How to Roast Pork Butt in Oven?

A pork butt roast, also known as a Boston butt roast, is actually not the rear end of the pig, but the shoulder. This sizable cut is best suited for slow roasting, stewing, or smoking. If you have a smoker, my smoked pulled pork recipe is one of my family's favorites for its rich, smoky flavor. But this oven-roasted pork butt, while less smoky, is more accessible.

A pork butt roast typically weighs about 4-8 pounds, enough for a family of four for several meals, or to feed a dozen people at a gathering. So even though it takes a long time to roast pork butt, the rewards are huge when you consider it can be enjoyed multiple times, not to mention the smell alone is worth it. Just gather a few basic ingredients and some simple equipment, and I’ll guide you how to roast pork butt in oven.

Ingredients:

• Pork butt, or Boston butt, bone-in, anywhere from 4-8 pounds but preferably 5 pounds
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Smoked paprika
• Garlic powder
• Dried thyme
• Brown sugar
• Cumin
• Dijon mustard
• Cayenne pepper

Equipment:

• Large roasting pan
• Wireless probe thermometer, oven-safe
• Aluminum foil
• Plastic wrap
• Meat claws
• Cutting board

What is a Pork Butt Roast?

The name pork butt can be a bit confusing since it doesn’t actually come from the rear end of the pig. Instead, it is from the upper part of the front shoulder, a square cut that is filled with connective tissue and marbling. This fat renders down during cooking, making the roast tender and juicy, which is why I love it for pulled pork or carnitas. Many grocery stores also mix up the terms pork butt and pork shoulder, and sometimes even sell cuts that comebine both. But technically, pork shoulder is the triangular section at the bottom of the front shoulder, which contains more muscle. Fortunately, the two cuts can often be used interchangeably in many recipes.

How to Roast Pork Butt in Oven?

Although it takes hours to roast pork butt in oven, I promise you it won’t let you down. Just follow these steps to transform this hefty meat into a tender, juicy, and succulent dish that everyone will love.

Step 1: Season the Pork Butt

In a small bowl, combine all your dry rub ingredients, stir well, and set aside. Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard over the pork as a binder, then evenly apply the dry seasoning to all surfaces of the roast and massage it in thoroughly. Wrap the pork tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. About an hour before you’re ready to cook, take it out of the fridge.

Step 2: Preheat Oven and Insert Thermometer

Low and slow roasting is the secret to tenderness, so preheat your oven to 300°F (149°C). Meanwhile, prepare a wireless meat thermometer like the INKBIRD INT-11P-B, and insert it into the meat to continuously monitor the internal pork butt roast temperature.

Step 3: Roast Pork Butt

Place the Boston butt roast on the baking sheet in the preheated oven with the fatty side facing up. Cooking times will differ based on the size and weight of the roast, but the key factor is the internal temperature. That’s why you need a wireless meat thermometer, which continuously delivers the roast temp remotely. For tender pork slices, it’s done when the internal temperature reaches 180°F (82°C). If you’re going for pulled pork, you'll want it to reach 190-195°F (90-96°C). If you like a bit of crispy crust, increase the oven temperature to 450°F (232°C) for 15-20 minutes.

Step 4: Rest, Shred and Serve

Remove the roasted pork butt from the oven and loosely cover it with foil, allowing it to rest for 15 to 20 minutes. Once it has rested, transfer it to a cutting board and shred the meat using two shredder claws, which should be one of your essential grilling tools. If you prefer slices, use a knife to cut against the grain into 1/4-inch thick pieces. There should be some juices left in the sheet, drizzle them over the meat. If you find it needs more flavor, feel free to sprinkle on some extra salt and black pepper.

How Long to Cook Pork Butt Roast in Oven?

This is the most common question when cooking any meat, but the real answer is always based on temperature, not solely on time. While the USDA recommends that pork is safe to eat at 145°F (74°C), pork butt, which is rich in connective tissue and fat, requires a longer cooking time and higher internal temperature to become soft and tender.

For our recipe, a 5-pound bone-in pork butt roast will take about 6 hours in a 300°F (149°C) oven to reach an internal temperature of 190-195°F (90-96°C). Still, a meat thermometer is needed to ensure perfect doneness.

What to Serve with Roasted Pork Butt?

As long as your Boston butt is roasted perfectly, you can eat it any way you want! It could be a fantastic main course and is incredibly versatile! For example, you can pair it with sides like baked potatoes, baked beans, cornbread, collard greens, or even mac and cheese.

As for other ways to eat it? I like it best in burritos or tacos with salsa, lime juice, cilantro, avocado, and pickled onions, or piled on soft bread with coleslaw, pickles, and BBQ sauce for a sandwich.

How to Store Leftover Roasted Pork Butt?

This recipe could make a lot of pulled pork, so you’ll almost certainly have leftovers unless you’re feeding a small army. Once completely cooled, store the roast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

If you want to keep it longer, portion it into freezer-safe bags and sealer them with a vacuum sealer to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to six months. Just remember to transfer it to the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating is easy.. Simply add some gravy or water to keep the roast moist and heat in the microwave until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (74°C).