Pig roast catering: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What pig roast catering is

A pig roast caterer roasts a whole pig on site or offsite and carves it for guests, along with sides, for large outdoor gatherings. Hosts hire one for festivals, reunions, company picnics and parties where a whole roasted pig is the centerpiece.

Signs you need it

  • You are planning a large outdoor party where a whole roasted pig will be the centerpiece
  • The guest count is too big for a backyard grill or a single cook to manage
  • You want the pig roasted, carved and served by people who do it regularly
  • The event has a long day and you need the meat held and served on schedule
  • You want sides, such as slaw, beans and rolls, prepared to go with the pork

What the pro does

  • Visits the site or asks for details about the space, the access and the fire rules
  • Plans the roast schedule so the pig is ready at serving time
  • Sets up the cooking equipment and the fire in the area the site allows
  • Roasts the pig under supervision and checks that the meat reaches a safe temperature
  • Carves the pork and serves it with the sides at the buffet or line
  • Breaks down the equipment, clears the area and removes the ash and waste

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Guest count and the weight of the pig needed
  • Whether the roast is done on site or at the caterer's location
  • Number and type of sides and the amount of bread and sauce
  • Serving staff and carvers needed for the crowd
  • Equipment such as the roasting unit, serving pans and tables
  • Setup time, roast time and the length of the event

What a written quote should spell out

  • The pig size and the roast location
  • Roast schedule with the start time and the serving time
  • Sides and bread, with portion sizes
  • Carvers and serving staff, with their hours
  • Equipment, fire and fuel plan, cleanup and ash removal

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Where will the pig be roasted, and what fire and site rules apply?
  • What is your plan for keeping the meat at a safe temperature after carving?
  • How many guests can one pig feed, and how much extra will you prepare?
  • Who is supervising the roast, and how many carvers will be present?
  • What happens if the weather changes or the fire becomes unsafe?
  • Do you hold a health permit, and what do you need from the site?

Red flags

  • Will not say where the fire will be or what site approval it has
  • Does not have a plan for the weather or for a fire that cannot be used
  • Cannot describe how the meat is held after carving
  • Asks you to set up the fire or the roast yourself to save money
  • Has no insurance certificate for the event

What you can do yourself

Do not roast a whole pig yourself. A large fire, a heavy animal and the handling of a large cut of meat can cause serious burns, fires and food illness. You can plan the guest list, clear the site, arrange tables and chairs, and choose sides from a store or a local bakery. Hire a pig roast caterer who runs the roast under supervision.

Licenses and permits

Food businesses commonly need a health permit or a food handler card from the local office that oversees food safety. Open fires and large outdoor cooking commonly need approval from the local office that oversees open flame and the venue. Ask the caterer for its permits and fire plan, and confirm them before the event.

Pig roast catering questions

Can the pig be roasted in my yard?

It depends on the yard, the fire rules and the local rules for open flame. Ask the caterer to confirm the site, the fire plan and any permits before you commit.

How much pork should I plan per guest?

Ask the caterer for its portion guide. Tell them the age range of the guests, whether other meats are served and how long the party lasts.

What happens to leftover pork?

Ask the caterer. Cooked meat that has sat out too long must be discarded, so plan the amounts with the food safety plan in mind.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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