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hot_biteMediumAmerican

Bacon-Wrapped Scallops

Sweet sea scallops wrapped in smoky bacon and broiled until caramelized

⏱️ Prep: 20min🍳 Cook: 15min⏰ Total: 35min👥 Serves: 16🌡️ hot
✓ gluten-free✓ dairy-free✓ keto✓ low-carb
⚠️ Contains: 🦐 Shellfish

Ingredients

  • 16large sea scallops(dry-packed, U-10 size)
  • 8 slicesbacon(thin-cut)
  • 2 tbspbutter(melted)
  • 1 tbspfresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbspfresh chives(minced)
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • 16toothpicks(soaked in water)

📝 Make Ahead

Wrap scallops ahead and refrigerate up to 4 hours. Broil just before serving.

Instructions

  1. Preheat broiler and position rack 6 inches from heat
  2. Par-cook bacon in skillet until starting to render but still pliable
  3. Cut each bacon slice in half
  4. Pat scallops completely dry
  5. Wrap each scallop with bacon half, secure with toothpick
  6. Arrange on broiler pan
  7. Broil 3-4 minutes per side until bacon is crispy and scallops are just cooked
  8. Mix melted butter with lemon juice
  9. Drizzle over scallops and sprinkle with chives and pepper
  10. Serve immediately

💡 Pro Tips

Dry-packed scallops are essential - wet-packed won't caramelize. Par-cooking bacon prevents raw bacon with overcooked scallops. Don't overcook - scallops should be barely opaque in center. Thin-cut bacon crisps faster. Remove toothpicks or warn guests before serving.

📜 History

Bacon-wrapped scallops epitomize the elegance of mid-century American cocktail party fare. The combination of sweet scallop and salty bacon became a steakhouse and catering staple. Despite being a classic, they remain impressive because they require some technique to execute perfectly.

🍸 Pairs Well With

Also pairs well with:

champagnewhite-winemartinivodka