Venison Donuts with Mustard Glaze

Venison Donuts with Mustard Glaze are a bold, savory twist on classic donuts—perfect as an appetizer, party snack, or an elegant brunch bite. Instead of sweet dough, these “donuts” are made from seasoned ground venison, shaped into rings, lightly crisped, and finished with a smooth, tangy mustard glaze. The rich, lean flavor of venison pairs beautifully with the sharp-sweet mustard, creating a dish that feels both rustic and refined. If you enjoy unique savory recipes and game meat dishes, this one is sure to impress.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Chilling Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15–18 minutes

Glazing Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: ~45–50 minutes

Ingredients

For the Venison Donuts

500 g (1 lb) ground venison

1 small onion, finely grated

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 large egg

½ cup breadcrumbs (or oat crumbs)

¼ cup milk

2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped

1 tsp salt

½ tsp black pepper

½ tsp paprika

½ tsp dried thyme

¼ tsp nutmeg (optional, for warmth)

1–2 tbsp oil (for frying or brushing if baking)

For the Mustard Glaze

¼ cup Dijon mustard

2 tbsp honey (adjust to taste)

1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice

2 tbsp olive oil

½ tsp garlic powder

Salt & black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Venison Mixture

In a large bowl, combine ground venison, grated onion, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, parsley, salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and nutmeg. Mix gently until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the donuts tender.

Shape the Donuts

Lightly oil your hands. Take small portions of the mixture, roll into balls, then poke a hole in the center to form a donut shape.

Place them on a tray and chill in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to help them firm up.

Cook the Donuts

Pan-Frying (Recommended for Crispiness):

Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the donuts for 3–4 minutes per side, turning carefully, until golden brown and cooked through.

OR Baked Option:

Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Place donuts on a lined baking tray, brush lightly with oil, and bake for 15–18 minutes, flipping once halfway.

Make the Mustard Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and glossy.

Glaze & Serve

While the donuts are warm, drizzle or brush generously with the mustard glaze. Garnish with extra parsley or thyme if desired.

Serving Suggestions

Serve as a savory appetizer with toothpicks

Pair with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad

Add to a brunch platter with eggs and crusty bread

Final Thoughts

Venison Donuts with Mustard Glaze are a creative way to showcase game meat in a modern, crowd-pleasing format. Crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and finished with a tangy-sweet glaze, they’re perfect for anyone who loves adventurous flavors. Once you try them, they may just become your signature savory snack!