Broiler Bacon Wrapped Scallops: An Easy & Elegant Seafood Appetizer or Main
Bacon wrapped scallops stand out as an undeniably elegant and incredibly tasty appetizer or main course. This recipe simplifies the process, requiring only a handful of ingredients and the efficient power of your broiler, making gourmet seafood accessible to any home cook. Imagine plump, succulent sea scallops enveloped in a savory blanket of crispy, smoky bacon – a truly harmonious blend of flavors and textures that will impress your guests or elevate your weeknight dinner.
Why This Easy Bacon Wrapped Scallops Recipe is a Must-Try
This recipe for bacon wrapped scallops isn’t just delicious; it’s a culinary win for several compelling reasons. First, it brings together the sweet, delicate flavor of sea scallops with the rich, salty, and smoky notes of bacon. This combination is a classic for a reason – the briny essence of the scallop is perfectly contrasted by the savory depth of the bacon, creating a flavor explosion in every bite. The tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture of the scallop, when cooked correctly, against the satisfying crispness of the bacon, offers an exquisite textural experience that is simply irresistible.
Beyond the incredible taste, this recipe shines in its simplicity and speed. Using the broiler allows for quick cooking, ensuring that the scallops remain tender and don’t become rubbery, while the bacon achieves a beautiful crisp. This method makes these bacon wrapped scallops super simple to whip up for impromptu parties, holiday gatherings, or as a luxurious yet effortless dinner. They are a fantastic choice when you want to serve something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen.
Moreover, the versatility of bacon wrapped scallops is another key factor in their appeal. They serve wonderfully as elegant hors d’oeuvres, easy to pick up and enjoy, making them ideal for mingling guests. Alternatively, when paired with the right sides, they transform into a sophisticated main course that feels special. Just like other beloved bacon-wrapped delights such as bacon wrapped little smokies, these scallops are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, leaving everyone asking for the recipe. Their effortless charm and undeniable deliciousness make them a staple for any home cook looking to add a touch of gourmet flair to their menu.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Bacon Wrapped Scallops
Crafting these delectable bacon wrapped scallops requires just a few high-quality ingredients. The key to any great recipe lies in starting with the best components, and this dish is no exception. While the full list of measurements, ingredients, and detailed instructions can be found in the printable recipe card at the end of this post, let’s dive into some specifics about choosing and preparing your core ingredients to ensure the most flavorful outcome.
Ingredient Spotlight: Tips for Choosing the Best Scallops and Bacon
SCALLOPS: For this recipe, we highly recommend using sea scallops. They are larger and meatier than bay scallops, providing a more substantial and satisfying bite, which pairs perfectly with the bacon. When purchasing scallops, look for “dry-packed” scallops if possible. Wet-packed scallops are soaked in a phosphate solution, which makes them retain more water, impacting their ability to sear and crisp properly. Regardless of type, fresh scallops should have a sweet, ocean-like smell and appear plump and creamy white or light pinkish-tan. Avoid any that smell fishy or look dull.
Before cooking, it’s crucial to remove any small side muscles (tendons) that may be attached to the scallops. This crescent-shaped piece of tissue is tougher than the rest of the scallop and can easily be peeled off with your fingers. Scallops purchased from the meat counter or freezer case often have this tendon already removed, but always double-check. The most critical step for perfectly cooked scallops is to rinse them thoroughly under cold water and then pat them *extremely* dry with paper towels. Excess moisture will steam the scallops instead of allowing them to caramelize and brown under the broiler, preventing that desirable tender interior and slight exterior crust. Aim for scallops that are uniform in size to ensure even cooking.
BACON: The type of bacon you choose plays a significant role in the final texture and flavor of your bacon wrapped scallops. We suggest using center-cut bacon. This type of bacon is typically leaner and has a more uniform width throughout each slice, which helps ensure more even cooking around the scallop. Its consistent thickness also makes it easier to wrap and secure.
In this recipe, the bacon is designed to be tender yet fully cooked, complementing the delicate scallop. If you prefer a crispier bacon, you can partially cook it before wrapping the scallops. However, be cautious not to overcook it at this stage, as it still needs to be flexible and moldable enough to wrap tightly around each scallop. The bacon will continue to cook and crisp further under the broiler, so a slight pre-cook is usually sufficient. Avoid very thick-cut bacon, as it may not cook through and crisp up adequately in the same time as the scallops, potentially leading to undercooked bacon or overcooked scallops. Conversely, very thin bacon might crisp too quickly and burn.
Other Ingredients: A touch of olive oil helps in browning and adds a subtle richness. Garlic salt provides an easy burst of savory, aromatic flavor that enhances both the scallop and bacon. Black pepper adds a hint of spice, balancing the richness. Finally, a small amount of unsalted butter brushed on top contributes to a beautiful golden finish and an extra layer of luxurious flavor.
Simple Steps to Perfectly Broiled Bacon Wrapped Scallops
These step-by-step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe successfully. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with precise measurements and instructions at the bottom of this post.
- Prepare Your Broiler: Preheat your oven to the broil setting. Ensure your oven rack is positioned about 6 inches from the heating element. This direct, high heat is key to cooking the scallops quickly and crisping the bacon efficiently.
- Clean and Dry Scallops: Rinse the sea scallops under cold running water to remove any grit or impurities. Then, and this is crucial, pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is essential for achieving a good sear on the scallops and allowing the bacon to crisp, rather than steam.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Lightly spray a baking sheet with cooking spray. You can also line it with aluminum foil for easier cleanup.
- Wrap the Scallops: Take each scallop and carefully wrap a slice of center-cut bacon around its circumference. Secure the bacon tightly to the scallop using a wooden toothpick. This ensures the bacon stays in place during cooking. Arrange the wrapped scallops on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a small space between each to allow for even cooking and air circulation.
- Add Olive Oil: Drizzle or brush a small amount of olive oil over the top of each bacon-wrapped scallop. This helps promote browning and adds flavor.
- Season Generously: Lightly sprinkle each scallop with garlic salt and freshly ground black pepper. These seasonings will penetrate both the bacon and the scallop, enhancing their natural flavors.
- Brush with Butter: Gently brush a small amount of melted unsalted butter on the top of each scallop. This adds a rich, glossy finish and helps the bacon achieve a beautiful golden-brown color and crisp texture.
- Broil to Perfection: Carefully place the baking sheet into the preheated broiler. Cook for approximately 10 minutes. Keep a close eye on them, as broilers can vary in intensity and scallops cook quickly. The scallops are done when the bacon is crispy and golden brown, and the scallops themselves are opaque and slightly firm to the touch. You may need to flip them halfway through cooking if your broiler heats unevenly, though often a single side is sufficient for crisping the bacon and cooking the scallop. Remove from the oven immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Success
Bacon wrapped scallops are truly best enjoyed immediately after cooking for optimal flavor and texture. Scallops, in general, tend to become rubbery when reheated, and the bacon can lose its crispness. If you absolutely must save leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for 1-2 days. To reheat, avoid the microwave. Instead, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat until just heated through, or for best results, a quick flash in an air fryer or toaster oven at around 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes can help recrisp the bacon without overcooking the scallop.
You can certainly do some prep work in advance! You can wrap the scallops with bacon and secure them with toothpicks up to 4-6 hours before cooking. Store them covered in the refrigerator. Just before broiling, take them out, add the olive oil, seasonings, and butter, then proceed with the cooking instructions. This helps streamline your party prep or dinner rush.
The key to keeping the bacon securely wrapped is using a sturdy wooden toothpick. Make sure to pierce through both ends of the bacon and the scallop to hold it firmly in place. Ensure the bacon is wrapped snugly but not so tight that it squishes the scallop. If using particularly thick bacon, a quick partial cook beforehand (as mentioned in the ingredient notes) can make it more pliable for wrapping.
Yes, you can bake bacon wrapped scallops, though broiling offers the fastest and often crispest result for the bacon. If baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the scallops as instructed and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the scallops are opaque. You might need to turn them once to ensure even browning. Keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking the scallops.
Scallops cook quickly, and overcooked scallops can become tough and rubbery. When properly cooked, scallops will turn opaque white throughout and feel slightly firm to the touch. If you have a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 120-130°F (49-54°C). The bacon should be golden brown and crispy.
Delightful Serving Suggestions for Bacon Wrapped Scallops
Bacon wrapped scallops are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways to suit any occasion. As an appetizer, they are perfect served warm, optionally with the toothpick still inserted for easy grabbing and a touch of flair. Arrange them attractively on a platter, perhaps garnished with fresh parsley or a lemon wedge for a bright contrast.
If you’re enjoying them as a main course, they pair beautifully with a variety of side dishes that complement their rich flavors without overpowering them. Consider serving them alongside hearty yet elegant options like roast potatoes, which offer a comforting texture, or a light and zesty lemon couscous or orzo, whose brightness cuts through the richness of the bacon. A fresh, crisp dinner salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing counterpoint. For a truly indulgent meal, serve them over a bed of creamy pasta, allowing the savory juices to mingle with the sauce. No matter how you choose to present them, these irresistible scallops are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven, ensuring the bacon remains crisp and the scallops are perfectly tender.
More Irresistible Seafood & Bacon-Wrapped Recipes to Explore
If you loved these bacon wrapped scallops, you’re in for a treat! The world of seafood and bacon-wrapped delights is vast and delicious. Here are a few more recipes that feature similar ingredients or cooking styles, perfect for expanding your culinary repertoire:
- Scallop Pasta: A hearty and flavorful dish that makes scallops the star of your dinner.
- Seafood Lasagna: Layered with rich flavors from the sea, a comforting classic with a gourmet twist.
- Air Fryer Scallops: For a quick and perfectly cooked scallop with minimal oil, using your favorite kitchen appliance.
- Pan Seared Scallops: A timeless method to achieve a beautiful golden crust and tender interior.
- Bacon Wrapped Shrimp: Another fantastic appetizer or main course that combines the magic of bacon with delicate seafood.
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Broiled Bacon Wrapped Scallops
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 1 pound sea scallops
- 5 ounces center cut bacon
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter
Things You’ll Need
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Toothpicks
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Baking sheet
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Vinyl gloves
Before You Begin
- We suggest using center-cut bacon because its uniform width ensures even cooking and less excess fat runoff. For those who prefer extra crispy bacon, you can partially cook it before wrapping the scallops. However, it’s essential not to overcook it at this stage, as the bacon still needs to be tender and flexible enough to easily mold around the scallops. Remember, the bacon will continue to cook and crisp further under the broiler, achieving that perfect texture alongside your tender scallops.
- When working with sea scallops, inspect them for a small, crescent-shaped tendon attached to the side. This piece of tissue is tougher than the rest of the scallop and should be peeled off before cooking for a better eating experience. Many scallops purchased from a seafood counter or freezer case will already have this tendon removed, but it’s always good to check. For optimal and even cooking, try to select scallops that are similar in size. After rinsing, pat your scallops thoroughly dry with paper towels to ensure they sear beautifully rather than steam.
Instructions
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Preheat oven to broil. Position your oven rack about 6 inches from the heating element for best results.
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Rinse scallops under cold water and pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels to remove all excess moisture.
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Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray, or line it with foil for easy cleanup.
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Wrap each scallop snugly with a slice of center-cut bacon and secure it with a toothpick. Place the wrapped scallops on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching.
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Drizzle a small amount of olive oil evenly over the top of each scallop.
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Sprinkle each scallop with garlic salt and freshly ground black pepper for enhanced flavor.
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Lightly brush a small amount of melted unsalted butter over the top of each scallop to encourage golden-brown crisping.
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Place the baking sheet in the preheated broiler and cook for approximately 10 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the scallops are opaque throughout. Watch carefully to prevent burning. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.