
Dove Poppers are a savory appetizer consisting of marinated and grilled or fried dove breast meat, often wrapped in bacon or stuffed with cheese and herbs. This dish is a popular way to prepare game birds, particularly in the Southern United States and among hunting communities, where it's considered a way to enjoy the harvest.
This dish is a high-protein, low-carb option, with the bacon and any added cheese contributing significant fat. A typical serving provides a good source of iron, zinc, and B vitamins from the game meat, with a rough calorie ballpark of 250-350 kcal per serving.
| Calories | 290 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbs | 2 g |
| Fat | 19 g |
| Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sugar | 0.5 g |
| Sodium | 480 mg |
| Iron | 4.5 mg |
| Zinc | 3.2 mg |
| Selenium | 22 mcg |
| Phosphorus | 210 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 7.8 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.5 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 1.2 mcg |
| Potassium | 280 mg |
Per 3 dove poppers (approx. 120 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
Culturally, Dove Poppers are deeply tied to the tradition of hunting and field-to-table cooking, representing a resourceful and flavorful way to prepare small game. Nutritionally, dove meat is leaner than many domesticated meats and is a concentrated source of minerals like selenium and phosphorus.