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Get It NowBacon wrapped recipes are a favorite at my house, and seared scallops are fantastic on their own, but wrapped with bacon? I just had to. After creating this bacon wrapped scallops recipe with my fave lemon butter sauce, let me tell you… major upgrade!
Why You’ll Love My Bacon Wrapped Scallops
- Big flavors – Naturally sweet scallops play so well against savory, salty bacon. It’s the ultimate surf and turf in one bite!
- Tender and crispy – Scallops melt in your mouth, while bacon brings a crispy contrast. I call it a total party-in-your-mouth experience.
- Just 4 simple ingredients – Yup, that’s all it takes (plus salt and pepper) to whip up some scallops wrapped in bacon! I’m all about the right ingredients, instead of too many of them.
- So easy to make – This appetizer may look fancy, but it’s a breeze to make. Simply season, wrap, and cook in just 20 minutes!
- Versatile crowd-pleaser – I love dishes that impress my guests without spending too much time in the kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a fancy dinner party or enjoying a casual weeknight meal, these bacon wrapped scallops will disappear.
Ingredients & Substitutions
This section explains how to choose the best ingredients for scallops wrapped in bacon, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card below.
- Scallops – Fresh scallops are a treat to use if you can get them, but I can usually only find frozen ones, which still work fine. Just thaw them completely in the fridge, or in a bag submerged in cold water. Bay scallops are pretty small, so I recommend sea scallops for easier wrapping.
- Lemon Juice – This adds flavor and also improves the texture of the scallops. I have a bottle of lemon juice in my fridge at all times, so I usually use that, but go for freshly squeezed lemon juice if you have the time.
- Spices – Garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper. I keep it simple to enhance the flavor of the dish without overpowering the delicate taste. Feel free to add other spices or dried herbs, though, such as paprika, cayenne pepper, parsley, or thyme.
- Bacon – I usually make bacon in the oven for most recipes that call for it, but my bacon wrapped scallops recipe doesn’t require you to cook the bacon first. Simply cut it in half to make shorter thick cut bacon slices for wrapping. Avoid thick-cut bacon, as it will take too long to cook and your scallops will turn out rubbery.
- Lemon Butter Sauce – This garlic butter sauce is totally optional, but when you drizzle it over these scallops, it takes every bite to a whole new level! Highly recommend.
How To Cook Bacon Wrapped Scallops
This section shows step-by-step photos together with the instructions, to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card below.
- Prep and season. Place an oven-safe rack over a baking sheet. Dry the scallops with paper towels. Toss them with the lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- 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. (You can also bake instead at 400 degrees F, but I prefer the broiler because it’s faster!)
- Garnish. If you like, drizzle with lemon butter sauce right before serving. I also like to add a sprinkle of parsley for a nice presentation.
My Recipe Tips
- Drying the scallops is crucial. Removing excess moisture will help the bacon crisp up and prevents it from getting soggy. Also, counterintuitively, this actually helps lock moisture inside the scallops, so they stay juicy and tender.
- Cook them right away. Don’t add the scallops to the lemon juice until right before broiling, as they will start “cooking” from the acid in the lemon juice pretty quickly. (This is how I make ceviche, but we don’t want this for bacon wrapped scallops!)
- Wrap bacon snugly, but don’t stretch. If you stretch it, it can unravel during cooking.
- Broil on a rack for best results. It helps the bacon crisp up on all sides and the scallops cook more evenly. I love this set, where the rack and baking sheet fit together perfectly.
- Position the baking sheet about 6 inches away from the heating element. This is just the right distance to cook quickly and crisp up the bacon without burning.
Flavor Variations
- Try tossing the scallops in a sweet and spicy glaze of honey (or my natural sugar-free honey) and sriracha.
- Sprinkle with shredded cheese in the last few minutes of baking. (I recommend Parmesan if you go this route.)
- For a tropical twist, tuck a small piece of pineapple between the scallop and bacon before wrapping.
Storage Instructions
Bacon wrapped sea scallops taste best fresh, so I don’t recommend storing them for later. They become rubbery if overcooked, which happens easily when reheating. And to me, they just don’t taste the same!
If you must, you can keep any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, and gently warm them in a skillet or under the broiler.
Serving Suggestions
I like to serve these as an elegant appetizer, but sometimes I just add a side dish and turn them into a meal. Here are some ideas:
- Appetizer Spread – I pair them with air fryer steak bites or sirloin tips when I want a surf and turf experience in quick appetizer form. If you want something fresh and light, try my spinach stuffed mushrooms, roasted artichokes, or Caprese salad skewers.
- Vegetable Side Dish – My go-to veggie side for any seafood is roasted asparagus. But lately, I’ve served this bacon wrapped scallops recipe with pan fried brussels sprouts, sauteed broccoli, and sauteed mushrooms on different occasions.
- Starches – For a more filling meal, simply pair these bacon-y bites with a side of rice (I prefer cauliflower rice) or oven roasted potatoes.
- Salads – I like to remove the toothpicks from the bacon wrapped scallops and serve them over an arugula salad for a light lunch. They are also yummy with my Italian-inspired artichoke salad on the side.
- Steak – Scallops make an amazing appetizer before a steak dinner, but I think these are even better served with your steak. Just add a top sirloin or filet mignon.
More Bacon Wrapped Recipes
To level up any food, just wrap it in bacon! I use this “strategy” for many of my other bacon wrapped recipes:
Bacon Wrapped Scallops
This bacon wrapped scallops recipe is an irresistible combo of sweet, delicate scallops and crispy bacon, topped with lemon butter sauce.
Instructions
Tap on the times in the instructions below to start a kitchen timer while you cook.
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Preheat the oven to the Broil setting. Place an oven-safe rack over a baking sheet.
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Pat the scallops dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, toss them with the lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
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Arrange the short (halved) bacon slices in a row on a cutting board. Place a scallop at the end of one slice and roll up. Secure with a toothpick and place onto the rack over the baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining scallops and bacon.
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Broil 6 inches from the heating element for 5 minutes. Flip the scallops and broil for 4-7 more minutes, until the bacon is crispy.
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If desired, drizzle with lemon butter sauce right before serving.
Did You Like It?
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Recipe Notes
Serving size: 4 bacon wrapped scallops
Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see our nutrition policy.
© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. 🙂
17 Comments
Lanie
0The scallops were so tender and the bacon was perfectly crispy. I sprinkled some shredded Parmesan and it turned out so good. Definitely a new favorite in my house!
Cathy
0My kids love eating scallops, but I would have never thought to wrap them in bacon! This made me try this recipe for breakfast and my family absolutely loved it.
Jona
0The bacon got nice and crispy, and the scallops were super tender. I tried spicing things up by adding a bit of paprika to these bacon-wrapped scallops, and it really worked! Such a nice twist on the flavor.
Dina
0I think my husband wanted to mary me all over again after I made him these! I am not usually a fan of scallops, but even I went back for a couple more. Very tasty!
Laura K
0Bacon and scallops… who knew they were a match made in heaven? Can’t wait to serve these when my family comes over in the spring. So perfect.
Yolanda F
0I make these for every gathering- now my family begs for me to make them!
Shar
0This recipe is so simple and easy yet a great appetizer! It’s a crowd favorite. Extra delicious and satisfying! Thank you for this amazing recipe!
Kristyn
0The bacon & lemon butter sauce makes this recipe so irresistible!! The scallops just melt in your mouth! They are a crowd favorite!!
Charlotte Kelly
0It is seldom a recipe with so few simple ingredients and prep time tastes like a dish from a 5 Star Restaurant. These bacon-wrapped scallops are divine Amazing taste and oh so easy! Did I mention EASY?
Elizabeth
0Can you prep the bacon wrapped scallops and refrigerate a day before cooking them?
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Elizabeth, Yes, you could do that.
Nancy Reece
0I made this today for us for lunch and I have to admit it was absolutely the best scallops we’ve ever had other than of course those loaded with pasta!!! My husband and I each at three and we boiled some shrimp in Louisiana shrimp boil and had cooked spinach with! We are both very well satisfied.
Lara Varden
0This recipe was so easy and absolutely fantastic!! I just wish my toothpicks wouldn’t char…but I guess that is the nature of wood under a broiler. LOL The dish is simply delectable and the lemon butter sauce finished it off. I have to admit, the source of the ingredients do make a significant difference. This is definitely a recipe that is being printed and put in my keeper recipe notebook!! THANK YOU for sharing!
Derrrick
0Hi Lara, soak your toothpicks.
Dave Gosselin
0Lemon garlic butter sauce didn’t have any proportions. Should I ad lib?
Wholesome Yum M
0Hi Dave, Here is the recipe for the Lemon Butter Sauce. Enjoy!
Gina
0DELISH!!!! Thanks for the recipe!