Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground venison (80/20 mix)
• 3 eggs
• 1 tbsp ground garlic
• 1 tbsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp salt
• 3 tbsp bread crumbs
• 6 slices bacon
• 1 cup pancake mix
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Cheese of your choice
• Ground venison sausage (or preferred sausage patty)
• Cast iron skillet
• Maple syrup

Instructions:

Step 1 – Prepare the Patties
In a mixing bowl, combine ground venison, bread crumbs, garlic, salt, black pepper, and one egg. Mix until firm enough to shape into patties.

Step 2 – Form the Burgers
Take a golf ball-sized scoop of venison, roll it into a meatball, then flatten it into a smash burger patty. Place on a baking sheet lined with wax paper.

Step 3 – Prepare the Sausage Patties
If using venison sausage, mix it with 1 tbsp salt, 1 tbsp pepper, and one egg. Add shredded cheddar cheese, mix thoroughly, then form into small, thin patties.

Step 4 – Cook the Bacon & Pancakes
Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat and cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside. In a separate pan, prepare pancake batter according to package instructions. Cook medium-sized pancakes until golden brown, then set aside.

Step 5 – Cook the Patties
Using the same cast iron skillet with the bacon grease, cook the venison smash burgers for about 5 minutes per side until a crust forms. Top with cheese and let melt. Remove from the pan and cook the sausage patties until done.

Step 6 – Fry the Egg
In the same skillet, fry an egg to your preference. Top with cheese while it’s still hot, then set aside.

Step 7 – Assemble the Burger

1. Place a pancake on a plate as the base.
2. Add a venison smash burger, then 3 slices of bacon.
3. Add another venison patty and 3 more bacon slices.
4. Place the sausage patty on top, followed by the fried egg.
5. Finish with another pancake as the top bun.
6. Drizzle warm maple syrup over the stack.

Slice down the middle and enjoy the perfect balance of sweet and savory wild game goodness! 🦌🔥