Indulge in an exquisite culinary experience with our irresistible Bacon Wrapped Scallops recipe. This dish, a harmonious blend of tender, sweet scallops enveloped in a blanket of savory, crisp bacon, transcends the ordinary, offering an elegant appetizer or a sophisticated main course that’s surprisingly simple to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients and the magic of your broiler, you can create a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen.
Why This Bacon Wrapped Scallops Recipe Works Wonders
There’s a reason bacon-wrapped scallops are a beloved classic on menus everywhere: they simply work. This recipe takes plump, succulent sea scallops and nestles them in strips of perfectly cooked bacon, transforming them into mini flavor bombs. It’s an ideal choice for any occasion, from an upscale dinner party to a casual yet impressive weeknight meal, delivering a melt-in-your-mouth experience every time.
The secret lies in the incredible synergy of contrasting flavors and textures. The bacon, with its inherent salty, smoky notes and eventual crisp texture, provides the perfect counterpoint to the sweet, delicate, and slightly briny taste of the scallops. This culinary coupling isn’t just delicious; it’s a symphony for the palate. The high heat of the broiler ensures that both components cook quickly and beautifully, resulting in perfectly caramelized scallops and wonderfully rendered bacon. This method minimizes cooking time while maximizing flavor, making it an excellent choice for impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Just like other beloved bacon-wrapped delights such as bacon-wrapped little smokies, these scallops are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Essential Ingredients You Will Need
Crafting these delectable bacon wrapped scallops requires only a few high-quality ingredients. For exact measurements and detailed instructions, refer to the full printable recipe card towards the end of this article.
Ingredient Insights and Expert Substitution Suggestions
Understanding your ingredients is key to culinary success. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and how to make the best choices for your bacon wrapped scallops:
Choosing and Preparing Scallops
SCALLOPS: For this recipe, sea scallops are the star. They are larger, meatier, and have a wonderfully sweet flavor that holds up well to broiling and the smoky intensity of bacon. When purchasing scallops, aim for “dry-packed” if possible. Dry-packed scallops are not treated with phosphates, which means they won’t release as much water during cooking, leading to a better sear and less rubbery texture. “Wet-packed” scallops, while more common, contain added water, making them harder to brown effectively. If using wet-packed, ensure you pat them excessively dry.
Before cooking, some sea scallops may have a small, tough muscle (tendon) attached to their side. This tendon is crescent-shaped and typically lighter in color. While not harmful, it can be chewy, so it’s best to simply peel it off before you begin preparation. Most scallops purchased from a reputable fish counter or frozen already have this tendon removed, but it’s always good to check. For even cooking, try to select scallops that are uniform in size. This ensures they all cook at the same rate, preventing some from being undercooked while others are overdone.
Selecting and Preparing Bacon
BACON: We highly recommend using center-cut bacon for this recipe. Center-cut bacon is typically leaner and has a more uniform width throughout each slice, from end to end. This consistency is crucial for even cooking, ensuring that the bacon around each scallop cooks thoroughly without becoming overly fatty or thin in spots. Regular sliced bacon can also work, but watch it closely as thinner or thicker parts may cook at different rates.
In this particular recipe, the bacon is designed to be tender yet fully cooked, offering a succulent embrace to the scallop. However, if you prefer your bacon extra crispy, you have a couple of options. You can partially cook the bacon before wrapping the scallops. To do this, lay the bacon slices on a baking sheet and bake or pan-fry them for a few minutes until they are slightly rendered and starting to firm up but are still pliable enough to wrap around the scallops. Be careful not to overcook it at this stage, as it will continue to cook under the broiler. This pre-cooking step allows the bacon to get a head start on crisping without overcooking the delicate scallops. The key is to find that sweet spot where it’s still moldable but on its way to crispy perfection.
Essential Seasonings and Fats
- Olive Oil: A light drizzle of olive oil helps in the broiling process, ensuring the scallops achieve a beautiful golden-brown color and preventing them from sticking to the baking sheet. It also contributes to the overall flavor profile.
- Garlic Salt & Black Pepper: These provide a simple yet effective seasoning base that enhances both the scallops and the bacon. Garlic salt adds a depth of savory flavor, while black pepper offers a subtle kick. Feel free to adjust quantities to your taste or consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika for an extra layer of smokiness, or a dash of finely chopped fresh thyme for an aromatic touch.
- Unsalted Butter: A small brush of melted unsalted butter over the wrapped scallops adds a rich, luxurious finish. It helps in browning and imbues the dish with a decadent flavor that complements the sweet scallops and salty bacon beautifully.
How to Master Bacon Wrapped Scallops: A Step-by-Step Guide
These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are designed to help you visualize each stage of making this exquisite recipe. For a convenient printable version, complete with precise measurements and instructions, scroll down to the full recipe card below.
- Preheat Your Broiler: Begin by preheating your oven to the broil setting. Position an oven rack in the upper third of the oven, typically 4-6 inches from the heating element. This ensures intense, direct heat for quick cooking and crispy bacon.
- Prepare the Scallops: Thoroughly rinse the sea scallops under cold water and then, crucially, pat them very dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is essential for achieving a good sear and preventing the scallops from steaming instead of browning.
- Grease Your Baking Sheet: Lightly spray a baking sheet with cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup much easier. Alternatively, you can line it with parchment paper for non-stick convenience.
- Wrap the Scallops: Take each individual scallop and carefully wrap a slice of bacon around its perimeter. Secure the bacon firmly in place with a wooden toothpick. Arrange the wrapped scallops on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced adequately apart to allow air circulation for even cooking and crisping.
- Drizzle with Olive Oil: Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the top of each bacon-wrapped scallop. This enhances flavor and helps the bacon achieve a beautiful golden-brown crispness under the broiler.
- Season Generously: Sprinkle each scallop evenly with garlic salt and black pepper. This simple seasoning blend brings out the best in both the seafood and the bacon.
- Brush with Butter: Gently brush a small amount of melted unsalted butter on the top of each scallop. This adds a rich, golden hue and a depth of flavor that is simply irresistible.
- Broil to Perfection: Carefully place the baking sheet into the preheated broiler. Broil for approximately 10 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and cooked through, and the scallops are opaque in the center. Keep a close eye on them, as broilers can vary in intensity and cooking times can change rapidly. Flip the scallops halfway through for even cooking, if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Success
How do I store leftovers?
Bacon wrapped scallops are truly best enjoyed immediately after cooking when they are hot and fresh. Scallops, in particular, do not reheat particularly well and can become tough or rubbery. If you do have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for no more than 1-2 days. To reheat, do so very gently on the stovetop over low heat, or for a very short burst in the microwave, being careful not to overcook them.
Can I bake bacon wrapped scallops instead of broiling?
Yes, you can! If you prefer baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the wrapped scallops on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until the bacon is crispy and the scallops are cooked through. Baking provides a slightly gentler heat than broiling, which can be less prone to burning, but may take a little longer to achieve the desired crispiness for the bacon.
What type of scallops are best for this recipe?
Sea scallops are highly recommended for bacon-wrapped dishes due to their larger size and firm texture, which prevents them from shrinking too much during cooking and allows them to hold up well to being wrapped in bacon. Bay scallops are much smaller and cook much faster, making them less ideal for this specific preparation.
Can I prepare these ahead of time?
You can assemble the bacon-wrapped scallops up to a few hours in advance. Wrap them, secure them with toothpicks, and store them uncovered on a plate in the refrigerator. This allows the bacon to slightly adhere to the scallops. Just before cooking, bring them to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to ensure more even cooking, then proceed with broiling as directed.
What are some other flavor variations I can try?
Beyond garlic salt and pepper, you can experiment with various seasonings. A dash of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick, a sprinkle of smoked paprika for extra depth, or even a brush of maple syrup or brown sugar before broiling for a sweet and savory glaze. Fresh herbs like finely chopped parsley or chives added after cooking also provide a lovely freshness.
Expert Tip: Ensure Scallops Are Dry!
This cannot be stressed enough: thoroughly pat your scallops dry with paper towels before seasoning and wrapping. Any residual moisture will cause the scallops to steam instead of sear, resulting in a rubbery texture and preventing the bacon from getting crispy. Dry scallops are key to a beautiful golden crust and tender interior.
Inspiring Serving Suggestions
Whether you’re presenting them as an elegant appetizer or a hearty main course, bacon wrapped scallops offer incredible versatility. For appetizers, serve them warm straight from the oven, leaving the toothpicks inserted for easy grabbing. They are a delightful finger food that instantly elevates any gathering.
When served as a main course, these scallops pair beautifully with a variety of side dishes that complement their rich flavors without overpowering them. Consider:
- Classic Roast Potatoes: Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, roast potatoes are a comforting and satisfying pairing.
- Light & Zesty Grains: A side of lemon couscous, orzo, or a delicate rice pilaf offers a fresh contrast that highlights the scallops’ sweetness.
- Fresh Green Salad: A simple, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing balance to the richness of the bacon.
- Creamy Risotto: For a more substantial main, serve the scallops atop a creamy parmesan or mushroom risotto.
- Steamed Asparagus or Green Beans: Lightly steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus, green beans almondine, or broccoli with a squeeze of lemon are excellent choices that add color and nutrients.
- Pasta Perfection: They can also be served over a light pasta dish, perhaps with a simple garlic butter sauce or a hint of white wine and herbs.
No matter how you choose to serve them, these bacon wrapped scallops are best enjoyed warm, allowing their flavors and textures to shine.
More Delightful Related Recipes
If you’ve fallen in love with these bacon wrapped scallops and are looking for more delicious seafood or bacon-infused dishes, explore some of our other popular recipes:
- Scallop Pasta
- Seafood Lasagna
- Air Fryer Scallops
- Pan Seared Scallops
- Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
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Bacon Wrapped Scallops
Sea scallops, tender and sweet, are exquisitely snuggled in a blanket of savory, crispy bacon, creating mini flavor-packed hors d’oeuvres or a luxurious main course. This recipe makes it super simple to create a melt-in-your-mouth dinner or an impressive appetizer for parties.
Rated 5 out of 5 stars by 2 users.
Important: There are often Frequently Asked Questions and Expert Tips within the main blog post that you may find incredibly helpful. Please scroll up to read them for additional guidance!
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe
Course: Appetizer, Dinner
Cuisine: American
Servings: 7 servings
Total Time: 20 mins
Calories: 162 cal
Author: Amanda Davis
Ingredients
- 1 pound sea scallops
- 5 ounces center cut bacon
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
Things You’ll Need
- Toothpicks
- Baking sheet
- Vinyl gloves (optional, for handling)
Before You Begin (Helpful Notes)
- For crisper bacon, you can partially cook it before wrapping the scallops. Ensure it remains flexible enough to wrap. The bacon will continue to cook and crisp under the broiler.
- Always check your sea scallops for a small, tough tendon on the side; peel it off if present. Aim for scallops of uniform size for consistent cooking results.
- Patting scallops extremely dry is critical for a good sear and crispy bacon.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to broil. Place an oven rack in the upper third of the oven.
- Rinse the sea scallops thoroughly under cold water and pat them completely dry with paper towels.
- Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Wrap each scallop with a slice of center-cut bacon and secure it with a toothpick. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the top of each bacon-wrapped scallop.
- Evenly sprinkle each scallop with garlic salt and black pepper.
- Brush a small amount of melted unsalted butter on the top of each scallop.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated broiler for approximately 10 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the scallops are opaque in the center. Watch closely to prevent burning.
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 1 serving (2 scallops) | Calories: 162 cal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 33mg | Sodium: 721mg | Potassium: 177mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 0.003g | Vitamin A: 61IU | Calcium: 7mg | Iron: 0.4mg
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The recipes on this blog are typically tested using a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. Please note that oven performance, especially with older models, can vary, leading to inconsistent cooking and baking times. An inexpensive oven thermometer can be a valuable tool to ensure your oven maintains the correct temperature. If you use a toaster oven, countertop oven, pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or any other appliance, be aware that heat distribution and cooking times may differ from a full-sized conventional oven. Adjustments to cooking or baking times might be necessary. For baking recipes where measurements are provided by weight, using cups instead may yield different results, and success with that method cannot be guaranteed.