Bacon-Wrapped Scallops are a perfect combination of smoky, crispy bacon and tender, buttery scallops. This elegant yet easy dish is great for dinner parties, romantic meals, or even a quick weeknight dinner. With just a few ingredients and a short baking time, you can have a delicious seafood appetizer or main course ready in under 30 minutes.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

Sea Scallops – 16 (look for “dry” scallops)
Bacon – 8 slices, cut in half crosswise
Toothpicks – 16
Olive Oil – for drizzling
Black Pepper – to taste
Kosher Salt – to taste

Directions

Preheat Oven:
- Set the oven to 425°F (218°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the Scallops:
- Pat the scallops dry with a paper towel.
- Remove any side muscles from the scallops.
Wrap with Bacon:
- Wrap each scallop with half a slice of bacon.
- Secure with a toothpick.
- (For crispier bacon, partially cook it for 3-5 minutes before wrapping.)
Season & Arrange:
- Drizzle the scallops with olive oil.
- Season with salt and black pepper.
- Arrange in a single layer on the baking sheet, leaving space between each scallop.
Bake:
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the scallops are tender and opaque and the bacon is fully cooked.
Serve Hot:
- Enjoy immediately as an appetizer or with a side of salad, pasta, or potatoes.

Nutrients (Per Serving – Approximate Values)

Calories: 224 kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 43mg
Sodium: 526mg
Potassium: 210mg
Vitamin A: 15 IU
Calcium: 4mg
Iron: 0.4mg

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Balance of Flavors – The salty, smoky bacon pairs beautifully with the sweet, delicate scallops.
Quick and Easy to Prepare – This dish takes less than 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Elegant and Impressive – A gourmet appetizer or main course that looks and tastes restaurant-worthy.
Versatile Serving Options – Works well as an appetizer, side dish, or main entrée, and pairs with a variety of sides.
Crowd-Pleasing – Loved by seafood enthusiasts and bacon lovers alike.

What Makes Bacon-Wrapped Scallops So Special?

The combination of textures and flavors is what makes Bacon-Wrapped Scallops truly irresistible. The crispy bacon exterior adds a crunchy bite, while the inside remains tender and succulent. The natural sweetness of the scallops contrasts beautifully with the rich, smoky, and slightly salty bacon, creating a dish that is both balanced and indulgent.

Additionally, scallops cook very quickly, making them an ideal protein for fast and delicious meals. When wrapped in bacon, they retain moisture and stay juicy and flavorful throughout cooking.

Choosing the Best Scallops for This Dish

For the best results, it’s important to choose high-quality scallops. Here’s what to look for:

Use “Dry” Scallops – Dry scallops have no added moisture or preservatives, allowing them to sear and caramelize beautifully without becoming watery.
Avoid “Wet” Scallops – These are treated with a sodium solution that affects their texture and flavor.
Choose Large Sea Scallops – Look for U-10 to U-15 scallops, meaning there are 10-15 scallops per pound. Larger scallops cook evenly and stay tender.

The Key to Perfectly Crispy Bacon

Since scallops cook much faster than bacon, one of the biggest challenges with this dish is ensuring that the bacon is crispy without overcooking the scallops.

Tips for Achieving Crispy Bacon:

Partially Cook the Bacon First – Cooking the bacon for 3-5 minutes before wrapping ensures it becomes crispy while preventing the scallops from overcooking.
Use Thin-Cut Bacon – It wraps easily around the scallops and crisps up faster than thick-cut bacon.
Bake at a High Temperature – Cooking at 425°F (218°C) allows the bacon to crisp up while keeping the scallops tender.
Use a Wire Rack – Placing the scallops on a wire rack lets air circulate, preventing sogginess.

Best Cooking Methods for Bacon-Wrapped Scallops

Bacon-Wrapped Scallops can be cooked using different methods, depending on your preference and available kitchen equipment.

Oven-Baked (Best for Even Cooking)

Baking ensures that both the bacon and scallops cook evenly without requiring much attention.
The high heat of 425°F caramelizes the scallops and crisps up the bacon.

Pan-Searing (Best for a Crispy Finish)

Cooking in a cast-iron skillet gives the scallops a golden, crispy crust.
You may need to finish them in the oven to fully crisp the bacon.

Air Fryer (Best for Quick, Hands-Free Cooking)

The hot air circulation crisps up the bacon beautifully while keeping the scallops tender.
Cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Grilling (Best for a Smoky Flavor)

Grilling adds an extra smoky dimension to the dish.
Use medium-high heat and grill for 3-4 minutes per side.

What to Serve with Bacon-Wrapped Scallops

Bacon-Wrapped Scallops are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of sides, depending on whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or main dish.

Light and Fresh Sides

Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette – The citrusy freshness balances the richness of the bacon.
Steamed Asparagus or Green Beans – A simple and healthy contrast to the dish.
Mango Salsa or Pineapple Chutney – Adds a tropical sweetness that complements the scallops.

Hearty and Comforting Sides

Garlic Butter Mashed Potatoes – A creamy, comforting pairing for a satisfying meal.
Creamy Risotto – A luxurious, rich side that enhances the flavors of the scallops.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze – The tangy balsamic glaze cuts through the richness of the bacon.

Carb-Friendly Sides

Cauliflower Rice – A low-carb alternative that absorbs the flavors of the dish.
Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles) – A light and healthy option for a balanced meal.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

If you have leftovers, you can easily store and reheat them without losing their delicious texture and flavor.

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Freezing: Not recommended, as scallops can become rubbery when reheated.
Reheating:
- Oven Method: Reheat at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to keep the bacon crisp.
- Skillet Method: Warm over medium heat for a few minutes per side.
- Air Fryer Method: Reheat at 350°F for 3-4 minutes for crispy results.

Creative Ways to Use Leftover Bacon-Wrapped Scallops

If you have extra scallops, try these fun and creative ideas:

Scallop Salad – Slice and toss them with mixed greens, avocado, and a citrus vinaigrette.
Scallop Pasta – Serve over angel hair pasta with a light garlic butter sauce.
Scallop Tacos – Chop and serve in soft tortillas with cabbage slaw and chipotle mayo.
Scallop Benedict – Top an English muffin with a poached egg and hollandaise sauce.

Why Bacon-Wrapped Scallops Are Perfect for Any Occasion

Bacon-Wrapped Scallops are ideal for:

Elegant Dinner Parties – A show-stopping appetizer that guests will love.
Romantic Date Nights – A gourmet dish that’s easy to make at home.
Holiday Feasts – A festive and indulgent seafood option.
Quick Weeknight Meals – Easy enough to prepare in under 30 minutes.

Conclusion

Bacon-Wrapped Scallops are a delicious, elegant, and easy-to-make dish that brings together the rich flavors of crispy bacon and tender, buttery scallops. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, main course, or party snack, they are sure to impress.

With minimal prep, quick cooking time, and versatile serving options, this recipe is a must-try for any seafood lover. Try it today and enjoy a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own home!

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