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Dove hunting is not just a game of catch and release; it is also about the taste of victory that follows.
One of the best ways to enjoy these little birds is to turn them into delicious poppers. With a mouth full of flavor and wrapped in crispy bacon, smoked dove poppers make for the ideal appetizer for any event.
In this guide, we will dive right into how to smoke dove poppers. We’ll analyze techniques, different flavor combinations, how to smoke dove poppers, and even tips on how to perfect this crowd-pleaser dish.

1. Understanding the Basics
Before we get too carried away with culinary arts here, let’s take a moment to cover some basic knowledge about smoking dove poppers. The concept behind it isn’t very complex—take a dove breast meat, stuff it inside a pepper, wrap that stuffed pepper up in bacon, then cook till perfection.
While everyone will be using these steps and others along the way, there is always room for creativity and trial when it comes to mixing flavors and trying new cooking methods.
2. Selecting the Right Ingredients
The secret to amazing smoked wild dove breasts in poppers relies on picking out the right ingredients. It starts with fresh dove breasts that need to be adequately cleaned before being marinated if you want maximum flavor potential.
When talking about peppers, you have many options— from sweet bell peppers that give off a mild kick to jalapeños for those who like things hot. Cheese is also crucial! Cream cheese binds all flavors together perfectly, but feel free to experiment with other types, like gouda or pimento cheese, for something different.
3. Preparing the Dove Breasts
Ensuring your doves are prepared correctly guarantees tender, juicy bites every time. Start by soaking your breasts in your favorite BBQ sauce at least 24 hours prior to cooking. This step not only infuses lots of flavor but also helps to tenderize the meat.
If you are feeling adventurous, you can add a few garlic powder or sprinkle of your favorite spices to the marinade for an extra punch! Once marinated, pat the breasts dry and leave them somewhere relaxed until it is time for assembly.
4. Stuffing the Peppers
Now that your ingredients are ready, it’s time to assemble these poppers! Start by chopping off the tops of each pepper and removing all seeds if you want less spice.
Next, stir each pepper with as much cream cheese as possible and gently place a dove breast inside. For an added kick, consider adding more grated cheese or maybe even a drizzle of honey before wrapping it in bacon.

5. Choosing the Right Wood for Smoking
When it comes to smoking dove poppers, different wood types can drastically change the flavor profile of your food. While most people will select their wood chips based on personal preference, some woods work best when used on game meats like barbecue dove poppers.
Hickory, mesquite and applewood are all excellent choices; they each bring out unique flavors when used correctly. Try combining different ones during different times to find what combo works best for you!
5.1. Preparing The Smoker
Before we start cooking, let’s make sure everything is set in stone and ready for action. Turn your smoker up to 250 degrees Fahrenheit, allowing enough time to fully reach this temperature before popping your first popper on there.
If you’re using wood chips, make sure they’ve been soaking in water for at least 30 minutes so that they don’t burn too quickly while being smoked. Once everything is set up, all that’s left to do is wait— until that smoker reaches temp, we’re stuck twiddling our thumbs!
5.2. Smoking The Poppers To Perfection:
With your smoker up and running, evenly place the assembled poppers on the racks. Ensure they are optimally spaced to keep the airflow consistent, as these things smoke. Then close the lid and leave them be.
Depending on your smoker type and desired level of doneness, smoking times can differ from recipe to recipe.
A good rule of thumb is to cook them for about 2 hours at 250 degrees Fahrenheit. But you should watch them as they smoke, adjusting the temperature or adding more wood if necessary.

5.3. Time to make it special
The end of their cooking journey is in sight, so now it’s time to bring everything together with a nice touch. People love nothing more than brushing some sweet, tangy BBQ sauce onto the poppers during their final minutes of smoking (but others like them without). Whatever camp you’re in, please let them sit for a few minutes before serving so that all those great flavors can mingle adequately.
5.4 And finally…
At long last – served hot off the grill – it’s time for everyone to dig into these bad boys! Make sure you have your favorite dipping sauces ready because once they hit the plate, prepare yourself for a feeding frenzy as they magically disappear into people’s mouths.
Whether eaten solo as an appetizer or saved until after the main course has been enjoyed at your next backyard barbecue, I guarantee these poppers will be loved by all who taste them.
6. Frequently Asked Questions
6.1 What even is a dove popper?
A dove popper is a small snack typically consisting of dove breasts, cheese (cream cheese, pimento cheese or gouda), some kind of spicy pepper (jalapeño or sweet), wrapped in bacon, then smoked or grilled.
6.2 What ingredients do I need to make smoked dove poppers?
To get started on making smoked dove poppers, you’re going to need dove breasts, cheese (cream cheese, gouda or pimento cheese), some kind of spicy pepper (jalapeño or sweet pepper), bacon slices and any other seasonings/marinades you’re going to want to add.
6.3 How do I prepare the dove breasts for smoking?
Before stuffing them into the peppers and wrapping them in bacon, first, clean the dove breasts up by making sure they are free of feathers and any debris. To add flavor, many recipes recommend marinating the breasts in BBQ sauce.

6.4 Can I mix up what goes inside my poppers?
That is one hundred percent what makes these so fun! Tailor them to your exact preferences by using whatever cheeses, peppers and seasonings you wish. Some people even swap out usually bland ingredients like pineapple juice to give them an additional kick!
6.5 What should I cook my poppers on?
Luckily, pretty much anything can be used as a smoker, as long as it gets hot enough! Whether it’s wood chips, electric wood smokers or pellet grills, just ensure it’s heated up before popping your little guys on there.
6.6 How long should I leave my poppers on the grill?
The cooking times for these things vary greatly depending on what type of smoker you’re using and how high your temperature settings are turned up, but a general recommendation is about 2 hours at around 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep an eye on their progress and adjust accordingly, though.
6.7 Can I make smoked dove poppers ahead of time?
You bet! Smoked dove poppers can be prepped ahead of time and stashed in the fridge until you’re ready to smoke them. Just don’t forget to let them come to room temperature before putting them in the smoker so they cook evenly.

6.8. How do I serve smoked dove poppers?
Smoked dove poppers are a fantastic appetizer for gatherings, game days, or any outdoor cookout.
Serve them as soon as they come off the smoker, garnished with fresh herbs for an extra pop of color and flavor. They’ll disappear quicker than you think – they’re always a fan favorite!
Closing Thoughts
When it comes to delicious game day snacks and backyard grilling food, smoked dove poppers top the list every time. The smoky dove breast, creamy cheese, and crispy bacon mix are unbeatable in my book.
By following the tips and recipes provided in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to perfectly smoking your own dove poppers that’ll make everyone’s taste buds dance with joy – no matter where you go! So get outside and fire up that smoker already!
Last Updated on by shubham