How to cook a Boston Butt in the Oven

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September 2, 2020

Looking to add a fresh new entree to the family dinner menu? You may want to consider the oven-baked Boston Butt, also called pork butt. Pork butt often gets lumped together with pork shoulder.

However, pork butt comes from higher up on a pig's shoulder and has more marbling and more flavor.

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This cut is ideal for braising and stewing. It is also an excellent choice for making tender pulled pork for sandwiches or tacos.

Check out our guide to create a delicious oven-baked pork butt. With three recipes, we cover everything you need to know to serve up this tasty cut.

Ingredients for a Delicious Oven-Cooked Boston Butt

Many ingredients can create a delicious oven-cooked pork butt.

The ones you choose will depend on the meal you're going for and the flavors you seek. Do you want a standard American recipe, or are you looking to add a cultural twist to your next family dinner?

Some common ingredients and seasonings you can't go wrong with when cooking pork butt in the oven include:

Brown sugar
Smoked paprika
Black pepper
Kosher salt
Garlic powder
Onion powder

Most of these ingredients make up a typical spice cabinet and pantry. You can easily combine them to make a tasty dry rub for pulled pork and use it to liven up the flavor of your meat.

Even if your family loves this standard combination of ingredients, don't be afraid to mix things up. Ultimately, it's up to you when it comes to cooking your pork butt in a roasting pan.

Never feel like you have to follow a recipe exactly when it comes to the ingredients you add. Feel free to experiment and add or remove certain seasonings from the recipe at your will.

How to Cook Boston Butt in the Oven: Step-By-Step

Pork butt or shoulder are often the meat of choice for making pulled pork.

However, this isn't the only way to use this cut of meat.

Below, we will provide you with three pork butt oven recipes that you can try. The first will be pulled pork, as every chef should know how to make this signature dish.

We have also outlined two other pork oven recipes you can use to step outside of your comfort zone.

You also don’t have to make these dishes in the oven. A grill or smoker works just as well. However, we’ve chosen the oven as the preferred method because you can use these recipes all year round no matter the weather.

BBQ Pulled Pork

Do you need a low and slow-cooked barbecue pulled pork recipe? Learn how to cook pulled pork in the oven using the recipe below.

Step 1 - Decide on a Dry Rub & Liquid Smoke to Use

To get the most flavorful pulled pork possible, you should figure out what kind of dry rub and liquid smoke you want to use.

You can purchase a dry rub from the store or mix the following ingredients to create your own dry rub recipe:

½ cup dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder

You can find liquid smoke from your local grocer. Make sure it is suitable to use with an oven.

Step 2 - Prepare Your Pork Butt

Place a 4-pound bone-in or boneless pork butt on a large piece of plastic wrap. The weight doesn't have to be exact, but try to keep it in the 3.5-4.5 pound range so you can follow this pulled pork recipe as closely as possible.

Rub about 2 tablespoons of liquid smoke into the meat. This part of the recipe is optional, but it will give your roasted pork a distinctive and desirable wood flavor.

Coat the meat with about 1 cup of your dry rub. Completely wrap the pork in plastic and place it in the fridge for a few hours. You can also leave it to sit in the fridge overnight.

Step 3 - Cook Your Pork Butt

When you're ready to cook your pork butt, start by preheating your oven to 250°F.

Prepare a large rimmed baking sheet or roasting pan with aluminum foil and spray it generously with cooking spray.

Place the pork butt onto your baking sheet or roasting pan and let it bake in the oven until it reaches an internal temperature of 200°F. This process should take around 9 hours.

The cooking time will vary depending on how large your cut of meat is and whether it's boneless. You will need to keep a watchful eye on your meat to ensure it doesn't overcook in the oven.

This longer low and slow oven recipe produces much more tender meat than if cooked only to an internal temperature of 160°F.

Step 4 - Wrap & Shred Your Pork Butt

After your pork has reached the ideal internal temperature, take it out of the oven and place it directly on a tinfoil sheet.

Wrap it securely with the tinfoil. Wrap it again with several paper towels and let it rest in a small cooler for an hour before shredding it. Place the meat on the counter away from the oven for cooling.

Shred the meat with two forks and watch it fall right off the bone, giving you heavenly pulled pork.

Baked Pork Butt Meatballs

Want to add some Italian cuisine to your dinner table? This recipe is the perfect way to do so.

If you and your family want to give pork butt a try but don't want to give up some of your other favorite meats, this oven-baked meatball recipe offers the best of both worlds.

Step 1 - Obtain Your Meats

The center of this recipe will be ground pork. You will also need ground lamb and ground beef round.

Either grinding your meat or using purchased ground meat will be sufficient. The best method for this recipe will depend on the equipment you have on hand and the types of meat you have in stock.

Step 2 – Preheat Oven and Combine All of Your Ingredients

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Combine all your ground-up meat in a large mixing bowl. Add the following recipe ingredients to your bowl:

½ lb. Ground Pork
½ lb. Ground Beef
½ lb. Ground Lamb
5 ounces of frozen spinach, thawed and drained
½ cup of finely grated Parmesan cheese
1 ½ teaspoon of dried parsley
1 ½ teaspoon of dried basil
1 large egg
1 teaspoon of kosher salt
1 teaspoon of garlic powder
¼ cup of breadcrumbs
½ cup of red pepper flakes

Use your hands to incorporate all these ingredients together.

You can either proceed with making this recipe right away or let it rest in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. We recommend using the recipe immediately to keep the ingredients as fresh as possible.

Step 3 - Form Your Meatballs

Cover a food scale with plastic wrap and divide the meat mixture into 1 ½ ounce portions. Avoid making them too thick, as this may cause them not to cook all the way through. Use your hands to form the meat portions into ball shapes.

Pour an additional ¼ cup of breadcrumbs into a small bowl. Roll your meatballs in the breadcrumbs.

Set up a muffin pan with miniature muffin cups. Place one meatball per cup.

Step 4 - Cook & Serve

Place the entire pan into the oven, which should have preheated to 400°F. Allow the meatballs to bake until they are golden on the outside and cooked thoroughly on the inside. This process should take around 20 minutes using this recipe, but the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the oven and the size of the meatballs.

Take the meatballs out of the oven once they have reached an internal temperature of at least 160°F. Serve the meatballs over your favorite pasta noodles and marinara sauce.

Braised Pork Stew

Braised pork stew hot out of the oven is a nostalgic meal for many. It's a recipe best to enjoy on a chilly winter day around the fire. However, you can still serve it during the summer and offer your family and guests a sense of hominess.

This recipe that we've provided makes about six servings. You can serve it all at once, but it also makes for great leftovers.

Keep reading to learn how to make braised pork stew using this step-by-step recipe.

Step 1 - Gather Your Ingredients

This recipe's ingredients list is substantial, but you can expect that with any type of stew. Before you begin, gather these ingredients:

3 pounds boneless pork butt or shoulder (cubed into bite-sized pieces)
1 red onion, halved and sliced
2 large cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons oregano
2 tablespoons cumin
1 ½ teaspoons chili powder
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon salt
One 15-ounce can black beans rinsed and drained
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup of canned green chilies
1 cup of frozen corn

The above ingredients are for the stew recipe. You will also need the following items to make the recipe for this dish's garnish:

Fresh cilantro leaves
Diced avocados
Fresh diced tomatoes

Now that you have gathered and prepared all your ingredients, you can move onto making the stew.

Step 2 - Start on the Stovetop

Before beginning any work with this recipe, preheat your oven to 325°F.

To brown the diced pork, you will first use your stovetop. Heat the one tablespoon of olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the pork cubes and cook them until they brown.

Then, add in the onions, garlic, and all the spices. Cover and simmer them for several minutes until they become tender.

Step 3 - Move to the Oven

Before moving the Dutch oven to the oven, add in the black beans, chicken broth, and green chiles.

Once you mix these ingredients in, secure the lid on top of your Dutch oven. Place the whole piece into your preheated oven. The cooking time for this stew recipe is approximately 2 ½ to 3 hours.

This amount of time should be enough to make the pork tender and allow all the ingredients to amplify the meat's flavor.

During the last fifteen minutes of cooking in the oven, don't forget to add in your frozen corn. You can also use fresh kernels from corn-off-the-cob, but we prefer frozen corn for its convenience.

Step 4 - Make the Garnish

The garnish for this recipe is optional, but it can add a unique finishing touch. To make it, simply mix the diced tomatoes, avocados, and cilantro leaves.

Wait until the stew is in serving bowls to add this garnish. This way, the flavor of these fresh ingredients won't get lost with the rest of the stew.

What to Serve with Oven-Cooked Pork Butt?

Even if your pork comes out perfectly tender and juicy, you shouldn't serve it by itself.

No pork-centric meal is complete without some complementary sides and sauces.

Here are some recipes for surefire dishes that will pull your meal together and leave your family and guests wanting more.

Side Dishes

Check out some delicious foods that will complement any pork meal you have in mind.

Cornbread

Most cornbread recipes use essential ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry like sugar, cornmeal, eggs, milk, and baking powder. Cornbread is often ready to eat within 30 minutes and requires minimal prep work on your part.

Find a cornbread recipe that works for your family. Mix in cheese, jalapenos, and other unique additions to make it unique.

There are also many vegan-friendly substitutes you can make to cater to individuals with dietary needs. For example, swap out yellow cornmeal for blue cornmeal to make a vegan-friendly version of your favorite cornbread.

Cornbread is great to pair with any version of pulled pork you make, and you can cook it in the oven alongside the entrée. Its sweet and familiar flavor perfectly contrasts with pulled pork's savory taste.

Potato Salad

Potato salad is a great BBQ staple, which is one of the reasons it pairs so well with pulled pork. If you want to keep potato salad in the picture and eliminate the mayo, you should serve your pulled pork with this no-mayo potato salad recipe.

You prepare this side dish in the same way as regular homemade potato salad. After you boil your potatoes, you need to mix in olive oil, vinegar, basil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.

Once you allow this mixture to cool, you'll mix in blue cheese in place of mayonnaise. You can also throw in some chives to give the potato salad a stronger taste.

The result is a refreshingly light potato salad that you'll want to eat just as much as your pork.

Cucumber Salad

If you want to make your roasted pork meal a little healthier, try serving it alongside a cucumber salad.

Cucumber salad is easy to make. Start with whole cucumbers and slice them how you prefer. Some people prefer to use whole circles, while others prefer julienne or diced pieces. Slice a whole onion in a similar fashion.

Mix your sliced or diced cucumbers and onions with white or red wine vinegar and dill. This combination will give your cucumber salad a distinctive pickle-like tang.

Pork can be a filling meal, especially if you are generous with the barbecue sauce and serve it on bread or rolls.

Use this cucumber salad to balance out the salt and saturated fat in your main course.

Savory Sauces

While some of the recipes we've provided are complete with seasonings and sauces, you may want to add flavor to a baked pork butt. Below, you can learn about some tasty sauces that will amplify your basic pork.

Cranberry Barbecue Sauce

You may think cranberry is only for eating alongside Thanksgiving turkey, but that's simply not true! Cranberry BBQ sauce is an excellent addition to any pulled pork meal.

The fruity and tangy flavor will complement a summer BBQ or bring some holiday festivity to dinner throughout the year.

To make a cranberry BBQ sauce, start with one can of whole berry cranberry sauce. You can mix in ketchup, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and red wine vinegar until you achieve the desired consistency. Sprinkle in some garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to pull all the flavors together.

Your family and guests will appreciate this unique addition to your classic pulled pork!

Cream Cheese Dip

This cream cheese dip is a unique sauce for your pulled pork. It may not be the traditional BBQ sauce you know and love, but it's a flavorful way to shake up plain pulled pork.

Cream cheese dip works best for pulled pork leftovers. To make it, start by taking 16 ounces of cream cheese out of the refrigerator and warm it to room temperature.

Once it has reached the desired consistency, you can mix it with some other ingredients.

If you don't mind a bit of a kick with your pork butt, try mixing the cream cheese with some jalapeño jelly. You can make your own using diced jalapeños and cider vinegar or buy a bottle of it already made from your local grocery store.

If you and your family want a milder version of this cream cheese sauce, substitute the jelly for a half cup of sliced green onions.

How you consume this cream cheese sauce is up to you. You can have the sauce on the side as a dipping option. Some people like to mix leftover pulled pork into the sauce itself and serve the concoction over crackers.

Brazilian Pico de Gallo

If you're having a classic meal or side of pulled pork nachos, a standard BBQ sauce drizzled on top may not cut it.

We recommend trying out some delicious Brazilian pico de gallo. It's very similar to the Mexican pico de gallo that you're likely used to with an added twist. It uses vinegar instead of citrus juice as a base, which preserves the vegetables' color, texture, and flavor for much longer. Brazilian pico de gallo also works in more peppers to the vegetable mix.

You'll start by finely dicing up a tomato, seasoning it with one teaspoon of salt, and mixing the pieces in a bowl. Allow the diced tomato to sit in a colander and drain for 30 minutes. Salting it beforehand will help concentrate the tomatoes' flavor.

Then, mix the soaked tomatoes with red onion, red pepper, green pepper, parsley, cilantro, white wine vinegar, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper and let the mixture stand for at least 30 minutes. Serve it with pulled pork on a loaf of Cuban or garlic bread.

Conclusion

Pork butt is a versatile cut of meat, whether you crave BBQ pulled pork or shredded pork tacos. You can use a variety of ingredients with this cut of meat to make it seem like you have a completely new meal every week. Plus, there isn't just one right way to prepare it in the oven.

Arguably, the most exciting part of preparing this savory cut of meat is pairing it with different sides and sauces! There are many options available that will help you satisfy even the pickiest eaters in your family.

Use this guide to start preparing every aspect of your next family dinner with pork butt baked savory and tender in the oven!

3 Easy Recipes to Make with Chicken Broth

From nourishing, hearty soups to show-stopping main dishes, chicken broth is an integral ingredient that deserves a place among your kitchen cupboard essentials. It certainly is for this farmer’s wife. Chicken broth is a nutrient-rich liquid made by simmering chicken bones, connective tissue, vegetables, and herbs in water for around 24 hours. This creates a rich, flavourful mixture packed with collagen, vitamins, and antioxidants. Chicken broth is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals and a great way to minimize waste and be more environmentally conscious in the kitchen. From our regenerative grazing practices to offering a variety of cuts from our ethical pasture-raised chicken to our customers, we believe in sustainable farming that supports animals, the environment, and your well-being. So, whether you make your own chicken broth using leftover chicken frames or buy Seven Son’s chicken broth, here’s a look at how to use this flavorful, nutritious ingredient in your own cooking. Chicken Broth vs. Chicken Stock: What's the Difference? Before we discuss the recipes, let’s clarify a common source of confusion: the difference between chicken broth and chicken stock. While you can make both liquids by simmering chicken bones, leftovers, vegetables, and herbs, bone broth is superior in nutritional value and flavor. That’s because chicken bone broth cooks for around 24 hours, while chicken stock cooks for only one or two. The longer simmering time deeply infuses the broth with the chicken bones’ exceptional nutritional properties. Collagen, electrolytes, minerals, and vitamins–give it a rich, savory flavor. In addition, the quality and quantity of the ingredients that go into making bone broth are unmatched. To make it, you need to use specific parts of the chicken carcass that contain connective tissue, allowing them to slowly cook to release their nutritional value. With chicken broth, on the other hand, you’ll use any leftover chicken parts and bones, letting them simmer for a couple of hours to make a tasty liquid–but with a lower amount of protein and nutrients. While both ingredients can add a meaty flavor to your cooking, chicken bone broth undoubtedly has a richer taste and more health benefits. The Shelf Life of Chicken Broth: Maximizing Freshness If you’re ready to use chicken broth in your recipes, you’ll be pleased to know that once opened, this ingredient has a shelf life of three to four days. This means you can use it in countless recipes over the week. Plus, if you have leftover broth, you can always freeze it in batches in Ziploc bags or ice cube trays. Once frozen, we recommend using the broth within three to four months. Why Choose Broth Over Water in Cooking? The beauty of bone broth is its versatility. If a savory recipe requires water, swap the same amount of bone broth for a richer, umami-laced flavor that will elevate your dishes. The fact that bone broth is highly nourishing helps. It’s packed with healthy nutrients like proline, glycine, collagen, calcium, and more. Bone broth has a range of health benefits, including: Immune system boost: Research shows that the amino acids in chicken broth reduce inflammation and boost immune system function, helping to combat common ailments like asthma, heart disease, and arthritis. Heals the gut: Bone broth is easy for our bodies to digest and soothe the gut. It can even positively change the gut microbiome and ease the symptoms of Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Mood-busting: Bone broth is rich in calcium and glycine, both of which are crucial to healthy brain function, mood regulation, and high-quality sleep. Not to mention the aroma and soothing warmth that is so comforting on cold winter days. Healthy weight support: Packed full of protein and low in calories, bone broth helps to regulate the appetite by reducing hunger hormones like ghrelin and increasing satiety hormones. Recipe Inspirations: Making the Most of Chicken Broth By now, you’re probably ready to put the wonders of bone broth to good use in your kitchen. Here are some of our go-to recipes for what you can make with chicken broth. Soups and Stews: Heartwarming Classics A sure-to-please dish is chicken and vegetable stew. It’s rich in nutrients, great for a cozy night in, and simple to make! All you need to do is gather the ingredients: 1.5 Pounds chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch chunks 1 TBSP extra virgin olive oil 1 Large onion, diced 2 Cloves garlic, minced 2 Large carrots, sliced 3 Celery stalks, sliced 6 Cups chicken broth 1 Bay leaf 1 tsp dried thyme Salt and pepper to taste Fresh parsley for garnish (optional) And how to make this recipe: Cut the chicken into one-inch cubes, dice the onion, carrots, and celery, and mince the garlic. Heat the olive oil in a large pot, then saute the chicken and vegetables over medium heat. Add the chicken and stir until it starts to brown (roughly 5 minutes). Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside. Using the same pot, add in the onions and saute until softened. Add in the garlic and saute for a minute or two, then toss in your vegetables, making sure to stir so they don’t burn. Now it’s time for the chicken broth and spices! Add in the broth, the bay leaf, dried thyme (and any other favorite seasonings you have), and mix it. Bring it to a boil, then reduce heat. Grab the chicken you put aside, put it back in the pot, and simmer on low for about half an hour, making sure the chicken is cooked through. Season with salt and pepper, add any garnish of your choice, and serve! Rice and Grains: A Flavorful Foundation Chicken broth infuses rice and other grains with a mouth-watering, savory depth. A great dish is a Mexican chicken quinoa skillet, loaded with veggies and ready in just 25 minutes. To make this recipe, you’ll need: 1 Pound chicken breast, cut into cubes 1 TBSP extra virgin olive oil 1 Small onion, diced 1 Bell pepper, diced 2 Cloves garlic, minced 1 Cup quinoa 2 Cups chicken broth 1 Can black beans, rinsed and drained 1 Can diced tomatoes (15 oz) 1 Cup corn, frozen or canned 1 tsp chili powder (or more if you like some kick!) ½ tsp cumin ½ tsp paprika Salt and pepper to taste Fresh cilantro And the steps to making this recipe: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, dice the onion and bell pepper, mince the garlic, and rinse the quinoa. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until lightly browned, about 6-8 minutes. Remove it from the pan and set aside. Using the same skillet, saute the onion until soft, then add the garlic and bell pepper, sauteing for about 3 minutes. Now, add the chicken broth, quinoa, black beans, tomatoes, corn, and spices. Mix well and slowly bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until the quinoa is light and fluffy and the broth has been absorbed - about 25 minutes. Add the chicken to the skillet to warm, mixing all the ingredients. Check that the chicken is cooked through, adding salt and pepper to taste. Garnish and serve! Sauces and Gravies: Elevating Everyday Meals Chicken bone broth elevates many of the best comfort recipes. For example, try this quick and easy chicken broth gravy to turn mashed potatoes into a crowd-pleasing side or ensure there’s no biscuit left after dinner. To make this recipe, all you need is: 2 Cups chicken broth 2 TBSP butter 2 TBSP all-purpose flour ½ tsp garlic powder (optional) Salt and pepper to taste Fresh herbs for garnish For this quick and easy gravy, all you need to do is: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and whisk until it forms a roux. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the roux turns golden. Pour in the chicken broth slowly while whisking. Make sure there are no lumps. Continue whisking while bringing the mix to a slow boil. Once it starts to boil, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring every minute or so. Once it reaches your desired thickness, add the salt, pepper, or garlic powder to taste. Serve hot on your dish of choice. Tip: If the gravy gets too thick while cooking, add more chicken broth to thin it. The Healing Elixir: Sipping on Chicken Broth While bone broth enhances the flavor and health benefits of many meals, you don’t always have to cook with it! One of our favorite ways to consume chicken broth is to warm it up on the stove and drink it–especially if we feel under the weather. The number of powerful antioxidants in chicken broth, along with its herby, savory flavor, also makes this drink a great post-lunch pick-me-up or pre-dinner snack. However, not all chicken bone broth is created equal. If you’re going to drink it regularly, make sure you either make your own or buy from a company that doesn’t use artificial ingredients or lots of added sodium, which can undermine its health benefits. At Seven Sons, we’re proud to say that our ethical, pasture-raised chicken and chicken broth is 100% free from growth promotants, antibiotics, and GMOs–with no artificial ingredients or MSG. Ready to taste the difference? Order Seven Sons’ chicken broth or make your own using our bone broth kit today! As always, we love to see your recipe creations–so let us know what you’ve made in the comments.

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How to cook a Boston Butt in the Oven

Ingredients for a Delicious Oven-Cooked Boston Butt