60+ Best Dove Recipes: Opening Day Favorites
Dove season kicks off fall hunting across America. Whether you're celebrating opening day or enjoying your harvest all season long, these recipes transform small birds into big flavor.
Why Hunters Love Cooking Dove
Dove is often called "the filet mignon of game birds" – and for good reason. The dark, tender breast meat has a mild, slightly sweet flavor that appeals even to those who typically avoid wild game. Unlike larger birds, dove requires minimal prep and cooks quickly, making it perfect for same-day cooking after a successful hunt.
The challenge with dove is its small size. Each bird yields about 2-3 ounces of breast meat, so you'll need several birds per person. This is why dove poppers (stuffed, bacon-wrapped breasts) are so popular – they turn a handful of birds into impressive appetizers that feed a crowd.
Modern cooking methods like the Air Fryer have revolutionized dove cooking. You get the crispy exterior of fried dove without the mess of deep frying. Instant Pot and sous vide techniques also work wonderfully for tenderizing dove and infusing flavor.
Quick Facts: Cooking Wild Dove
- Best cooking methods: Grilling, frying, wrapping in bacon, kabobs
- Ideal temp: Medium-rare to medium (don't overcook!)
- Flavor profile: Mild, slightly sweet, less gamey than duck
- Pairs well with: Bacon, jalapeños, cream cheese, Italian dressing
- Yield: 2-3 oz breast meat per bird (plan 3-5 birds per person)
- Air Fryer tip: 400°F for 8-10 minutes for perfect poppers
Bacon-Wrapped Dove & Poppers
The most popular way to prepare dove! Bacon adds moisture and smoky flavor to the lean breast meat.
Dove Poppers
Classic jalapeño and cream cheese stuffed dove wrapped in bacon. The ultimate game day appetizer.
Bacon Wrapped Maple Dove
Sweet maple glaze takes bacon-wrapped dove to the next level.
Easy Flaming Dove Bacon Grillers
Quick prep bacon-wrapped dove for the grill.
Spicy Raspberry Dove Poppers
Sweet-spicy twist with raspberry jalapeño glaze.
Dove Bites in the Goose Blind
Easy prep you can do in the field while hunting geese.
Grilled Dove Recipes
High heat grilling gives dove a delicious char while keeping the inside juicy.
Grilled Dove Breast
Simple marinated dove breasts grilled to perfection.
Best Grilled Dove
Hunter-perfected grilling technique for maximum flavor.
Spicy Grilled Dove Breast
Cajun-spiced grilled dove with kick.
Marinated Grilled Dove
Italian dressing marinade makes grilling easy.
Basted Grilled Doves
Butter-basted dove on the grill.
Grilled Dove Texas Style
Lone Star State flavors with mesquite and spice.
Grilled Stuffed Dove
Cream cheese stuffed dove on the grill.
Grilled Doves
Simple and classic grilled whole dove.
Dove Kabobs
Skewered dove with vegetables cooks evenly and looks impressive.
Dove Kabobs
Classic kabobs with bell peppers and onions.
Dove Ka-Bobs
Marinated dove chunks on skewers.
Tennessee Dove Kabobs
Southern-style kabobs with sweet marinade.
Dove Kabobs
Alternative kabob recipe with unique seasoning.
Teriyaki Grilled Dove & Pearl Onions
Asian-inspired kabobs with sweet teriyaki glaze.
Fried Dove Recipes
Crispy fried dove is a Southern tradition. Try the Air Fryer for healthier results!
Southern Fried Dove
Classic buttermilk-soaked, crispy fried dove.
Country Fried Dove Breast
Comfort food at its finest with cream gravy.
Fried Dove Nuggets
Bite-sized crispy dove pieces kids love.
Dove Nuggets
Easy breaded dove nuggets with dipping sauce.
Baked & Roasted Dove
Oven-baked dove preparations for hands-off cooking.
Baked Dove
Simple oven-baked dove with herbs.
Baked Wild Dove
Traditional baked wild dove recipe.
Baked Dove with Vegetables
One-pan meal with roasted vegetables.
Baked Dove with Wine Sauce
Elegant baked dove with white wine reduction.
Easy Dove with Dressing
Baked dove with savory stuffing dressing.
Slow Cooked & Braised Dove
Low and slow cooking makes dove incredibly tender.
Crock Pot Dove
Set and forget slow cooker dove.
Southern Sunday Dove Stew
Hearty dove stew perfect for Sunday dinner.
Braised Dove with Wild Rice
Wine-braised dove served over wild rice.
Dove Pot Pie
Comfort food classic with flaky crust.
International Dove Recipes
Dove adapts to cuisines from around the world.
Oriental Dove
Asian-style dove with soy and ginger.
Teriyaki Dove
Sweet teriyaki glazed dove.
Sweet Italian Dove
Italian herb and garlic preparation.
Dove Marsala
Classic Italian Marsala wine sauce.
Dove Bolognese Sauce
Rich meat sauce using dove. Serve over pasta.
Dove, Louisiana Style
Cajun-inspired spicy dove dish.
Dove Lettuce Wraps
Asian-style lettuce wraps with dove.
Classic Dove Preparations
Time-tested recipes that showcase dove's natural flavor.
Best Dove Recipe
A hunter's go-to recipe for perfect dove every time.
Doves with Bacon Cream Sauce
Rich bacon cream sauce makes this irresistible.
Dove Stroganoff
Classic stroganoff with dove instead of beef.
Sauteed Dove
Quick pan-sauteed dove with butter and herbs.
Butter Dove
Simple butter-basted dove perfection.
Game Dove
Traditional wild game preparation.
Quick & Easy Dove Recipes
Weeknight-friendly recipes ready fast.
Dove & Rice
One-pot dove and rice dish.
Doves with Wild Rice
Elegant yet easy wild rice pairing.
Small Fowl With Rice
Works with dove, quail, or any small bird.
Dove Dumplings
Comfort food dove and dumplings.
Cheesy Dove Casserole
Easy baked casserole with cheese.
Wild Game Stir Fry
Quick stir fry works with any game bird.
More Dove Recipes
BBQ'D Doves
BBQ sauce glazed dove on the grill.
Orange BBQ Dove
Citrus BBQ glaze for grilled dove.
Blackened Dove
Cajun blackened seasoning on dove breast.
Smoked Doves
Low and slow smoked whole dove.
Dove Sausage Links
Homemade dove sausage recipe.
Dove In Kraut
German-inspired dove with sauerkraut.
Dove Downey Style
Regional specialty preparation.
Labor Day Doves
Perfect for opening weekend celebrations.
Redneck Style Dove
Down-home country dove recipe.
Western Dove
Southwest-inspired dove dish.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cooking Dove
How many dove do I need per person?
Plan on 3-5 dove per person for a main course. Each dove yields about 2-3 ounces of breast meat. For appetizers like poppers, you can stretch this further since each popper is just one breast half.
Should I soak dove before cooking?
Soaking is optional for dove since it has mild flavor, but a quick 1-2 hour soak in cold saltwater or buttermilk can:
- Draw out any remaining blood
- Tenderize the meat slightly
- Add moisture for juicier results
If your dove has a strong smell after cleaning, definitely soak it.
What's the best way to clean dove?
The "pop out" method is fastest:
- Step on both wings
- Pull up on both legs - the breast pops right out
- Trim away any shot or bloodshot meat
- Rinse under cold water
For recipes using whole birds, pluck instead and gut through a small incision.
Can I cook dove in an Air Fryer?
Yes! Air Fryers are excellent for dove, especially poppers:
- Poppers: 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flip halfway
- Breaded dove: 375°F for 10-12 minutes
- Plain breasts: 400°F for 6-8 minutes
Spray lightly with oil for crispier results. Don't overcrowd the basket.
How do I keep dove from drying out?
Dove is lean and cooks quickly, making it easy to overcook. Tips:
- Don't overcook: Medium-rare to medium is ideal
- Wrap in bacon: Adds fat and self-bastes
- Use marinades: Oil-based marinades add moisture
- Rest before cutting: Let sit 2-3 minutes after cooking
- High heat, quick cook: Sear fast over high heat
What's the best marinade for dove?
Popular marinades include:
- Italian dressing: Quick and easy, always works
- Soy + Worcestershire: Classic savory combo
- Teriyaki: Sweet and salty
- Buttermilk: Tenderizes and adds tang
- Red wine + herbs: For elegant preparations
Marinate 2-4 hours for best results. Longer isn't always better with small birds.