Bacon

Bacon Wrapped Scallops

Name: Bacon Wrapped Scallops
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 12 large scallops; 6 slices of thick-cut bacon; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp paprika; 1/4 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp lemon zest; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

By Jonah Blackwood · June 19, 2026 · Bacon

Prep15 min

Cook20 min

Total35 min

Serves4

I still remember the first time I made bacon wrapped scallops for my family. The combination of succulent scallops, crispy bacon, and a hint of smokiness was a revelation. It's a dish that's both elegant and comforting, perfect for special occasions or a cozy night in.

As a home cook, I've always been drawn to the simplicity and versatility of scallops. They're a blank canvas, waiting to be paired with a variety of flavors and ingredients. And what better way to add flavor than with the rich, savory taste of bacon?

In this recipe, I'll show you how to create a dish that's both impressive and accessible. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you'll be able to impress your friends and family with a truly unforgettable meal.

So why make bacon wrapped scallops? For one, it's a great way to add some excitement to your usual dinner routine. The combination of textures and flavors is sure to delight, and it's a dish that's easy to customize to your tastes. Plus, it's a great way to showcase the beauty of scallops, which are often overlooked in favor of more familiar seafood options.

Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to try something new and delicious. So let's get started and explore the world of bacon wrapped scallops!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
The combination of scallops and bacon is a match made in heaven, providing a rich and savory flavor profile.
The dish is perfect for special occasions or a cozy night in, and can be customized to suit your tastes.
The recipe is accessible to cooks of all levels, from beginner to experienced.
The dish is both elegant and comforting, making it perfect for a variety of occasions.
The recipe can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special events.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making great bacon wrapped scallops is to balance the flavors and textures. You want the scallops to be tender and juicy, while the bacon is crispy and smoky. To achieve this, it's essential to cook the scallops at the right temperature and for the right amount of time.

One of the most critical factors in cooking scallops is to not overcook them. Overcooking can make the scallops tough and rubbery, which is why it's essential to cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 145 F (63 C). This ensures that they're cooked through but still retain their tender texture.

In addition to cooking the scallops correctly, it's also important to choose the right type of bacon. Thick-cut bacon is best for wrapping around scallops, as it provides a nice balance of flavor and texture. You want the bacon to be crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, which is why it's essential to cook it at the right temperature.

Finally, the type of pan you use can also make a big difference. A skillet or oven-safe pan is best for cooking bacon wrapped scallops, as it allows you to cook the scallops and bacon in the same pan. This helps to distribute the flavors and textures evenly, resulting in a dish that's both delicious and visually appealing.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make bacon wrapped scallops, you'll need a few simple ingredients. The most important ingredient is, of course, the scallops. You'll want to choose fresh, high-quality scallops that are free of additives and preservatives. In addition to scallops, you'll also need thick-cut bacon, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

When shopping for ingredients, be sure to choose the best quality you can find. Fresh scallops and thick-cut bacon will make a big difference in the flavor and texture of the dish. You can find these ingredients at most grocery stores or fish markets.

12 large scallopsFresh scallops are essential for this recipe. Look for scallops that are firm to the touch and have a sweet, ocean-like smell. Avoid scallops that are soft or have a strong fishy smell.
6 slices of thick-cut baconThick-cut bacon is best for wrapping around scallops. Look for bacon that is smoked or has a high fat content, as this will help to add flavor to the dish.
2 tbsp olive oilOlive oil is used to cook the scallops and bacon. Choose a high-quality olive oil that has a mild flavor and a high smoke point.
1 tsp saltSalt is used to season the scallops and bacon. Choose a high-quality salt that is free of additives and preservatives.
1/2 tsp black pepperBlack pepper is used to season the scallops and bacon. Choose a high-quality pepper that is freshly ground.
1/4 tsp paprikaPaprika is used to add a smoky flavor to the dish. Choose a high-quality paprika that is sweet or smoked.
1/4 tsp garlic powderGarlic powder is used to add a savory flavor to the dish. Choose a high-quality garlic powder that is freshly ground.
1/4 tsp onion powderOnion powder is used to add a savory flavor to the dish. Choose a high-quality onion powder that is freshly ground.
1/2 tsp lemon zestLemon zest is used to add a bright, citrusy flavor to the dish. Choose a high-quality lemon that is fresh and has a thick skin.
2 tbsp lemon juiceLemon juice is used to add a bright, citrusy flavor to the dish. Choose a high-quality lemon that is fresh and has a lot of juice.
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsleyFresh parsley is used to add a fresh, herbaceous flavor to the dish. Choose a high-quality parsley that is fresh and has a lot of leaves.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large skillet or oven-safe panInstant-read thermometerSharp chef's knifeCutting boardTongs or spatulaOven mitts

How to Make Bacon Wrapped Scallops

1
Preheat your oven to 400 F (200 C).
2
Rinse the scallops under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
3
Season the scallops with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
4
Cut the bacon slices in half and wrap each scallop with a piece of bacon, securing it with a toothpick if needed.
5
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or oven-safe pan over medium-high heat.
6
Add the bacon-wrapped scallops to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the bacon is crispy and golden brown.
7
Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the scallops reach an internal temperature of 145 F (63 C).
8
Remove the pan from the oven and let the scallops rest for 2-3 minutes.
9
Serve the scallops hot, garnished with lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped fresh parsley.
10
Use tongs or a spatula to remove the scallops from the pan and place them on a serving plate.
11
Drizzle the scallops with any remaining pan juices and serve immediately.

Expert Tips

Make sure to not overcook the scallops, as this can make them tough and rubbery.
Use high-quality ingredients, including fresh scallops and thick-cut bacon, to ensure the best flavor and texture.
Don't overcrowd the pan, as this can prevent the bacon from cooking evenly.
Let the scallops rest for a few minutes before serving, as this will help them to retain their juices and flavor.
Consider serving the scallops with a side of garlic mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
If you're looking for a different flavor profile, consider using different seasonings or herbs, such as dried thyme or chopped rosemary.
To add some extra crunch to the dish, consider topping the scallops with some toasted breadcrumbs or chopped nuts.
If you're cooking for a large group, consider making a few extra scallops to ensure that everyone gets a chance to try one.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the scallops, which can make them tough and rubbery.
Not using high-quality ingredients, which can result in a bland or unappetizing dish.
Overcrowding the pan, which can prevent the bacon from cooking evenly.
Not letting the scallops rest before serving, which can cause them to lose their juices and flavor.
Not using the right type of bacon, which can result in a dish that is too salty or too smoky.
Not cooking the scallops to the right internal temperature, which can result in a dish that is not safe to eat.

Variations and Substitutions

Using different types of seafood, such as shrimp or lobster, instead of scallops.
Adding different seasonings or herbs, such as dried thyme or chopped rosemary, to the scallops.
Using different types of bacon, such as applewood-smoked or brown sugar-cured, to add a unique flavor to the dish.
Adding some heat to the dish, such as red pepper flakes or sliced jalapenos, for an extra kick.
Serving the scallops with a side of garlic mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
Using a different type of oil, such as avocado oil or grapeseed oil, to cook the scallops and bacon.
Adding some extra flavor to the dish, such as lemon juice or chopped fresh parsley, to the pan juices before serving.

What to Serve With Bacon Wrapped Scallops

Bacon wrapped scallops are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Consider serving them as an appetizer or main course, and pair them with a side of garlic mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

Some other ideas for serving bacon wrapped scallops include:

Serving them with a side of steamed broccoli or green beans for a healthy and balanced meal.

Pairing them with a salad, such as a Caesar or spinach salad, for a light and refreshing meal.

Serving them with a side of quinoa or brown rice for a filling and nutritious meal.

Garlic mashed potatoesRoasted vegetablesSteamed broccoli or green beansQuinoa or brown riceCaesar or spinach salad

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

If you're looking to make bacon wrapped scallops ahead of time, there are a few options for storing and reheating them. One option is to cook the scallops and bacon, then let them cool to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing them.

To refrigerate the scallops, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. To reheat the scallops, simply place them in the oven at 350 F (180 C) for 5-7 minutes, or until they're heated through.

To freeze the scallops, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat the scallops, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat them in the oven at 350 F (180 C) for 5-7 minutes, or until they're heated through.

It's also possible to make the bacon wrapped scallops entirely ahead of time, then store them in the refrigerator or freezer until you're ready to cook them. Simply assemble the scallops and bacon, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of bacon is best for wrapping around scallops?

Thick-cut bacon is best for wrapping around scallops, as it provides a nice balance of flavor and texture. Look for bacon that is smoked or has a high fat content, as this will help to add flavor to the dish.

How do I know when the scallops are cooked through?

The scallops are cooked through when they reach an internal temperature of 145 F (63 C). You can check the temperature by inserting an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the scallop.

Can I make bacon wrapped scallops ahead of time?

Yes, you can make bacon wrapped scallops ahead of time. Simply cook the scallops and bacon, then let them cool to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing them.

How do I store bacon wrapped scallops in the refrigerator?

To store bacon wrapped scallops in the refrigerator, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

How do I reheat bacon wrapped scallops?

To reheat bacon wrapped scallops, simply place them in the oven at 350 F (180 C) for 5-7 minutes, or until they're heated through.

Can I freeze bacon wrapped scallops?

Yes, you can freeze bacon wrapped scallops. Simply place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

How do I thaw frozen bacon wrapped scallops?

To thaw frozen bacon wrapped scallops, simply place them in the refrigerator overnight or thaw them quickly by submerging them in cold water.

What is the best way to serve bacon wrapped scallops?

The Full Recipe

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