You can serve Bacon Wrapped Scallops at a dinner party or for a romantic dinner for two. They are also simple enough to make on a busy weeknight. In less than 30 minutes you can cook bacon wrapped scallops in the oven to tender, juicy perfection.
It would make me feel bad to say how many times in the last two weeks we’ve had scallops wrapped in bacon for dinner. It took longer than I thought to get them just right before posting the recipe. I wanted the scallops to be soft like they are when you sear them and the bacon to be cooked just right. And I wanted them to bake in the oven, preferably without catching anything on fire.
The first two times I made these scallops wrapped in bacon, I tried to broil them like the recipe says to do. I moved the pan a little farther away from the broiling element for the second try because the first try caused a lot of smoke and grease to fly out of the oven. Same problem.
Next I tried baking them at a higher temperature and finishing them under the broiler. Same spatter and smoke problem and the scallops were tough. Also, talking about tough, I saw a recipe that said to bake them at 425°F for 35 minutes, which I think would make a scallop into something like a rubber disc.
But, at last, success! Baking scallops wrapped in bacon for 12 minutes at 425°F was just perfect. (If your scallops are very large or your bacon very thick, it could take up to 15 minutes. Also, if you want the bacon to be even crispier, cook it a little before wrapping the scallops in it, just like you would with Bacon Wrapped Shrimp. ) The scallops were buttery and tender, the bacon sizzling and juicy.
Scallops wrapped in bacon often referred to as bacon-wrapped scallops, are one of the most popular appetizers found on restaurant menus and dinner party platters. These bite-sized morsels feature sweet succulent scallops enveloped in savory, slightly crispy bacon for an irresistible taste and texture combination. But what exactly are these tasty tidbits called? As it turns out, bacon-wrapped scallops go by many names.
In this article, we’ll explore the various common monikers for scallops wrapped in bacon and trace the origins of this classic dish. We’ll also provide tips for making perfect bacon-wrapped scallops at home. Read on to learn all about this beloved appetizer!
The Many Names for Bacon-Wrapped Scallops
While bacon-wrapped scallops are easily recognizable, there is no consensus on what to officially call them. Here are some of the most common names used for this dish:
- Bacon-wrapped scallops
- Scallops wrapped in bacon
- Bacon scallops
- Bacon-wrapped sea scallops
- Scallops en croûte (French for “in crust”)
Although they are referred to by various titles, the combination of plump, sweet scallops enveloped in salty, crispy bacon always makes for an irresistible bite. Now let’s look at how this ingenious pairing came about.
The Origins of Bacon-Wrapped Scallops
Wrapping bacon around other ingredients and cooking them together is a technique that has been used for ages. Food historians suggest early versions of bacon scallops may have originated in Victorian England.
The tradition of wrapping oysters in bacon, also known as “angels on horseback,” became fashionable in Britain in the 1800s. It appears bacon-wrapped scallops emerged as a variation on this dish.
References to bacon scallops began appearing in American recipes around the early 1900s. Over time, they gained popularity on restaurant menus and dinner party platters. By the 1980s, they had become a standard appetizer for holidays, weddings, and other special occasions.
These days, bacon-wrapped scallops remain a favorite among both professional chefs and home cooks. The combination of flavors and textures always satisfies.
How to Make Perfect Bacon Scallops at Home
Interested in whipping up your own platter of bacon-wrapped scallops? Follow these simple tips for success:
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Use fresh, dry sea scallops rather than small bay scallops which can overcook.
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Choose regular sliced bacon – thick cut takes too long to crisp up.
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Partially cook the bacon before wrapping to prevent overcooking the scallops.
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Brush with a sweet glaze while cooking to add extra flavor. Maple syrup, honey and brown sugar work well.
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Broil or bake at 400°F for 10-15 minutes until the bacon is crisp.
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Serve immediately as they don’t reheat well.
Taking these steps will ensure your bacon-wrapped scallops turn out perfectly cooked with delicious, crispy bacon.
Creative Ways to Serve Bacon Scallops
A platter of bacon scallops makes a great appetizer on its own. But you can also incorporate them into full meals creatively:
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Serve as an appetizer with toasted baguette slices and lemon wedges.
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Pair with filet mignon and veggies for elegant surf and turf.
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Top fresh salads with bacon scallops for a protein punch.
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Add to pasta, grain bowls or tacos for some richness.
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Mix into breakfast dishes like mini quiches or breakfast tacos.
With so many options, feel free to get creative with how you serve these morsels! Their flavor works well with many dishes.
Other Tempting Foods to Wrap in Bacon
While scallops may be the most popular bacon-wrapped food, they are far from the only choice. If you love the bacon wrapping technique, try making:
- Bacon-wrapped shrimp
- Bacon-wrapped chicken or steak pieces
- Bacon-wrapped smoked sausages or meatballs
- Bacon-wrapped water chestnuts or dates
Really, you can wrap nearly anything in bacon for extra flavor and crunch! The contrast of the crispy salty bacon with the item inside always makes for a crowd-pleasing bite.
Mystery Solved: What to Call Scallops Wrapped in Bacon
So the next time you enjoy these tasty appetizers, you’ll know the various names used for scallops enveloped in bacon. Feel free to refer to them by any of the common monikers – or get creative and come up with your own!
When making them at home, just be sure to use high-quality ingredients and follow the tips above for perfectly cooked bacon-wrapped scallops bursting with flavor. However you name them, this dish always satisfies appetites.
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Scallops
Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. Pat scallops dry with a paper towel and remove any side muscles.
Step 2: Wrap each scallop with 1/2 slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick. (If your bacon is thick or you like it crispier, you can bake it on a baking sheet for 3 to 5 minutes before you wrap the scallops in it.) ).
Step 3: Drizzle olive oil over scallops and season with pepper and kosher salt.
Step 4: Arrange scallops in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 5: Let it bake in a 425°F oven for 12 to 15 minutes, based on the size of the scallops and the thickness of the bacon. Serve hot!.
How to Make the BEST Bacon Wrapped Scallops!
What is Bacon Wrapped Scallops?
This bacon wrapped scallops recipe is an irresistible combo of sweet, delicate scallops and crispy bacon, topped with lemon butter sauce. Affiliate links help keep my content free. See my disclosure and how I develop recipes in my kitchen. For an ad-free experience and more perks, try Wholesome Yum Plus.
How do you cook scallops with bacon?
Wrap the scallops. Line up the halved bacon slices on a cutting board. Wrap each scallop with a slice of bacon, secure with a toothpick, and transfer to the baking sheet. Repeat for the remaining scallops and bacon. Cook to perfection. Broil the bacon wrapped scallops on high, flipping halfway through, until the bacon is nice and crispy.
Can you eat Scallops wrapped in bacon?
Scallops wrapped in bacon can be served as appetizers as an entrée. Cooked in a light garlic butter sauce, the bacon adds a great smoky salty flavor and the scallops come out perfectly tender. This bacon wrapped scallops recipe is easy to make, can be prepared ahead of time yet they look impressive. Serve with tangy cocktail sauce for dipping!
What kind of Bacon goes with sea scallops?
Bacon – For the best results, use thin sliced bacon, not thick cut. While thick cut bacon wrapped around a scallop may sounds good, but in practice, it won’t come out as well. Brown Sugar – The brown sugar both enhances the natural hint of sweetness in the sea scallops, and balances wonderfully with the salty bacon.
Where can I buy frozen Scallops wrapped in bacon?
You can find bags of frozen, dry sea scallops at Costco or other grocery stores in the frozen section – be sure to look for bags that are labeled as ‘dry’ scallops. What bacon brands are best for Scallops Wrapped in Bacon? You’ll want to select a thin-cut bacon.
How long should Bacon be cooked before wrapping scallops?
The bacon needs to be partially cooked before wrapping the scallops. Place the strips of bacon over medium or medium-low heat in a large skillet for 10-12 minutes. The bacon slices should be almost cooked through but still pliable. If they are too crisp they will break while wrapping.