Irresistible Bacon Wrapped Scallops: The Perfect Easy Appetizer or Elegant Main Course

Bacon wrapped scallops are a culinary delight that effortlessly combines the delicate sweetness of sea scallops with the smoky, savory crunch of crispy bacon. This exquisite dish, requiring just a handful of ingredients and the simple assistance of your broiler, transforms ordinary gatherings into elegant affairs and weeknight dinners into gourmet experiences. Whether you’re planning a sophisticated appetizer spread or a memorable main course, these flavor-packed bites are surprisingly simple to prepare and guaranteed to impress.

Why This Recipe Works: The Perfect Harmony of Flavors and Textures

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This bacon wrapped scallops recipe is a true winner for several compelling reasons, making it a go-to for both seasoned cooks and beginners alike. Imagine plump, succulent sea scallops, boasting their natural briny sweetness, perfectly enfolded in a tender, savory blanket of bacon. The combination is nothing short of magical, creating mini flavor-packed hors d’oeuvres that practically melt in your mouth. The bacon not only adds a delightful salty and smoky contrast to the delicate seafood but also helps to keep the scallops moist and tender during cooking.

What makes this dish truly special is its inherent simplicity combined with an undeniable elegance. You don’t need a gourmet chef’s skills to achieve restaurant-quality results at home. The broiler method ensures a quick cook time, allowing the bacon to crisp beautifully while the scallops cook through without becoming rubbery. It’s a fantastic choice for parties, offering a sophisticated bite-sized appetizer that always disappears quickly. Beyond appetizers, these bacon-wrapped delights also serve as a luxurious main course, easily paired with your favorite sides for a complete and satisfying meal. Much like other beloved bacon-wrapped treats, such as bacon wrapped little smokies, this dish proves that bacon truly elevates everything it touches, adding that irresistible salty, umami kick everyone craves.

Simple Ingredients for Sensational Flavor

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Crafting these delectable bacon wrapped scallops requires only a few high-quality ingredients. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, allowing the natural flavors of the seafood and bacon to shine. For precise measurements and a complete list of what you’ll need, refer to the printable recipe card at the conclusion of this post.

Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions for Best Results

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Understanding your ingredients is key to achieving perfect bacon wrapped scallops every time. Here’s a detailed look at what to look for and how to handle them:

SCALLOPS: Choosing the Right Seafood

For this recipe, we recommend using sea scallops due to their larger size and meaty texture, which holds up beautifully when wrapped in bacon and cooked under the broiler. When purchasing scallops, aim for “dry” scallops if possible, as “wet” scallops (treated with a sodium tripolyphosphate solution) tend to release more water during cooking, making it harder to get a good sear or caramelization. If your sea scallops happen to have a small, tough muscle (tendon) attached to the side, simply peel it off before you begin cooking; it’s chewy and not pleasant to eat. Most scallops purchased from the meat counter or freezer case will already have this tendon removed, but it’s always good to check. Crucially, try to select scallops that are uniform in size. This ensures that all your bacon wrapped delights cook evenly, so you don’t end up with some perfectly tender and others overcooked or undercooked.

BACON: The Crispy, Flavorful Wrapper

The choice of bacon significantly impacts the final dish. We highly recommend using center-cut bacon. This type of bacon is preferred because it maintains a consistent width across the entire strip, from end to end. This uniformity is essential for even cooking, ensuring that all parts of the bacon crisp up nicely around the scallop without some parts burning or remaining chewy. In this recipe, the goal is for the bacon to be tender and slightly crisp, complementing the scallop’s texture. However, if you have a strong preference for extra crispy bacon, you can partially cook it before wrapping the scallops. The key here is to pre-cook it just enough so it starts to firm up but remains pliable and moldable, allowing you to easily wrap it around the scallops. Be careful not to overcook it at this stage, as it will continue to cook and crisp under the broiler.

Additional Flavor Boosters: Olive Oil, Garlic Salt, Pepper, and Unsalted Butter

These simple additions play a vital role in enhancing the overall flavor and texture of your bacon wrapped scallops. Olive oil helps in the initial browning and provides a subtle richness. Garlic salt offers an instant flavor punch, infusing the scallops with a savory, aromatic quality that pairs wonderfully with both seafood and bacon. A dash of fresh black pepper adds a hint of spice and depth. Finally, brushing a small amount of unsalted butter on top before broiling contributes to a beautiful golden-brown finish and a luxurious mouthfeel, adding another layer of richness to this already decadent appetizer.

How to Make Bacon Wrapped Scallops: A Step-by-Step Guide

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These step-by-step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this incredibly elegant yet easy recipe. By following these simple steps, you’ll achieve perfectly cooked bacon-wrapped scallops every time. For the full printable version of this recipe, complete with exact measurements and detailed instructions, you can Jump to Recipe at the bottom of the page.

1. Preheat oven to broil.
2. Rinse and pat the scallops dry.
3. Spray baking sheet with cooking spray.
4. Wrap each scallop with a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick. Place on baking sheet.
   
5. Add a small amount of olive oil to the top of each scallop.
   
6. Sprinkle each scallop with garlic salt and pepper.
7. Brush a small amount of butter on the top of each scallop.
8. Place in broiler for 10 minutes.

Following these steps will ensure your bacon wrapped scallops are cooked to perfection, with crispy bacon and tender, juicy scallops. Remember to keep a close eye on them while under the broiler, as broiler strengths can vary, and cooking times may need slight adjustments.

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Perfect Bacon Wrapped Scallops

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Expert Tips for Success:

• Pat Scallops Dry: This step cannot be emphasized enough! Dry scallops are crucial for achieving a beautiful golden-brown sear and preventing the bacon from steaming.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give each bacon wrapped scallop enough space on the baking sheet to allow for even heat distribution and crisping. If necessary, cook in batches.
• Monitor Broiler Closely: Broilers can vary greatly in intensity. Keep a watchful eye on your scallops; bacon can go from perfectly crisp to burnt in a matter of seconds.
• Use Good Quality Bacon: The flavor of your bacon directly impacts the overall taste. Opt for a high-quality center-cut bacon for the best results.
• Customize Seasoning: While garlic salt and pepper are fantastic, feel free to experiment with other seasonings like a pinch of smoked paprika, a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for a little heat, or a touch of brown sugar for a sweet and savory glaze.
• Consider a Glaze: For an extra layer of flavor, try brushing the bacon-wrapped scallops with a maple-sriracha glaze or a simple lemon-herb butter during the last few minutes of broiling.

Serving Suggestions: Elevate Your Meal

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Bacon wrapped scallops are incredibly versatile, making them suitable for a wide range of dining occasions. As an appetizer, they are simply perfect. You can serve them straight from the oven, optionally leaving the toothpicks inserted for easy grabbing and a charming presentation. Arrange them artfully on a platter with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives for an extra touch of color and freshness. If you’re planning a more substantial meal, these delectable bites transition beautifully into a main course. Pair them with hearty sides like perfectly crispy roast potatoes, light and fluffy lemon couscous, or a delicate orzo pasta. For a lighter option, a fresh dinner salad with a zesty vinaigrette provides a wonderful contrast. You can even serve them over a bed of pasta tossed in a light cream sauce or a vibrant pesto for a truly indulgent seafood pasta dish. No matter how you choose to serve them, ensure they are enjoyed warm, straight from the oven, to savor their optimal texture and flavor.

Discover More Delicious Seafood Recipes

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If you’re a fan of scallops and other delightful seafood dishes, you’re in luck! Exploring new recipes can open up a world of flavors and culinary adventures. Here are some more related recipes from our kitchen that you might love, offering various ways to enjoy the bounty of the sea:

• Scallop Pasta
• Seafood Lasagna
• Air Fryer Scallops
• Pan Seared Scallops
• Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

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