Long days, golden hour, and the sound of something sizzling on the grill—summer was made for cookouts. And when you build your menu around high-quality, local meats, it sets the tone for something more than just burgers and brats. It sets the stage for an experience.
Here’s how to throw a summer cookout that keeps everyone coming back for seconds—with a little help from Wilders.
Step 1: Build Your Menu Around the Main Event
Don’t overthink it—great meat doesn’t need much. Choose one or two standout cuts and build the meal around them. A few ideas:
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Berkshire Pulled Pork Sliders – Slow-cooked, tender, and packed with flavor—serve with coleslaw on a soft bun for instant comfort food.
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Wagyu Smashburgers – Make a pile and let guests dress them how they like.
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Sweet Heat Wagyu Kebabs – Skewered with bell peppers, onion, and a spicy honey glaze—these disappear fast.
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Wagyu Sirloin Tip Steaks – Perfect for marinating, slicing thin, and serving family-style.
Step 2: Keep the Sides Simple and Fresh
Balance the richness of the meat with bright, seasonal sides:
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Tomato-cucumber salad with herbs
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Grilled peach halves with honey and sea salt
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Pasta salad with lemon vinaigrette
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Corn on the cob—classic, no notes
Pro tip: prep your sides ahead of time so you’re not scrambling when the grill gets hot.
Step 3: Set the Vibe
This is the part people remember—the way it felt. A few easy touches go a long way:
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A simple playlist (country, beach, or anything with a back porch feel)
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String lights or lanterns if you’re going late
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A cooler full of drinks in reach (bonus points for local brews or homemade sweet tea)
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Games for the kids or a firepit for the adults
Step 4: Shop Local, Grill Better
You can taste the difference when the meat is raised right—and you don’t have to go far to find it. Our 100% Fullblood Wagyu beef and Berkshire pork are raised right here in Eastern NC and available:
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At our General Store in Turkey
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Downtown Clayton at the PaperCo Storefront
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Weekly farmers markets across the state (check out our stories to know where to find us)
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Or online with nationwide shipping
Plan ahead, stock up, and let the meat do the talking.
Step 5: Let It Be Easy
A perfect summer cookout isn’t about perfection—it’s about slowing down, savoring good food, and making space for community. Let the grill be the gathering place. Let the kids run around. Let the sliders get messy and the conversations linger.
That’s what summer tastes like.
Ready to fire up the grill?
Stop by one of our storefronts, visit us at the market, or place your order online. Your best cookout yet is just a few clicks away.