Field Notes From the Farm
Blog
Holiday Recipes with Wilders
Christmas cooking doesn’t need to be complicated to feel special. The best holiday meals are built around familiar recipes, quality ingredients, and time spent around the table. These are the kinds of dishes that show up year after year — comforting, dependable, and perfect for sharing with family and friends.
From Christmas morning to the main event and the quiet meals in between, these classic recipes highlight Wilders 100% Fullblood Wagyu Beef and Berkshire Pork in ways that feel right for the season.
Classic Christmas Standing Rib Roast
Featuring: Wilders Wagyu Standing Rib Roast
Prime rib is a Christmas staple for a reason. Rich, slow-roasted, and perfect for serving a crowd.
How to make it:Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic, and fresh rosemary. Roast low and slow until medium-rare, then let rest before slicing. Serve with au jus or horseradish sauce.
Serve with: mashed potatoes, green beans, and dinner rolls.
Beef Tenderloin with Red Wine Sauce
Featuring: Wilders Wagyu Tenderloin Filet
If you want something elegant and traditional without the heaviness of a roast, tenderloin is a holiday classic.
How to make it:Sear, then finish in the oven. Deglaze the pan with red wine, beef stock, and a little butter to make a simple sauce. Slice and serve warm.
Serve with: roasted carrots or asparagus and a simple salad.
Holiday Meatballs (Perfect for Appetizers)
Featuring: Wilders Wagyu Ground Beef
These meatballs show up at nearly every Christmas gathering — easy, crowd-friendly, and always the first thing gone.
How to make it:Mix ground Wagyu with breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, and seasoning. Bake or pan-sear, then simmer in your favorite holiday sauce (classic marinara or a sweet-savory cranberry BBQ).
Serve with: toothpicks or over mashed potatoes for a meal.
Traditional Pork Loin with Apples & Herbs
Featuring: Wilders Bone-In Whole Pork Loin
This is old-school Christmas cooking at its best. Simple ingredients, slow roasting, and big flavor.
How to make it:Season the pork loin with salt, pepper, and garlic. Roast over a bed of sliced apples and onions with fresh thyme and sage until tender and juicy. Let rest before slicing and spoon the roasted apples and pan juices over the pork.
Serve with: stuffing or roasted potatoes.
Christmas Morning Sausage & Egg Casserole
Featuring: Wilders Pork Ground Sausage
A must-have for Christmas morning — something you can prep ahead and bake while presents are being opened.
How to make it:Brown sausage and layer with eggs, cheese, and bread in a baking dish. Bake until golden and set.
Serve with: fresh fruit and coffee.
Cozy Winter Bratwurst & White Bean Stew
Featuring: Wilders Pork Bratwurst
Not every Christmas meal is fancy. This hearty stew is perfect for cold days between celebrations.
How to make it:Simmer sliced bratwurst with white beans, carrots, onion, garlic, and broth until warm and comforting.
Serve with: crusty bread or cornbread.
Whether you’re hosting a full Christmas dinner or keeping things simple, these recipes are meant to make the holidays easier and more enjoyable. Good food, cooked well, has a way of bringing everyone together — and that’s what this season is all about.
However your table looks this Christmas, we hope these dishes find a place on it!
How to Cook a 100% Wagyu Tomahawk Steak
A tomahawk is one of the most impressive cuts you can put on the table — and when it’s 100% Fullblood Wagyu, the experience is on a whole different level. With its long bone, rich marbling, and thick cut, this steak is designed for slow, even cooking followed by a strong finish.
Below are three reliable ways to cook your Wagyu tomahawk at home: on a flat top grill, in the oven, or in a smoker. Choose the method that fits your setup — each one delivers incredible results when done properly.
Before You Start: General Prep Tips
Bring steak to room temp: 1–2 hours out of the fridge helps ensure an even cook.
Season simply: Salt + pepper is enough to let Wagyu shine, but feel free to add garlic powder or your favorite rub.
Use a thermometer: Wagyu performs best at medium-rare to medium (pull at 120–125°F for rare, 130–135°F for medium-rare).
Rest for at least 10 minutes after cooking to keep juices in the meat.
1. Flat Top Grill Method (Best Sear + Even Cook)
What You’ll Need
Flat top or griddle
High-heat oil (avocado or canola)
Tongs
Meat thermometer
How to Cook
Preheat your flat top to medium heat (350–375°F).
Lightly oil the surface where the steak will sit.
Place the steak on the flat top and cook for 6–8 minutes per side, flipping only once.
Reduce heat slightly or move to a cooler zone, allowing the internal temperature to rise slowly.
Once the steak reaches 120–125°F internally, turn heat up to high.
Sear for 60–90 seconds per side to build a crust.
Remove from heat and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Why this works:A flat top gives you the most control — even heat and a perfect crust without flare-ups.
2. Oven Method (Great for Indoor Cooking)
Because the bone is long, you’ll want a full-sized baking sheet or rack so the steak can lay flat.
What You’ll Need
Baking sheet or roasting rack
Foil
Oven set to 250–275°F
Cast iron skillet (optional for searing)
How to Cook
Preheat oven to 250–275°F for a slow, even cook.
Place the steak on a roasting rack set over a baking sheet.
Insert thermometer into the thickest part of the steak.
Cook for 45–75 minutes, depending on thickness, until internal temp reaches:
118–120°F for rare
125–128°F for medium-rare
Remove from oven and sear in a hot cast iron skillet or under the broiler for 1–2 minutes per side.
Rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Why this works:The oven gently brings up the internal temp, making it nearly impossible to overcook. The final sear adds the flavor and texture.
3. Smoker Method (Low & Slow with Incredible Flavor)
What You’ll Need
Pellet, offset, or electric smoker
Wood of choice (oak or hickory recommended)
Meat thermometer
How to Cook
Preheat smoker to 225°F.
Season steak generously and place on the smoker.
Smoke for 1.5–2.5 hours, depending on thickness, until the internal temperature reaches:
118–120°F for rare
125–128°F for medium-rare
Remove from smoker and turn heat to high (or move to a grill/flat top).
Sear for 1–2 minutes per side to lock in the crust.
Rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Why this works:Low-and-slow smoking infuses deep flavor while keeping the Wagyu tender. The final sear adds the signature steakhouse finish.
Serving Your Wagyu Tomahawk
Slice the steak off the bone, then slice against the grain into thick strips. Serve simply — Wagyu doesn’t need much. Add flaky salt, a touch of butter, or fresh herbs if you’d like.
An Exclusive 5-Course Wagyu Dinner Experience at Ruckus Scratch Kitchen
An Exclusive 5-Course Wagyu Dinner Experience at Ruckus Scratch Kitchen
This winter, Wilders and Ruckus Scratch Kitchen are coming together for an unforgettable dining experience. For four select nights only, guests can enjoy a chef-crafted, five-course menu built around our 100% Fullblood Wagyu — a premium, limited offering designed for those who appreciate intentional food, local partnerships, and extraordinary flavor.
Held on December 13–14 and February 14–15, with two seatings each night (6:00 PM and 6:30 PM), this two-hour culinary experience highlights thoughtful ingredients, refined preparation, and the unmatched quality of Wilders Wagyu beef.
A Five-Course Menu Centered on Wilders 100% Wagyu — Featuring a Signature Hot Stone Experience
Every course is crafted to showcase craftsmanship and flavor, but the centerpiece of the evening is the entrée course: your choice of 100% Fullblood Wagyu Filet Mignon or New York Strip, prepared in a way that turns dinner into an experience.
Each steak is cooked to blue rare before being served on a 500-degree hot stone, allowing guests to finish every bite to their preferred doneness. Whether you like a perfect medium-rare or something with a deeper sear, the hot stone guarantees the ideal bite — rich, tender, and cooked exactly the way you want it.
The full menu includes:
Amuse-Bouche• Chef’s sushi bite
Soup Course• New England Clam Chowder
Salad Course• Grilled Caesar Salad
Entrée (Choice of One)• Wilders 100% Fullblood Wagyu Tenderloin Filet• Wilders 100% Fullblood Wagyu New York Strip
Sides (Choose One)• Twice-baked mashed potatoes• Steamed broccoli• Grilled asparagus
Dessert• Classic Crème Brûlée
Each dish balances richness, texture, and depth, all leading up to the interactive hot-stone Wagyu experience.
A Dining Experience Designed for Connection & Crafted for Flavor
This intimate, two-hour dinner is intentionally paced, giving guests the time and space to savor each course. The hot stone presentation transforms the entrée into a hands-on moment, bringing out the natural marbling and tenderness of Wilders Wagyu in a way that’s both unique and unforgettable.
Pair the evening with selections from the full bar or bring your own favorite bottle of wine ($20 corkage fee, up to two bottles per couple). Every detail is designed to create a dinner worth slowing down for.
Four Nights Only With Limited Reservations
This event will be offered for two nights in December and two nights in February, giving diners a rare opportunity to enjoy a premium Wagyu experience close to home. Because of the intimate seating schedule, reservations will go quickly.
Event Dates:• December 13 & 14• February 14 & 15
Seating Times:• 6:00 PM• 6:30 PM
Hosted by Ruckus Scratch Kitchen, this dinner highlights the strength of local partnerships and the creativity possible when high-quality ingredients meet thoughtful preparation.
Reserve Your Seat Today
Tickets are available now, and seats are limited. Secure your spot through Eventbrite:
http://rpps.cc/wilders2512
Whether you’re celebrating the season or planning ahead for Valentine’s Day, this dinner is a chance to enjoy Wilders 100% Wagyu in a new way.
Where to Shop Wilders this Holiday Season 🎄
Holiday season is here, and finding the right gifts doesn’t have to be complicated. Even though market season has slowed down, there are still plenty of easy ways to shop Wilders this month!
From picking up your favorite cuts at one of our retail locations to catching us at our next market, there are still plenty of ways to shop this season.
Shopping for someone out of town? You can always order online at Wilders.com and ship their favorites straight to their door.
Whether you’re stocking up for holiday meals or looking for gifts that actually get used, Wilders makes holiday shopping simple.
Where to Shop Wilders:
Retail Locations:
Choose from a full selection of our 100% Wagyu Beef and Berkshire Pork, as well as Wilders swag!
Downtown Clayton Storefront
114 W Main St, Clayton, NC 27520
Weekdays - 8:00am to 5:00pm
Saturdays (until December 22nd) - 10:00am to 2:00pm
The General Store
156 Long Horn Creek Ln, Turkey, NC 28393
Monday-Friday from 10:00am to 6:00pm
Saturdays from 10:00am to 4:00pm
Farmers Markets:
Midtown Farmers Market
4191 Main at North Hills St, Raleigh, NC 27609
Winter Market - 10:00am-12:00pm
December 6th, 13th, 20th, & 27th
Wrightsville Beach Market
December 1st & 8th from 8am-1pm
Shop Online
You can also shop online anytime at Wilders.com! Place your orders by December 15th to receive delivery by Christmas!
Looking for the perfect gift?
This holiday season, give the gift of great taste. Our curated guide below makes it easy to find something for everyone on your list! - Wilders Holiday Gift Guide
Best Thanksgiving Recipes with Wilders
Thanksgiving is the season for slowing down, gathering close, and sharing food that reminds us of home. Whether you’re hosting the big meal or just in charge of a side dish, we’ve pulled together a few of our favorite recipes to help you bring something special to the table this year — all made better with 100% Fullblood Wagyu beef and Berkshire Pork from Wilders.
Every cut we raise here in Eastern North Carolina tells a story of quality, care, and craft. And when you start with that kind of foundation, it doesn’t take much to create something unforgettable.
Wagyu Beef Tenderloin Roast
If you’re ready to skip the turkey this year, our Wagyu Tenderloin Filet is a showstopper. It’s tender, rich, and beautifully marbled — the kind of centerpiece that earns a few double takes before the first slice is even made.
How to Make It:Season the roast generously with salt, black pepper, and garlic, then sear it in a cast-iron skillet until golden brown on all sides. Transfer to the oven and roast until it reaches your preferred doneness. Finish with a touch of butter and fresh rosemary for a melt-in-your-mouth finish.
Pro Tip: Pair it with our Wagyu Beef Gravy (recipe below) made from the pan drippings and a side of roasted root vegetables for a complete, elevated meal.
Berkshire Sausage & Apple Stuffing
Made with our Berkshire Mild or Italian Pork Ground Sausage, this hearty stuffing adds the perfect mix of savory and sweet to your holiday spread. The sausage brings depth and flavor that store-bought stuffing just can’t match.
How to Make It:Brown the sausage in a skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks. Toss it with toasted bread cubes, caramelized onions, diced apples, celery, and a few sprigs of fresh sage. Add broth until it’s lightly moistened, then bake until golden and crisp on top.
Pro Tip: Make an extra pan — this one’s just as good the next day, especially topped with leftover gravy.
Wagyu Beef Gravy
A rich, flavorful gravy is non-negotiable on Thanksgiving, and the rendered fat from our Wagyu Roasts makes the absolute best base. The natural marbling gives the gravy a silky texture and deep beef flavor that takes every dish — from potatoes to rolls — up a notch.
How to Make It:After removing your roast, use the same pan to whisk together a spoonful of flour with the drippings until smooth. Slowly add beef broth and stir until thickened. For extra depth, finish with a splash of red wine or Worcestershire sauce.
Bacon-Wrapped Green Beans
When you want an easy side that still looks impressive, reach for our Berkshire Pork Bacon. Its perfect balance of fat and flavor makes it ideal for wrapping around crisp green beans for a bite-sized dish that’s equal parts salty, smoky, and sweet.
How to Make It:Bundle a few green beans together, wrap with a strip of bacon, and secure with a toothpick. Brush with melted butter, sprinkle with brown sugar, and roast until the bacon is crispy and the beans are tender.
Pro Tip: Make a few extra bundles — these always disappear first.
Wagyu Chuck Roast Shepherd’s Pie
For something cozy and unexpected, turn our Wagyu Chuck Roast into a next-level shepherd’s pie. This dish works perfectly for Thanksgiving dinner or the weekend after, when you’re ready for comfort food all over again.
How to Make It:Slow-cook the roast with onions, carrots, and herbs until it’s fork-tender. Shred the beef and combine it with the rich braising liquid, then spread a layer of mashed potatoes over top. Bake until golden and bubbling.
Pro Tip: Use leftovers to make smaller individual pies for the days following Thanksgiving — they reheat perfectly.
Berkshire Breakfast Sausage Casserole
Start Thanksgiving morning strong with a warm, hearty breakfast featuring our Berkshire Breakfast Pork Ground Sausage. This casserole can be prepped ahead of time, baked fresh in the morning, and keeps everyone full until dinner’s ready.
How to Make It:Brown the sausage and layer it in a baking dish with cubed bread, shredded cheese, and whisked eggs mixed with a touch of milk. Let it rest overnight in the fridge, then bake until puffed and golden.
Pro Tip: Serve it with a side of our Berkshire Pork Bacon for an easy breakfast that feeds a crowd.
This Thanksgiving, let your ingredients tell the story.Whether it’s a tender Wagyu roast, a rich sausage stuffing, or bacon that tastes like it was made just for the holidays — Wilders brings the best of our farm straight to your table.
Visit our Downtown Clayton storefront or Wilders General Store to stock up on Wagyu beef and Berkshire pork, or shop online to have your favorites delivered just in time for Thanksgiving.
Our Steaksgiving Top Picks 🥩
Thanksgiving is all about gathering around good food — and this year, we’re doing tradition the WILD way. Forget the dry turkey and celebrate Steaksgiving with tender, juicy 100% Fullblood Wagyu from Wilders.
The Lineup: Three Steaks Worth Celebrating
🔥Wilders Wagyu New York StripPerfect balance of tenderness and bold beef flavor. With just the right amount of marbling, this steak delivers a classic, unforgettable bite every time.
🔥 Wilders Wagyu RibeyeRich, buttery, and full of flavor. Known for its incredible marbling, our ribeye brings melt-in-your-mouth perfection to any holiday table.
🔥 Wilders Wagyu PicanhaA true crowd-pleaser and a favorite cut in Brazilian barbecue. Tender, juicy, and packed with flavor — it’s a showstopper that deserves a spot in your holiday lineup.
Bundle It Up
Not sure which cut to choose? Go all in with one of our Wagyu Steak Bundles — a perfect mix of our most popular steaks, all locally raised and expertly crafted. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or stocking the freezer, our bundles make it easy to enjoy steakhouse-quality flavor at home.
Steaksgiving, Done Right
However you’re celebrating this year, make it one to remember with steaks worth gathering around.Shop our Steaksgiving favorites — from premium bundles to single cuts — and create a new holiday tradition filled with unforgettable flavor.
Reid’s Favorite Recipes 🔥
Celebrate Reid’s Birthday with Big Flavor
It’s Reid’s birthday — and we’re celebrating the only way we know how: with bold flavor and great food. Take 20% off Wilders 100% Wagyu briskets, tri tips, and picanhas through Sunday, November 2nd!
Whether you’re firing up the smoker, the grill, or the oven, these cuts are Reid-approved favorites for a reason. Check out a few of his go-to ways to cook them below and bring the WILD flavor home!
🥩 Wagyu Brisket — Slow-Smoked Perfection
Low and slow is the name of the game. This cut delivers unmatched tenderness and deep, beefy flavor when smoked to perfection.
How to make it:
Season generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Smoke at 225°F for 10–12 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 203°F.
Let rest for at least an hour before slicing.
Serve with your favorite BBQ sauce or enjoy it as-is to taste the true Wagyu richness.
Pro Tip: The higher marbling in 100% Fullblood Wagyu keeps the meat juicy and flavorful throughout the entire cook.
🔥 Tri Tip — Quick, Flavorful, and Crowd-Ready
Tender, juicy, and full of flavor — tri tip is the perfect choice for a fast grill session that still delivers big results.
How to make it:
Marinate in olive oil, garlic, and a blend of your favorite steak seasonings for 2–4 hours.
Grill over medium-high heat for 5–6 minutes per side, then move to indirect heat until the internal temp reaches 130°F for medium rare.
Rest for 10 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
Serving idea: Serve with roasted vegetables or pile slices onto toasted rolls for an incredible sandwich.
💥 Picanha — The King of the Grill
Known for its signature fat cap and unbeatable flavor, this cut is a must-try for anyone who loves grilling.
How to make it:
Score the fat cap lightly and season generously with coarse salt.
Grill fat-side down first until crispy, then flip and cook to your preferred doneness (about 130°F for medium rare).
Rest 10 minutes before slicing into thin strips.
Pro Tip: Slice and serve with chimichurri sauce for a bright, savory finish that balances the richness perfectly.
Visit Wilders at the NC State Fair! 🎡🥩🥓
Headed to the NC State Fair this week? Make sure to stop by and see the Wilders team!
We’ll be set up inside the Got to Be NC Agriculture Pavilion on the main floor of Dorton Arena — free with Fair admission. You can find us there daily from 9:00 AM to 9:45 PM through Saturday, October 26th.
The Got to Be NC Pavilion is one of the best spots at the Fair to discover products grown, raised, and crafted right here in our great state. From farm-fresh goods to locally made favorites, it’s a celebration of all things North Carolina agriculture — and we’re proud to be a part of it.
At our booth, you’ll have the chance to sample and shop our 100% Wagyu beef and Berkshire pork, all raised locally in Eastern North Carolina.
👉 Stop by, say hello, and take home something local. Support NC farmers and taste the difference with Wilders!
Slow and Savory: Crockpot Recipes with Wilders 100% Fullblood Wagyu Roasts
When the weather cools down and schedules start to fill up, there’s nothing quite like coming home to the smell of a slow-cooked Wagyu roast simmering to perfection.
The beauty of slow cooking lies in its simplicity — a few quality ingredients, time, and patience. And when your main ingredient is 100% Fullblood Wagyu beef, the results are anything but ordinary.
Why Wagyu Roasts Shine in the Crockpot
Wagyu beef is known for its rich marbling and unmatched tenderness. When cooked low and slow, that marbling melts beautifully into the meat, creating deep flavor and buttery texture that elevates even the most classic comfort meals.
Whether you’re cooking a Wagyu Picanha, Wagyu Tri Tip Roast, or Wagyu Whole Strip Loin, each cut brings something special to the table — from bold beefy flavor to melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Three Slow and Savory Recipe Ideas
🔥 1. Garlic Herb Wagyu Picanha RoastRub your Wagyu Picanha with garlic, rosemary, salt, and olive oil. Place it fat-cap up in the crockpot with a splash of beef broth and cook low and slow for 6–8 hours. The rendered fat bastes the roast as it cooks, leaving every bite tender, juicy, and full of flavor.
🌶️ 2. Slow-Cooked Wagyu Tri Tip with Smoky Chipotle SauceAdd your Tri Tip Roast to the crockpot with chipotle peppers, onions, and a touch of lime. Let it cook all day, then shred and serve on warm tortillas or over rice for an easy weeknight meal that tastes gourmet.
🍷 3. Red Wine Wagyu Strip Loin RoastLayer onions and garlic under your Whole Strip Loin, pour in red wine and beef broth, and cook low for 7–8 hours. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme and reduce the liquid into a rich sauce. It’s a simple, elegant dinner that tastes like it came from a fine dining kitchen.
Tips for the Perfect Slow-Cooked Wagyu Roast
Sear first. A quick sear before slow cooking locks in flavor and gives you that beautiful golden crust.
Keep it low and slow. Wagyu’s marbling shines best when cooked on low heat for several hours.
Rest before slicing. Give your roast 10–15 minutes to rest — it helps the juices redistribute for tender, flavorful bites.
Tips for the Perfect Slow-Cooked Wagyu Roast
Sear first. A quick sear before slow cooking locks in flavor and gives you that beautiful golden crust.
Keep it low and slow. Wagyu’s marbling shines best when cooked on low heat for several hours.
Rest before slicing. Give your roast 10–15 minutes to rest — it helps the juices redistribute for tender, flavorful bites.
Shop Wagyu Roasts from Wilders
From busy weeknights to Sunday dinners, slow-cooked Wagyu roasts turn any meal into something worth savoring.
Shop our selection of Wagyu Picanha, Wagyu Tri Tip Roast, and Wagyu Whole Strip Loin — all 100% Fullblood Wagyu, locally raised in Eastern North Carolina.
🛒 Order now at Wilders.com and bring slow and savory flavor home this season.
One Skillet, All Flavor
Great meals start with quality ingredients. These skillet recipes featuring Wilders 100% Wagyu beef and Berkshire Pork Chops bring bold flavor to the table with minimal effort.
The Wilders Difference: What Sets Our Farm Apart
The Wilders difference is about more than farming. From 100% Fullblood Wagyu and Berkshire pork to our strong local roots and commitment to community, every step is guided by care and purpose. Discover what makes our farm unique.
Farm-Fresh Recipes for Game Day 🏈
Football season calls for bold flavors and crowd-pleasing dishes. From Wagyu sliders to Berkshire pork queso dip and savory Wagyu meatballs, these farm-fresh recipes bring premium taste to every game day gathering.