Bacon-Wrapped Scallops Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that feels fancy but is surprisingly simple to pull off, then this Bacon-Wrapped Scallops Recipe is exactly what you need. There’s something magical about the combination of juicy, tender scallops wrapped in smoky, crispy bacon that just makes you want to savor every bite. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become your go-to appetizer or a stellar main course for your next dinner party or cozy night in.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Bacon-Wrapped Scallops Recipe plays a role in making sure your final dish is bursting with flavor and texture—plus, I’ll share a few tips on picking the right scallops and bacon to elevate your cooking.

• Bacon: Choose regular-cut strips that are thick enough to hold the scallops but still pliable once cooked halfway; this prevents bacon from breaking and ensures crispiness.
• Scallops: Opt for “dry” sea scallops, not “wet” ones, because they sear beautifully without releasing excess water that’ll steam them and ruin that golden crust.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps carry the garlic and brown sugar flavors; melted butter is easier to brush on while cooking.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic offers just the right punch of savoriness without overpowering the scallops’ sweetness.
• Brown Sugar: A subtle hint of sweetness that caramelizes lightly adding depth to the bacon and scallop pairing.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out the natural flavors and balance the sweetness.
• High-Smoke Point Oil (like Avocado Oil): Keeps the bacon and scallops from sticking to the pan without burning during searing.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love recommending you make this Bacon-Wrapped Scallops Recipe your own. Over time, I’ve discovered little twists that can bring out different dimensions of flavor depending on your mood or occasion.

• Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne to the butter mix gives an exciting heat that pairs really well with the smoky bacon.
• Fresh Herbs: I sometimes toss in chopped thyme or rosemary while cooking for herbal notes that feel fancy yet fresh.
• Sweet & Tangy: Swap brown sugar for a drizzle of honey and serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon to brighten up the dish beautifully.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Bacon-Wrapped Scallops Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Bacon Until Almost Done

I start by cooking the bacon over medium to medium-low heat in a large skillet. The key here is to make sure it’s cooked through enough to be pliable without getting too crispy and brittle. Usually, this takes about 10 to 12 minutes. Once cooked, I remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel to drain the excess fat. This step is crucial—you want your bacon to hold around the scallops without snapping.

Step 2: Prep and Wrap the Scallops

Next, I prep the scallops by removing the side muscles or tendons—these chewy little bits aren’t fun to eat. Then, I pat the scallops dry thoroughly because moisture will prevent a good sear. Once dry, I take one strip of bacon and wrap it tightly around each scallop, securing it with a toothpick. This keeps everything snug and helps the bacon crisp evenly during cooking.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Butter-Garlic Sauce

While the scallops are resting, I whisk melted butter, finely minced garlic, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper together in a small bowl. This simple sauce is what I brush on during the last few minutes of cooking—it adds a lovely sweet-savory glaze that ties the whole dish together.

Step 4: Pan-Sear the Bacon-Wrapped Scallops

With everything ready, I heat one tablespoon of a high-smoke point oil, like avocado oil, in a clean skillet over medium to medium-low heat. I cook the wrapped scallops for about 3 to 4 minutes per side. When they’re almost done, I brush on the butter garlic sauce, letting it caramelize slightly while the scallops finish cooking. I’m always careful not to overcook—the internal temp should hit about 120°F, then I let them rest as they carryover cook to a perfect 130°F.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

After cooking, I remove them from the heat and let the scallops rest for 5 minutes, which helps redistribute juices and ensures they stay tender. I like to serve them with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a few lemon wedges on the side for a touch of brightness. Seriously, it’s an easy presentation that packs a punch.

How to Serve Bacon-Wrapped Scallops Recipe

Garnishes

When I serve this dish, fresh parsley is my go-to garnish—it adds a lovely pop of color and a hint of herbal freshness. A squeeze of lemon right before eating really cuts through the richness and brightens every bite. Sometimes, I also sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top for that extra touch of gourmet flair.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with light sides that don’t compete with its bold flavors. I’m a fan of serving it alongside a crisp mixed green salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette, or some garlic mashed potatoes for a comforting balance. Roasted asparagus or sautéed green beans work beautifully too.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve threaded the Bacon-Wrapped Scallops on skewers with small cherry tomatoes and fresh basil leaves for a colorful appetizer platter. Another fun idea is to place them on a bed of creamy risotto or serve atop grilled polenta rounds for an elevated look that guests love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which is rare, but it happens!), I let them cool completely then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay good for up to 2 days, but honestly, they taste best fresh.

Freezing

I’ve tried freezing the bacon-wrapped scallops, but scallops don’t fare as well when frozen post-cooking—the texture shifts a bit. If you want to freeze them, I recommend wrapping the scallops in bacon then freezing uncooked. When ready, just thaw and cook fresh for best results.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I find gently warming them in a 350°F oven for about 8-10 minutes does the trick without drying them out. Avoid the microwave as it tends to make scallops rubbery and bacon lose that crisp. A quick warm-up on the stovetop over medium heat can work too, just keep an eye on them.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Bacon-Wrapped Scallops Recipe has become a favorite in my kitchen because it walks the perfect line between elegant and effortless. I love how easy it is to impress friends or family with something that looks gourmet but comes together so quickly. If you give it a try, I’m pretty sure you’ll find yourself making it again and again. So grab some buttery scallops, wrap them with that irresistible bacon, and treat yourself—I promise the flavor combo is absolutely worth it!

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