you cook at is closer to the temperature that the fully cooked roast is when it’s done! Roast for 6-8 hours at 250 degrees until internal temperature reaches 200 degrees!
Slow Cooker
The Boston Butt is a SLOOOOOOOW cooking roast, so give yourself PLENTY of cooking time. Whether you are making this recipe for a gathering or special dinner, or just a weeknight meal, you need to start marinating it the day before, then put it in the oven FIRST THING the next morning… So it can roast all day long!!
After rubbing seasonings and marinating your roast overnight, you will be slow cooking for a long time… AT LEAST 6 hours for a small roast. Bigger roasts will roast for AT LEAST an hour more per pound, till internal temp reaches 200 degrees. You can continue roasting for a couple of hours longer and it will still be great, but NOT less.
How To Cook The Perfect Boston Butt Pork Roast
This is the best pork roast recipe I’ve used and is made with a 6-8 pound Boston Butt Pork Roast.
Step One – Marinade
Boston Butt Pork Roasts are for meat-eaters! You can’t be squeamish about touching or handling raw meat. To prep this big roast with dry rub, it’s all hands on deck! You’ve gotta get right in there with both hands, and really give it a good rub with all those yummy spices! Don’t worry, you can wash them well when you’re done.
Spice Rub: The first step to a perfect Boston Butt Pork Roast is to RUB marinade spices generously all over the exterior of your raw roast. I use this great recipe:
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 teaspoons of ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon dried Thyme
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
*** After a generous rub all over the entire roast, cover it with plastic wrap and put it in the fridge to marinate overnight! ***
Variations: You can rub olive oil over your roast before adding spices to give it a bit more moisture, or use liquid smoke!
How Long Do You Marinade Boston Butt Roast
Marinate pork roast in the fridge, in a covered container, up to 5 days. If you want to use the marinade for cooking, Boil used marinade before brushing on cooked pork.
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/meat/fresh-pork-farm-table
Roast Pork Butt – Get The Bark Started
Put a wire rack at the bottom of your large roasting pan, then place the Boston Butt Roast FAT SIDE UP on the rack, in the pan, and set it on the counter.
Preheat the oven to 450° f, and let the roast come up to room temperature while the oven is preheating. Place roast UNCOVERED into your high temperature oven, and roast for a half hour. Then, turn it down to a 250° f oven temperature for the rest of the day.
Slow Roast Till A Good Bark Forms On The Outside
Turn the heat down to 250°f and let it roast uncovered till the exterior develops a “bark” or becomes dry and crispy, about 6-8 hours for a medium-sized roast (about 6 pounds). Make sure the outside is good and CRUSTY… Most people think the “bark” or exterior of the roast is the best part because that’s where are the spices are!
Then carefully remove the roast from oven and completely wrap it in 2 layers of heavy duty aluminum foil or pink butcher paper. (Pink butcher paper holds juices in and still lets steam escape.)
Return Boston Butt to the oven and roast at 250° till the internal temperature (at the deepest part of roast) reaches 200° f.
How Long Does It Take For A Boston Butt Roast To Cook?
Cooking times differ with the size of the roast… Plan for it to take all day to finish cooking a good Boston Butt Roast! You’ll be roasting a six-pound roast at a low temperature for at least 6-8 hours! For smaller sized roasts lower the time by the weight. (so for a 3 lb roast it would be 3-4 hours till internal temperature reaches 200 degrees F. But whatever the size roast you use, you’ll always know it’s done by using your meat thermometer. Roast till the internal temperature comes to 200 degrees!
If you cut the cooking time short, you’ll have a tougher roast that does not fall apart when you cut it and has more fatty deposits still inside. Fully cooked Boston Butt Roasts fall apart as you cut them and the fat inside and out has melted into the meat, so there are no big chunks of fat left!
How Long To Cook Boston Butt Roast in the Oven Per pound
At 250 degrees F, you will cook your Boston butt roast, fat side up, for 40 minutes of cook time per pound. Or until the internal temperature reaches 190-200 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer.
Is Boston Butt Roast Good Pulled Pork?
Yes! Boston Butt Roasts make THE BEST pulled pork when they are cooked slow and low all day long to an internal temp of 200 degrees!
Cooking a Boston Butt Right forms a “bark” on the exterior that’s crispy and flavorful… After cutting up the roast, and it falls apart, mix together the bark with the inside meat to give flavor to the entire batch of high quality pulled pork!
Which Is Better Boston Butt Roast Roast or Picnic Butt Roast
Boston butt is 100% better than picnic butt roasts for quality of cut! The picnic butt comes from down lower on the leg and has way more tendons and connective tissues that are grisly!
Boston Butt comes from up above the leg and shoulder, where you’d think the pig’s neck should be. It is just a high-quality cut of good meat without all those connective tissues.
Boston Butt Pork Roast Recipe Card
Fall Apart Boston Butt Pork Roast Recipe
Tender Boston marinated Pork Butt Roast Recipe practically falls apart as you cut it. This pork butt or Boston Roast is perfect on its own
Ingredients
- 6-8 pound Boston Butt Pork Roast
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 teaspoons of ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon dried Thyme
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
Instructions
- *** After a generous rub all over the entire roast, cover with plastic wrap and put it in the fridge to marinate overnight! ***
- Variations: You can rub olive oil over your roast before adding spices to give it a bit more moisture, or use liquid smoke!
ROAST PORK BUTT – GET THE BARK STARTED
- Put a wire rack at the bottom of your large roasting pan, then place the Boston Butt Roast FAT SIDE UP on the rack, in the pan, and set it on the counter.
- Preheat oven to 450° f, and let the roast come up to room temperature while the oven is preheating. Place roast UNCOVERED into your high-temperature oven, and roast for a half hour. Then, turn it down to a 250° f oven temperature for the rest of the day.
SLOW ROAST TILL A GOOD BARK FORMS ON THE OUTSIDE
- Turn the heat down to 250°f and let it roast uncovered till the exterior develops a “bark” or becomes dry and crispy, about 6-8 hours for a medium-sized roast (about 6 pounds). Make sure the outside is good and CRUSTY… Most people think the “bark” or exterior of the roast is the best part because that’s where the spices are!
- Then carefully remove the roast from the oven and completely wrap it in 2 layers of heavy-duty aluminum foil.
- Return Boston Butt to the oven and roast at 250° till the internal temperature (at the deepest part of the roast) reaches 195-200° f.
The Best Things To Serve With Boston Butt Pork Roast
The Boston Butt Roast is perfect with BBQ baked beans for picnics, sandwiches, potlucks, family gatherings, Christmas Dinners, and everyday meals! It goes well with so many things, but my favorite side dishes are:
- Loaded Potato Salad
- A light Strawberry Walnut Salad!
- Pasta Salad
- Deviled Eggs
- Berry Fruit Salad
- Homemade Sourdough Dinner Rolls
- Don’t forget dessert! I love chocolate Texas Sheet Cake!
- Old Fashioned Maple Pecan Pie!
- Vanilla Ice Cream with Berry Crisp
BBQ Boston Butt in the Oven
This version does not create the “Bark” crust but it does cook a bit faster because it’s covered, and it pulls apart perfectly for pulled pork sandwiches!
If you’re looking to make some delicious BBQ pulled pork for your next family gathering or backyard shindig, then you’ve come to the right place! This version of BBQ Boston Butt Roast cooks a Boston Butt roast in the oven that’ll have your taste buds dancing with joy.
First things first, you’ll need to gather up all your ingredients. For this recipe, you’ll need a 5-6 pound Boston Butt roast, 1 tablespoon of paprika, 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, 1 tablespoon of onion powder, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of black pepper. You’ll also need some BBQ sauce of your choice and some hamburger buns for serving.
Now, let’s get started! Preheat your oven to 325°F. Mix all the dry ingredients together in a small bowl, then rub the mixture all over the Boston Butt roast, making sure to get it into all the nooks and crannies.
Place the roast in a baking dish, cover it with foil, and pop it in the oven. Cook the roast for about 3-4 hours, or until it’s tender and falling apart (195-200 degrees F internal temp). Once it’s done, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a bit before pulling it apart with two forks.
Now comes the fun part – adding the barbecue sauce!
You can use your favorite store-bought sauce or make your own if you’re feeling fancy. Pour the sauce over the pulled pork and mix it in thoroughly.
Finally, it’s time to serve up your delicious BBQ pulled pork! Scoop some of the pork onto a hamburger bun, add a dollop of coleslaw if you like, and enjoy! This recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd, and it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. So, get cooking and enjoy some good ol’ fashioned BBQ!
For Pulled Pork Sandwiches, try making homemade rolls! You’ll want to add your favorite BBQ sauce to pulled pork to add flavor and moisture! Sliced tomatoes, lettuce leaves, and cheese are also good to set out for a pulled pork sandwich bar!
Why Do They Call The Shoulder The Boston Butt Roast
The name Boston Butt refers to the place that made the Boston Butt famous… Boston MA! Don’t ask me why the word Butt was ever used for these roasts, the Ham is the butt of the pig!
What Cut Is Best For Pulled Pork
The best cut for pulled pork is the Boston Butt Roast, but you’ve got to cook it right! If you have less time the pork loin can also make a good but a bit more dry pulled pork. Pork loin has less fat in it, so it results in dryer pulled pork.
Can You Over Cook Pulled Pork?
It is possible to overcook pulled pork… You’d have to forget it for a long period of time to overcook it. Overcooking Boston Butt for pulled pork is much harder than overcooking pork loin for pulled pork because the Boston Butt has more fat to keep the inside moist.
Is Pork Butt Roast The Same As Boston Butt Roast?
No the shoulder roast, and sometimes a picnic roast is sometimes called a butt roast. The Boston Butt is a higher cut on the pig, and a higher quality cut with fewer tendons and connective tissues.
Do You Cover Boston Butt Roast In The Oven?
No, and then yes. Do not cover Boston Butt in the oven till it has roasted for 6-8 hours and developed its “bark” like outer skin crust. Then, cover with foil till the internal temp reaches 200 degrees! This ensures the crusty outer bark and tender fall apart meat inside!
Pork Recipe TIP
Do NOT trim off excess fat, because it melts during the cooking process and makes the meat tender!
Internal Temperature for Pork Roast
Fall apart pork butt roast is best at 200ºF. However, according to the USDA’s website, all pork must be cooked to 145 ºF to be safe to eat. They say,
USDA has lowered the recommended safe cooking temperature for whole cuts of pork from 160 ºF to 145 ºF with the addition of a three-minute rest time. Cook pork, roasts, and chops to 145 ºF as measured with a food thermometer before removing meat from the heat source, with a three-minute rest time before carving or consuming. This will result in a product that is both safe and at its best quality.
This does not apply to ground meats, including beef, veal, lamb, and pork, which should be cooked to 160 ºF and do not require a rest time.
“Rest time” is the amount of time the product remains at the final temperature, after it has been removed from a grill, oven or other heat source. During the three minutes after meat is removed the heat source, its temperature remains constant or continues to rise, which destroys harmful bacteria.
https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2011/05/25/cooking-meat-check-new-recommended-temperatures
What To Do With Leftover Boston Butt Roast Recipe
Leftovers are awesome for pulled pork sandwiches and salads! The best wat to store leftovers is in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy them for 3-5 days, or wrap them well in plastic wrap and an air-tight zip lock bag to freeze for 4 – 6 months!
How To Thaw Boston Butt Pork Roast Safely
There are three safe ways to thaw pork: in the refrigerator, in cold water (in an airtight or leak-proof bag) and in the microwave. Never thaw at room temperature on the counter or in other locations.
It’s best to plan ahead for slow, safe thawing in the refrigerator. After thawing raw pork by this method, it will remain safe in the refrigerator 3 to 5 days before cooking. During this time, if you decide not to use the pork, you can safely refreeze it without cooking it first.
When microwave-defrosting pork, plan to cook it immediately after thawing because some areas of the food may become warm and begin to cook during microwaving. Holding partially cooked food is not recommended because any bacteria present wouldn’t have been destroyed. Foods defrosted in the microwave or by the cold water method should be cooked before refreezing because they potentially may have been held at temperatures above 40 °F.
It is safe to cook frozen pork in the oven, on the stove or grill without defrosting it first; the cooking time may be about 50% longer. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Do not cook frozen pork in a slow cooker.
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/meat/fresh-pork-farm-table
I made this recipe with very few subs (for once!). Didn’t have time to marinade, used the rub spread on a 4 lb Boston Butt pork roast early this morning. Didn’t use cumin, instead used Morton’s Natures Seasonings and thyme.
OMG, this technique is amazing! Crispy-chewy-savory ‘bark’ overall – juicy ‘wet’ meat inside (but not TOO wet like a crockpot roast!). 1/2 hr at 450F, 6hr at 250F.
I can’t say enough about this recipe (and technique especially). The house smelled soooo good all day!
I worried the meat would get dry at such a long and low roast. But NO! Crispy salty deliciousness outside – juicy and perfectly-melted-fat-deliciousness inside.
Thanks so much!! My new BF is going to love this when I make it next weekend. The roast I made today is all for ME for the work week. 😂😊👏🏻🤤
This sounds so delicious! I might have to become a lot more patient and organized to get it going so far in advance. Thanks for this recipe!
I love a good pork recipe. Thanks so much for sharing this and I plan on cooking it this weekend. Yum yum.
Perfect for keto, I will swap the brown sugar for swerve brown sugar and follow your cooking directions!! Sounds delish!
Wow… this recipe makes pork butt so tender! Falls apart but still has the crusty bark I love!
WOW… This is the perfect recipe to get that crusty outside and the moist tender inside pork roast! I followed the recipe with the seasoning and everything and we loved it! Next time I may try different seasoning just for fun, but this is a perfect recipe! Thanks!
I am so excited to try this for Thanksgiving! Thank you for the recipe!! Approximately how long should it take after wrapping it in foil for it to reach the appropriate temperature? My cut is 4 pounds and I am just trying to get a gauge of time for when I should start in order for it to be ready in time. I am making it at home then transporting it to my parent’s house about 35 minutes away. My thoughts are to make it fully at home then unwrap it from the foil cook when I get to their house. Thoughts?
Hi Alexis! So glad you appreciate this recipe! Do you have a meat thermometer? I’m not perfectly sure how much time it will take from foil to finish with a 4 pounder, but you can’t go wrong with a meat thermometer! They are pretty cheap, and you can pick them up at any Walmart or on amazon. I have a big family, so I usually get 6 pounds plus. However, I’d recommend 6 hours for the first roast, till “bark” is nice and established, then count on at least 2 hours in foil. You can take it out when the internal temp reaches 190 degrees and it will continue to go up in temp after you take it out on your way to your parents house!
Hello, planning to make this this week. Is it necessary to add water to the roast pan so it doesn’t dry out?
Hi Paula! Thanks for stopping by and for your question! When I roast my Boston Butt in the oven I do not add water. There is a good amount of fat in the roast itself, and that fat keeps it moist inside… ALso allowing the bark to form on the outside also locks in moisture. I hope this helps!
Made this today for Thanksgiving. . . and we ate it tonight! Tomorrow we’ll enjoy the leftovers. Awesome. My very FIRST pork roast and it turned out perfect. I forgot a few steps in the rush at the last minute, but it was all good. I did the dry rub last night so it got to sit all night, then cooked for 6 hours today. Will be doing this one again. We thank you for making our Thanksgiving “just perfect!”
Hi Beth! So glad you tried and liked it! Happy thanksgiving!
Just wondering if you just cover the top of the roasting pan with foil? Or do wrap the entire roast in foil, then return it to the roasting pan?
Hi Hannah! I wrap the entire roast with foil! Thanks for asking!
How should I reheat this if I cook it a day before I need it? I would have it pulled and ready to go for sandwiches. I would probably want to reheat it all at once since it’s for a party. I thought about doing it in the oven at a low temperature, but didn’t know if it would dry out.
I did this for an Easter roast instead of a traditional ham that my family usually does. There were no leftovers. I also wanted to mention the origins of the Boston Butt name. It is absolutely true that the name is derived from the Port city of Boston as mentioned above, while the “Butt” portion of the name comes from the huge storage barrels that were used to store and brine these cuts called “butts”.
Hi Andrew! So glad everyone loved the Boston butt roast! And good to know about the “butt” in Boston Butt! Makes sense that they were brined in barrels!
I want to make this for Mother’s Day and do not think I will have 8 hours to cook it. If I make it the day before how would you recommend I reheat it? Or do you think that will make it tough? Also will you send the answer to my email address?
Thank you!
This is very good the next day! Just wrap it well before refrigerating it! And reheat in the oven before serving!
Made this at 3:30 this am, looks absolutely amazing! Just waiting for the kids to arrive so I can eat some more. Lol of course I cheated and tried it… Yummy this will be my recipe from here on out!!! So happy thanks so much.
Very tasty, moist results. Followed dry rub instructions and baking instructions. Very well written and informative. Turned out perfect. Served it on buns with a slaw-type topping we call US31 Barbecue Sauce (named after local restaurant known for their pulled pork & beef sandwiches). Will definitely make again.
Hi Donna! So glad you tried and enjoyed my Boston Butt Roast recipe and thanks for leaving a comment! Your US31 BBQ sauce sounds yummy!
When I took the roast out of the oven it was already at 200 degrees! I didn’t wrap in foil and put back in oven. I did wrap in foil. Is that okay.
Hi Ellen, Thanks for the comment! That’s interesting, Do you know what size your roast was in pounds? How did it turn out?
Hi, how much time and what temperature would you recommend for a 7# “boneless” pork butt.
Thank you for this crowd pleaser! Made this yesterday for a family bbq/gathering. Planned for pulled pork sandwiches, Bbq sauceon the side. Lets just say not one person even touched the bottle of BBQ sauce!! Everyone LOVED it as is. 2 nights in the fridge marinating in the rub/ and some pineapple orange juice drizzled over it. 30 mins at 450, 7 hours at 250, another 2 and a half hours wrapped in foil at 250. The roast came out delicious! My family couldn’t stop raving about how much they loved it!! Thank you again for my new favorite pork roast!!
Hi Jordan! Thanks for the feedback.. I’m so glad you all enjoyed this for pulled pork! Love your pineapple orange juice addition, what a great idea!
When wrapping in foil the top layer of fat is pretty dark but still soft to the touch. Should this be crispy before wrapping? or can I broil it at the end to crisp it up? It’s an 8 lb roast, did the 450 for half hour and 8 hours at 250 before wrapping.
Hi KerryAnn! Yes, this should be crispy or “bark-like” before wrapping it in foil or pink butcher paper!
I’m cooking a very small roast for just me and husband. Roast is not even 3 lbs. when do I use the meat thermometer? Do I put it in the roast then wrap in foil? Thank you for a response.
Just made this recipe… It’s 10 o’clock in the morning. I’m standing at the stove top, pulling the pork apart, and took my first taste. OMG… Now my second, third, fourth taste….this is FANTASTIC. Best pork I ever made. I didn’t realize, till I defrosted the meat, that I bought the shoulder butt, not the Boston Butt. I was afraid all the work I was going to put into it, still might not make it tender enough. But I went for it because that’s the piece I had. It is phenomenal. This recipe will go into my personal recipe box. Thank you so much for this recipe.
Hi Lisa! I’m so glad your shoulder butt roast turned out great with this recipe! Thanks for just going for it, and stopping by to leave your comment!
First time butt roast! Let me just say that this was a labor of love! I had a 5 pounder. 30 mins at 425 because I used convection oven. Then 225 (bc convection) for 8 hours. Very nice bark and crisp. Then wrapped in foil for 4 more hours! It still was not up to 200! More like 170. We had burgers for supper 🙂 I cooled it some and put in fridge. Began re-cooking at 4pm the next day in a 350 oven. At 530 it was up to 180. We had pork chops. Haha! By about 7pm it was up to 200. If I’d read the whole post, we might have eaten it the first day. But the samples we ate last night were worth the wait!! I will definitely be making this again but will allow more time in day one and probably cook at 250 even on convection. Thank you!!
How do you reheat when making the day before the event? I don’t want it to be dry.
To reheat a Boston Butt roast for pulled pork while keeping it moist, you can follow these steps:
Preheat your oven to 325°F.
Place the roast in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Make sure the foil is tightly sealed to prevent any moisture from escaping.
Put the dish in the preheated oven and allow it to heat up for about 15 to 20 minutes.
Remove the foil and baste the roast with any juices that may have collected in the dish.
Cover the roast with the foil again, making sure it is tightly sealed.
Place the dish back in the oven and continue heating for another 45 to 60 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the roast reaches 165°F.
Once the roast is heated through, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes before shredding it with a fork.
Can the tablespoon of salt be reduced or even not uses ( due to kidney issues. Or can salt substitute be used?
Hello Diane! Yes of course you can reduce the salt! I think there is a magnesium based salt substitute in the salt section that you could use too… I believe Hain or Hayne makes it!
After 17 years of marriage, my husband said this might be the best meat I’ve ever made! It was so good! It never did get to 200; we had to eat, and it was only 180, but it was still amazing. I wasn’t sure when to wrap it in foil, so I did it after it had been at 250 for about 6 hours. Thank you so much for the recipe!
Hi Shannon… Thanks stoppping by and trying my Boston Butt Roast Recipe… And for comming back and commenting!
Hi, trying this for the first time. Just wanted to say I have a 5.5 lb roast, put it in at 9 a.m and as of 5:20, it’s only at 182 deg. Seems like it takes a lot more than 8 hrs to cook. I even raised the temp to 260, around 3 pm.
Thanks.
Hi Maggie! Thanks for the comment! That is interesting. Every oven and roast are different. Did you wrap it after the crust developed?