Dove Jalapeno Poppers

Dove Jalapeno Poppers

Dove season calls for an Old Smokey, and these Dove Poppers are about as simple as it gets. Seasoned dove breast gets loaded up with cream cheese and pickled jalapeños, wrapped in thick-cut bacon, and fired up over charcoal until the bacon is crisp and everything inside is hot and packed with flavor.

A quick soak in Italian dressing adds even more flavor before they hit the grill. Whether you're cooking up the day's harvest at camp or bringing an appetizer to the backyard, these poppers are an easy way to turn dove into a crowd favorite.

  • Prep Time: 20 Minutes 
  • Cook Time: 10 Minutes
  • Servings: Depends on how well the hunt went

Ingredients

  • Dove breasts
  • Thick-cut bacon
  • Pickled jalapeños
  • Cream cheese
  • Old Smokey seasoning or your favorite BBQ seasoning
  • Wish-Bone Italian Dressing
  • Toothpicks

Equipment

  • Old Smokey Charcoal Grill
  • Charcoal
  • Tongs
  • Aluminum roasting pan or baking sheet

Prep

  • Season the dove breasts on all sides with Old Smokey seasoning or your favorite BBQ seasoning.
  • Top each dove breast with approximately 1 tablespoon of cream cheese and a pickled jalapeño.
  • Wrap each stuffed dove breast with a piece of thick-cut bacon and secure everything with a toothpick.
  • Place the assembled poppers in an aluminum roasting pan or baking dish and pour Italian dressing over the top. Allow the poppers to marinate before grilling.
  • While the poppers marinate, fire up your Old Smokey and bring the grill to medium heat.

On the Grill

  • Place the Dove Poppers directly on the grill.
  • Cook for a few minutes before flipping with tongs. Continue turning periodically so the bacon cooks evenly on all sides.
  • Once the bacon is cooked through and the dove has reached a safe internal temperature, pull the poppers off the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before digging in.

Pro Tip

  • Keep an eye on the bacon as you cook. Thick-cut bacon takes a little time to crisp, so medium heat gives it a chance to cook without scorching the outside of your poppers.
  • And don't forget the toothpicks before you take that first bite. Fire it up!
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