Bacon

These incredible bacon-wrapped scallops might just be the highlight of your week! I mean, who can resist the combo of tender, juicy scallops wrapped in crispy bacon? It’s like a little bite of heaven.

What really takes these to the next level is the garlic butter drizzle. It seeps into every bite, adding a rich, savory flavor.

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I was feeling adventurous, so I added a pinch of cayenne to give the dish a kick!

Trust me, once you try these scallops, you’ll make them again and again.

Why You’ll LoveThese Bacon-Wrapped Scallops

Luxurious Taste: The natural sweetness of the scallops pairs beautifully with the salty, crispy bacon. It’s an irresistible combination of flavors and textures. Quick Prep: Despite their sophisticated appearance, these appetizers come together in under 30 minutes. They’re perfect for both special occasions and weeknight dinners. Versatile: They work equally well as an elegant appetizer with toothpicks or as a main course alongside mashed potatoes , polenta , or creamy pasta. Foolproof Cooking: The recipe’s simple technique of pre-cooking the bacon ensures perfectly cooked scallops with crispy bacon every time. You can’t mess them up!

Ingredients

• Large Sea Scallops: The star of the dish, these tender, sweet scallops are wrapped in bacon and baked to perfection. Their mild flavor pairs well with the savory bacon and garlic butter.
• Bacon: It adds a smoky, salty richness that complements the delicate scallops. Partially cooking it first helps it crisp up.
• Olive Oil: It adds richness to the garlic butter mixture.
• Butter: It enhances the scallops’ natural sweetness and provides a rich base for the garlic and lemon flavors.
• Garlic: It infuses the butter mixture with aromatic depth, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the rich flavors with a hint of acidity.
• Fresh Parsley: It adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note to finish off the dish.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings bring out the natural flavors of the scallops and bacon.
• Cayenne Pepper or Smoked Paprika (optional): It adds a subtle heat or smokiness, giving an extra layer of complexity to the dish.

How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Scallops

Don’t be intimidated by these scallops! They’re so easy to make.

1. Prep and par-cook the bacon. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the bacon slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a baking rack. Bake for about 5-7 minutes, until the bacon is partially cooked but still pliable. Remove the bacon from the oven and let cool slightly. Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F. 2. Prepare the scallops. While the bacon is cooling, pat the scallops dry with paper towels. This helps them sear nicely. Lightly season scallops with salt, black pepper, and (optional) a small pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for an extra kick. 3. Wrap the scallops with bacon. Wrap each scallop with a half-slice of bacon and secure it with a toothpick. 4. Make the garlic butter. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Brush each bacon-wrapped scallop with the garlic butter mixture for added flavor. 5. Bake the scallops. Place the scallops on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly oiled rack. Bake in the oven at 375°F for about 12-15 minutes, until the scallops are opaque and the bacon is crispy. Avoid over-baking, as scallops cook quickly and can become rubbery. 6. Broil for crispiness (optional). If you want extra-crispy bacon, broil the scallops for an additional 1-2 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning. 7. Serve. Remove them from the oven and let them rest for a minute. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for color and serve immediately.

Tips for the Best Bacon-Wrapped Scallops

These tips will ensure your scallops come out perfect every time.

• Select the best scallops. Choose large sea scallops (1-1.5 inches in diameter) and avoid small bay scallops as they’ll overcook quickly.
• Get them nice and dry. Dry the scallops thoroughly with paper towels to help them sear properly and avoid excess moisture.
• Don’t overbake! Cook the scallops at 375°F for 12-15 minutes until they are opaque, and the bacon is crispy, being careful not to overcook them.
• Make them extra crispy. For extra crispy bacon, broil the scallops for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, but watch closely to avoid burning.
• Vary them up. Consider adding different spices or herbs to the garlic butter mixture or using maple-glazed bacon for a sweet-savory twist.
• Make them a meal. Serve with side dishes like roasted broccolini, risotto, or pan-roasted asparagus for a balanced meal.

How to Store

If you have leftover scallops, keep them fresh with these steps.

To Store: Place leftover bacon-wrapped scallops in an air-tight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Ensure they’re completely cooled before storing to avoid condensation. To Freeze: Arrange the scallops in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Frozen scallops can be stored for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. To Reheat: Reheat the scallops in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through, or use a skillet on medium heat for a few minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it will make the scallops rubbery.

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Bacon Wrapped Scallops

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These bacon-wrapped scallops are the perfect party appetizer! The garlic butter sauce takes them straight over the top, too.

Ingredients

• 12 large sea scallops (about 1-1.5 inches in diameter)
• 6 slices bacon (cut in half, for 12 pieces)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Optional: a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika (for a bit of heat)

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the bacon slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a baking rack. Bake for about 5-7 minutes, until the bacon is partially cooked but still pliable. Remove bacon from the oven and let cool slightly. Reduce oven temperature to 375°F.
• While the bacon is cooling, pat the scallops dry with paper towels. This helps them sear nicely. Lightly season scallops with salt, black pepper, and (optional) a small pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for an extra kick.
• Wrap each scallop with a half-slice of bacon and secure it with a toothpick.
• In a small bowl, combine melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Brush each bacon-wrapped scallop with the garlic butter mixture for added flavor.
• Place the scallops on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly oiled rack. Bake in the oven at 375°F for about 12-15 minutes, until the scallops are opaque and the bacon is crispy. Avoid over-baking, as scallops cook quickly and can become rubbery.
• If you want extra-crispy bacon, broil the scallops for an additional 1-2 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
• Remove from the oven and let rest for a minute. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for color and serve immediately.

Notes

• Use large scallops. Larger scallops (sea scallops) are ideal, as they stay juicy and tender while the bacon cooks.

• Pre-cook the bacon. Par-cooking ensures that the bacon will crisp up perfectly without overcooking the scallops.

• Scallops are best enjoyed immediately, as they can become rubbery if reheated.

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