These Bacon Wrapped Scallops are the most decadent appetizer to serve at your next party. In this recipe, tender, fresh scallops are wrapped in salty bacon slices before being baked to perfection. The sweet scallops absorb the flavor from the bacon, which bakes into a crispy shell. Drizzle the whole thing with a lemon butter sauce to take it over the edge. Your guests will rave over this perfect appetizer, and you'll be thrilled by just how easily this scallop recipe comes together.
Not all bacon-wrapped scallops are created equally. Although these two ingredients always go well together, there is a wide range between the cheapest Bacon and the fanciest Scallops. With higher quality ingredients, this luxurious appetizer can quickly become something utterly exquisite, fit for a main dish for your special occasion.
Why You'll Love This Bacon-Wrapped Scallops Recipe
- Exquisite flavor. Scallops are already known for their tender, sweet flavor, and the rich bacon takes them to the next level. The bacon is crispy, the scallops have just the right bite, and the lemony garlic sauce keeps them from tasting too rich. These just may be the perfect scallops!
- So easy to make. Your guests will think these scallops took you all day, but they won't! This easy appetizer just requires a few simple ingredients, a handful of common supplies, and a few minutes of work.
- Crowd-pleasing appetizer. Bacon and scallops are a match made in heaven, and your guests will realize that right away. The second they see what you've made for them, they'll disappear in a hurry!
Ingredient Notes
To make these delicious bacon-wrapped scallops, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):
- scallops - use large sea scallops if possible. Dry them with a cloth before wrapping them in bacon.
- bacon - use either regular or thick-cut bacon.
- salt and black pepper
- butter - this will be melted down with garlic and lemon juice to highlight the flavors of the tender scallops.
- garlic - saute finely chopped garlic to bring out a sweet, savory flavor.
- lemon juice - fresh squeezed lemon juice will cut the richness and fattiness of the bacon to balance this dish.
- fresh parsley - chopped parsley is an optional garnish.
You will also need toothpicks, a small saucepan, parchment paper, and a baking sheet.
How to Make the Best Bacon Wrapped Scallops
- Wrap scallops. Use a paper towel to gently pat the scallops dry. Cut each piece of bacon in half and wrap it around the side of each scallop. Insert a toothpick through to secure the wrapped scallops. Sprinkle evenly with salt and pepper.
- Make sauce. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Squeeze in lemon juice and set the sauce mixture aside.
- Cook. Arrange the wrapped scallops on a large parchment-lined baking sheet and turn the broiler in the oven on HI. Broil for 12-15 minutes until the scallops are cooked through and the bacon is crispy. Brush the wrapped scallops with some butter garlic sauce halfway through baking.
- Serve. Drizzle with the remaining garlic butter sauce and garnish with parsley.
Recipe Variations
- Try a different bacon. This simple recipe is incredibly flexible. You can use regular cut bacon, turkey bacon, or fancy bacon from a local butcher for a really special occasion.
- Air fryer bacon wrapped scallops. Get this easy appetizer on the table even faster by baking the scallops in the air fryer. This is easiest to do with a multipurpose air fryer that has a broil feature. Be careful not to burn or overcook the scallops!
- Serve a teriyaki dipping sauce. Skip the lemon butter and make a sweet Teriyaki Sauce out of brown sugar and soy sauce. The sweet and salty flavors will balance perfectly with the crispy bacon and sweet scallops.
How to Serve
These bacon-wrapped scallops are delicious served on their own, or paired with some of my favorite appetizers including:
- Antipasto Skewers
- Sticky Honey Garlic Meatballs
- Fried Goat Cheese Balls
- Cranberry Brie Bites
- Vegetarian Stuffed Mushrooms
For more recipe ideas, see our 40 Best Fall Appetizers.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Use the best quality scallops you can afford. Scallops are pricey, and if you're serving them to a crowd, you'll need quite a lot. Get the best scallops you can afford. Small bay scallops can be a lot more affordable than larger sea scallops.
- Dry the scallops. For the best texture, pat the scallops dry with a kitchen towel before wrapping them with a slice of bacon.
- Adjust the baking time. Smaller scallops will cook faster, and big scallops will take longer. Make sure the bacon is fully cooked before you remove them from the heat.
Storing and Freezing Instructions
How to Store
Store leftover Bacon Wrapped Scallops in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.
How to Reheat
For the best results, serve this appetizer fresh. If you have leftovers to reheat, toast the scallops in the oven or air fryer at 400 degrees for 3-4 minutes. The microwave will make them soggy, so it's not recommended.
How to Freeze
Store leftover scallops in a freezer bag or airtight container and freeze for 2-3 months.
FAQ
Yes, but if you want to make bacon-wrapped scallops using frozen scallops, you need to thaw and drain the scallops first. This will make sure they cook evenly and get the best flavor and texture.
Absolutely. It's so important to season your scallops to give them the best flavor. Be sure to dry them off, then season them with salt and pepper before cooking.
For an appetizer, the rule of thumb is to plan on 2-3 scallops per person. For a main course, you'll likely need about 6-8 oz per person, which is double this amount (4-6 large scallops or 8-12 smaller ones).
More Appetizer Recipes
- 75+ Easy Appetizer Recipes
- Salmon Bites
- Cheese Board
- Cranberry Brie Bites
- Air Fryer Pizza Rolls
- Shrimp Cakes
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