A delightfully simple appetizer that your taste buds are going to love! Serve up these irresistible Bacon-Wrapped Scallops at your next party.
Without question, one of my favorite sub-genres of food is anything that’s wrapped with bacon. Whoever came up with that idea is a culinary genius. Admittedly, when it comes to seafood, most people lean toward bacon-wrapped shrimp. However, bacon-wrapped scallops can be just as good (if not better!). They’re actually a little easier to make because you don’t have to precook the bacon. Just wrap the bacon around the scallops, secure with a toothpick, season them, and put them in the oven. That’s all you need to cook a simple and delicious appetizer.
In some ways, bacon and scallops are the perfect complement for each other, even more so than other foods wrapped with bacon. Scallops are soft and tender, with a mild sweetness, while bacon is crispy and savory. It’s truly the best of both worlds in terms of taste and texture. What really elevates this recipe is the drizzle of garlic and butter that goes on top. It adds even more flavor to a dish that is pretty perfect to begin with.
Are Bacon-Wrapped Scallops Healthy?
Bacon-wrapped scallops should be viewed as an occasional treat, rather than a regular indulgence. Depending on what type of bacon you use, there is a good chance it’s high in sodium and saturated fat. Drizzling butter on top adds more saturated fat, cholesterol, and calories to this appetizer. On the upside, scallops are known to be high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids while being low in calories. That helps give this dish some nutritional value. However, it’s important that bacon-wrapped scallops are consumed in moderation because they aren’t the healthiest appetizer you can make.
How To Get Extra Crispy Bacon
As mentioned, part of what’s great about this recipe is the simplicity of not having to precook the bacon or the scallops. However, you can partially cook the strips of bacon in a large skillet before wrapping them around the scallops to ensure an extra crispy end result. Just keep in mind that you still need to be able to physically wrap them around the scallops, so make sure to take the bacon out of the pan before it starts crisping up.
How do I store leftovers?
Bacon-wrapped scallops taste best when served immediately. But, if there are leftovers, store them in an airtight container. In the fridge, they will stay good for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen, in an airtight freezer-safe container, for up to 3 months. You can reheat thawed bacon-wrapped scallops in the oven or air fryer until they’re heated through.
Serving Suggestions
I tend to think of bacon-wrapped scallops as the perfect appetizer. I find they work especially well when pasta is the main course. I would recommend something like Spaghetti Aglio e Olio or Spinach-Tomato Pasta. However, some people like to use bacon-wrapped scallops as a main course with hearty side dishes. In that case, I would serve them alongside Cheesy Baked Potatoes or Garlic Mashed Potatoes. For a lighter option, consider serving bacon-wrapped scallops with a salad like Kale Salad with Bacon and Caramelized Onions or maybe a Kale Caesar Salad if you’d prefer not to double up on bacon.
Ingredients
- 8 bacon slices
- 16 large sea scallops
- 16 toothpicks
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Kosher salt
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- Freshly chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut the bacon in half crosswise with kitchen shears or a knife.
- Pat scallops dry with a paper towel. Wrap each scallop with a half slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
- Season scallops with pepper and kosher salt.
- Arrange scallops on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until scallops are tender and bacon is crispy.
- While the scallops are cooking, heat the butter and garlic in a skillet over medium heat. Melt the butter and cook until garlic is golden and fragrant.
- When the scallops come out of the oven, drizzle or brush them with the garlic butter and sprinkle them with parsley.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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