Bacon-Wrapped Scallops | Elegant & Easy Appetizer
1. Introduction
When you’re aiming to impress with minimal effort, Bacon-Wrapped Scallops are the answer. This dish strikes the perfect balance between sweet, tender seafood and smoky, crisp bacon — a combination that feels both luxurious and comforting.
This recipe is a favorite for holidays, dinner parties, or romantic date nights. The best part? It requires just a handful of ingredients and comes together in under 30 minutes. You’ll learn how to get that perfect sear on the scallops while keeping the bacon crispy without overcooking the delicate seafood.
Whether served as an appetizer, party snack, or main course with a side salad, these bacon-wrapped scallops are guaranteed to disappear fast.
2. Ingredients Breakdown
1. Large Sea Scallops (12 pieces)
Choose dry-packed scallops for best results. They’re naturally sweet and caramelize beautifully without releasing excess moisture.
2. Bacon (6 slices, cut in half)
Thin-cut bacon works best since it crisps up evenly without overcooking the scallops.
3. Olive Oil (1 tablespoon)
Helps sear the scallops and adds a subtle richness.
4. Garlic Powder (½ teaspoon)
Adds gentle flavor without overpowering the scallops.
5. Black Pepper (to taste)
Enhances the smoky and savory notes.
6. Lemon Wedges (for serving)
A squeeze of lemon balances the richness of the bacon.
7. Fresh Parsley (optional, for garnish)
Adds color and a hint of freshness.
Substitutions & Options
- Turkey Bacon: For a lighter version.
- Pancetta: Offers a slightly saltier, gourmet alternative.
- Butter instead of Olive Oil: For a more decadent flavor.
- Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne or brush with chili-infused honey before baking.
3. Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and place a wire rack on top to allow air circulation for crispier bacon.
Step 2: Precook the Bacon
Lay bacon strips on a skillet or in the oven for 5–7 minutes, just until they begin to render fat but are still flexible. This ensures the bacon finishes crisping without overcooking the scallops.
Step 3: Wrap the Scallops
Pat the scallops dry with a paper towel. Season lightly with garlic powder and black pepper.
Wrap each scallop with a half-slice of bacon and secure it with a toothpick through the center.
Step 4: Bake or Pan-Sear
Place wrapped scallops on the wire rack and bake for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through until bacon is golden and scallops are opaque.
Optional (for extra crispness): Broil for the final 1–2 minutes.
Alternatively, pan-sear in a hot skillet for 2–3 minutes per side, then finish in the oven for 5 minutes.
Step 5: Serve
Remove toothpicks and plate the scallops. Garnish with parsley and fresh lemon wedges. Serve hot with a side of garlic butter, aioli, or honey glaze for dipping.
4. Tips and Variations
Expert Tips:
- Dry scallops well before cooking for better browning.
- Precook bacon slightly — if it’s raw, the scallops will overcook before the bacon crisps.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan or baking sheet; this ensures even cooking.
- Toothpicks matter — soak them in water first if baking to prevent burning.
Flavor Variations:
- Garlic Butter Glaze: Brush scallops with melted butter and minced garlic before baking.
- Maple-Bacon Twist: Drizzle maple syrup over bacon before wrapping for a sweet-savory contrast.
- Asian-Inspired: Add a glaze of soy sauce, sesame oil, and honey.
- Cajun Style: Season scallops with Cajun spice mix before wrapping for a smoky kick.
5. Serving Suggestions
Pairing Ideas:
- Serve alongside garlic mashed potatoes, risotto, or steamed asparagus for an elegant meal.
- As an appetizer, pair with sparkling wine, white wine, or light beer.
- For surf-and-turf, serve with grilled steak or roasted vegetables.
Presentation Tips:
- Arrange scallops in a circular pattern on a platter.
- Add a drizzle of lemon butter sauce or sprinkle of sea salt before serving.
- Garnish with microgreens or a dusting of smoked paprika for color.
6. Storage and Reheating Instructions
Storage:
- Store leftover scallops in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheating:
- Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes until warmed through.
- Avoid microwaving — it makes scallops rubbery.
Freezing:
- Best enjoyed fresh. If freezing, do so before baking and thaw completely before cooking.
7. Recipe Notes
- Use fresh, dry scallops — avoid “wet” scallops that are soaked in preservatives.
- Precooking bacon ensures even crispness.
- Can be prepped ahead — assemble a few hours before and refrigerate until baking.
- Perfect for parties — easy to hold and serve as finger food.
8. Nutrition Information (Per 2 Scallops)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 190 kcal |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 2 g |
| Sugar | 0 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Protein | 18 g |
| Sodium | 420 mg |
| Cholesterol | 50 mg |
| Calcium | 10 mg |
| Iron | 0.4 mg |
Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
9. Recipe Card Summary
Course: Appetizer / Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 12 large sea scallops
- 6 slices bacon (cut in half)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Black pepper, to taste
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment and place a rack on top.
- Precook bacon for 5–7 minutes until slightly rendered but not crispy.
- Pat scallops dry, season, and wrap each in bacon. Secure with a toothpick.
- Bake 12–15 minutes, turning halfway. Broil briefly if desired for extra crispness.
- Garnish with parsley and lemon wedges. Serve immediately.
🏷️ Diet Tags
- Low-Carb
- Keto-Friendly
- High-Protein
- Gluten-Free
🌿 Health Benefits
- Rich in lean protein for muscle support.
- High in selenium and omega-3s from scallops for heart health.
- Low-carb and naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for keto diets.
10. FAQs
1. Can I use frozen scallops?
Yes, but thaw completely and pat dry to remove moisture before cooking.
2. What type of bacon works best?
Thin-cut bacon cooks evenly and crisps up without overcooking the scallops.
3. Can I grill bacon-wrapped scallops?
Yes. Grill over medium heat for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally.
4. How do I know when scallops are done?
They’ll turn opaque and slightly firm but still tender in the center.
5. Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble a few hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.
11. Final Thoughts
Bacon-Wrapped Scallops are proof that simple ingredients can create restaurant-quality flavor. The crispy bacon contrasts perfectly with the tender, buttery scallops, making every bite irresistible.
Whether served as an elegant appetizer or a classy main course, this dish never fails to impress. It’s easy to prepare, quick to cook, and sure to become one of your go-to special occasion recipes.
Try these at your next dinner party or date night and share how they turned out — your guests will be asking for seconds!