When it comes to appetizers that impress, bacon wrapped scallops are in a league of their own. The delicate, buttery texture of scallops combined with the smoky, savory crispiness of bacon creates a flavor profile that’s both elegant and indulgent. Whether you’re hosting a cocktail party, preparing a date-night dinner, or planning a holiday feast, these bites always wow.
This guide covers everything you need to know to master bacon wrapped scallops—from selecting the best ingredients to cooking methods, serving tips, flavor variations, and make-ahead strategies.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
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Elegant Yet Simple – A gourmet appetizer with minimal ingredients and effort.
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Irresistible Flavor Pairing – The salty crunch of bacon enhances the delicate sweetness of scallops.
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Versatile Cooking Options – Bake, grill, broil, or air-fry to perfection.
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Perfect for Special Occasions – Ideal for dinner parties, holidays, or romantic meals.
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Customizable Glazes & Seasonings – Easily adapt to your favorite flavors.
What Are Bacon Wrapped Scallops?
This classic appetizer features large sea scallops wrapped in strips of bacon and cooked until the scallops are just tender and the bacon turns crispy. It’s a surf-and-turf snack all in one bite.
Popular in seafood restaurants and catered events, they’re surprisingly easy to prepare at home with just a few quality ingredients.
Ingredients List
Core Ingredients:
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1 pound sea scallops (approximately 12–16 large scallops)
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8–10 slices of bacon, cut in half
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Toothpicks, for securing
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Olive oil or butter, for brushing
Optional Additions:
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1 tsp paprika or garlic powder
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2 tbsp maple syrup, brown sugar, or honey for glaze
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1 tbsp lemon juice or balsamic glaze
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Fresh herbs: parsley, chives, or thyme for garnish
Timing & Servings
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
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Cook Time: 12–18 minutes
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Total Time: 35–40 minutes
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Servings: Serves 4–6 as an appetizer (12–16 scallops)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Bacon Wrapped Scallops
Step 1: Prepare the Scallops
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Pat scallops dry thoroughly with paper towels.
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Remove the muscle strip (small tough piece on the side), if present.
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Lightly season with salt, pepper, and optional paprika or garlic powder.
Step 2: Pre-Cook the Bacon
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Partially cook bacon in a skillet or oven for about 5 minutes (not crispy—just pliable).
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Drain on paper towels. This ensures bacon crisps without overcooking the scallops.
Step 3: Wrap & Secure
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Wrap each scallop with a half strip of bacon.
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Secure with a toothpick. Make sure the bacon ends overlap slightly.
Step 4: Choose Your Cooking Method
Use any of the methods below depending on your tools and preference.
Oven-Baked Method
How to Bake Bacon Wrapped Scallops:
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Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C).
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Place wrapped scallops on a foil-lined baking sheet with a rack.
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Brush lightly with olive oil or butter.
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Bake for 12–15 minutes, turning halfway through, until scallops are opaque and bacon is crispy.
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Optionally, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end to crisp the bacon more.
Pan-Seared Method
How to Pan-Sear:
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Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add a drizzle of oil or butter.
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Place scallops seam-side down.
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Sear for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden.
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Transfer to a 375°F oven for 5 minutes to finish cooking.
Air Fryer Method
How to Air Fry:
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Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
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Lightly oil the basket.
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Arrange scallops in a single layer.
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Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping once.
Grilled Method
How to Grill:
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Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
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Oil the grates well.
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Place scallops on indirect heat, turning occasionally.
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Cook for 8–12 minutes, until scallops are opaque and bacon is crispy.
Flavor Variations
Maple Glazed
Brush scallops with a mix of maple syrup and Dijon mustard before baking.
Spicy Kick
Add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the seasoning.
Asian Twist
Marinate scallops in soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil before wrapping.
Citrus Herb
Add lemon zest and thyme or rosemary for a refreshing touch.
Dipping Sauces
Pair with these sauces to elevate the dish:
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Garlic butter
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Spicy aioli
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Sweet chili sauce
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Honey mustard
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Balsamic glaze
Tips for Success
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Dry scallops well to help them sear and not steam.
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Partially cook bacon so it can crisp up without overcooking the scallops.
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Use large sea scallops, not bay scallops, for best results.
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Don’t overcook—scallops should be just opaque, not rubbery.
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Bake on a rack for even cooking and better crispness.
Make-Ahead & Storage
Make-Ahead
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Wrap scallops and store them in the fridge up to 1 day ahead.
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Add glaze or seasoning just before baking.
Storing Leftovers
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Refrigerate cooked scallops in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
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Reheat gently in an oven or air fryer for best texture.
Can You Freeze Them?
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You can freeze unbaked, wrapped scallops.
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Freeze on a tray, then store in a bag. Bake from frozen at 400°F, adding 5–8 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
These elegant bites pair well with:
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Champagne or white wine
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A fresh salad with vinaigrette
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Garlic mashed potatoes
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Grilled asparagus or roasted vegetables
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Crusty bread to soak up the juices
Nutritional Overview (Per Piece, Approximate)
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Calories: 100
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Protein: 7g
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Fat: 6g
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Carbs: 1g
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Sodium: 180mg
Low-carb and keto-friendly, especially if you skip sugary glazes.
FAQs
Can I use frozen scallops?
Yes, but thaw completely and dry them thoroughly to avoid excess moisture.
What size scallops are best?
Use large sea scallops (U-10 to U-15) for wrapping with bacon.
Is the bacon supposed to be crispy?
Yes! That’s why pre-cooking bacon is essential before wrapping.
Can I make this ahead for a party?
Absolutely—wrap and refrigerate a day ahead. Cook just before serving.
Do I need toothpicks?
Toothpicks help hold the bacon in place and make serving easier.
Conclusion
Bacon wrapped scallops are a luxurious, flavorful appetizer that looks and tastes impressive but is surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself to a seafood delight, this recipe delivers every time.
You can keep things classic or explore fun glazes and seasonings to fit your menu. With their tender, juicy texture and crispy bacon wrap, these scallops are sure to be a hit at any table.