Pheasant & Waffles: A Savory‑Sweet Wild Game Brunch

There’s something special about taking a classic comfort food and giving it a wild‑game upgrade. Pheasant and waffles does exactly that. Crispy, golden waffles. Juicy, tender pheasant with a crunchy crust. Finished with smoky bacon and warm maple syrup, this dish hits every note: savory, sweet, rich, and satisfying.

This is the kind of meal you make when you want to slow down, cook with intention, and show off what quality ingredients and the right equipment can do. Whether you harvested the bird yourself or picked one up from a trusted source, pheasant deserves to be treated right, and this recipe does exactly that.

Why Pheasant?

Pheasant is lean, mild, and incredibly versatile. It fries beautifully when handled correctly and pairs perfectly with bold flavors like maple, bacon, and black pepper. The key is proper preparation and temperature control two things we take seriously here at LEM.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Pheasant

• 2 whole pheasant breasts (about 1½–2 lb total), trimmed

• 2 cups buttermilk (for brining)

• 1½ cups all‑purpose flour

• ½ cup cornstarch

• 1½ tsp kosher salt

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp cayenne (optional)

• Vegetable oil, or beef tallow, for frying

For the Waffles

• 2 cups all‑purpose flour

• 2 tbsp sugar

• 1 tbsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt

• 2 large eggs

• 1¾ cups whole milk

• ½ cup melted butter

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Toppings

• 2–4 slices thick‑cut bacon, cooked crispy

• Warm maple syrup

• Optional: honey butter, hot sauce, fresh cracked pepper

Step 1: Brine the Pheasant (Don’t Skip This)

Pheasant is lean, which means brining is essential for moisture.

1. Place pheasant breasts in a non‑reactive container.

2. Cover completely with buttermilk.

3. Refrigerate for 4–12 hours.

This step keeps the meat tender and helps the breading stick.

Step 2: Prepare the Waffles

1. Preheat your waffle iron.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

3. In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla.

4. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.

5. Cook waffles according to your iron’s instructions (typically 4–5 minutes per waffle).

Tip: Keep finished waffles warm in a 200°F oven while you fry the pheasant.

Step 3: Bread the Pheasant

1. Remove pheasant from buttermilk and let excess drip off.

2. In a shallow bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne.

3. Dredge pheasant thoroughly, pressing the coating on firmly.

4. Rest breaded pheasant on a wire rack for 10 minutes—this helps the crust stay put.

Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection

1. Heat oil in a heavy skillet to 350°F.

2. Fry pheasant breasts for 4–5 minutes per side, depending on thickness.

3. Internal temperature should reach 160–165°F.

4. Transfer to a wire rack and rest for 5 minutes.

You’re looking for a deep golden crust with juicy meat inside.

Step 5: Assemble & Serve

1. Place one waffle on each plate.

2. Top with crispy fried pheasant.

3. Add crispy bacon on top.

4. Drizzle generously with warm maple syrup.

5. Finish with cracked black pepper or a dash of hot sauce if you like a little heat.

Serving Size & Pairings

• Serving size: ½ pheasant breast + 1 waffle per person

• Great sides: Fresh fruit, roasted potatoes, or a simple arugula salad

• Best drinks: Strong coffee, fresh orange juice, or a light brunch cocktail

Final Thoughts

Pheasant and waffles is proof that wild game doesn’t have to be complicated—it just has to be done right. With focused prep, proper temperatures, and the right tools, you can turn a pheasant into a meal that feels like the outdoors with the perfect cold day comfort food twist.

At LEM, we believe good food starts with respect for the process—from field to table. This recipe is a perfect reminder that when you take your time and cook with purpose, the results speak for themselves.

Now fire up the waffle iron, heat the oil, and enjoy something truly special.