These bacon wrapped scallops are jumbo scallops coated in a sweet and savory glaze, then broiled to perfection. A simple yet elegant appetizer or main course option that is sure to get rave reviews!
Everything is better with bacon, I always find myself making bacon wrapped chicken and bacon wrapped asparagus for dinner. Scallops are delicious on their own, but when you cover them in bacon you end up with decadent little bites that are perfect for any occasion.
For me, scallops are one of those special occasion type foods. They tend to be a bit on the pricey side and they’re best purchased from a reputable fish monger. These bacon wrapped scallops are my absolute favorite way to enjoy seafood, and they also happen to be quite easy to make!
How to buy scallops
You want to use the larger sea scallops for this recipe, not the small bay scallops. Look for scallops that are uniform in size and color and smell fresh – they shouldn’t have an overly fishy aroma. You can often find fresh scallops at the seafood counter of your local grocery store. Frozen scallops work well too, just make sure they’re completely thawed and patted dry before you use them.
How do you make bacon wrapped scallops?
This recipe calls for scallops, bacon, maple syrup, garlic powder, soy sauce, salt and pepper. That’s all there is to it! Wrap each scallop in half a slice of bacon and then secure the bacon with a toothpick. Mix together the remaining ingredients to form a sweet and savory glaze that gets brushed over the scallops as they cook. Add a sprinkle of herbs, then serve and enjoy.
Tips for bacon wrapped scallops
- Choose the largest scallops that you can afford. Larger scallops are easier to wrap with bacon and they won’t overcook as the bacon crisps up.
- Make sure to use a regular cut of bacon – thick cut bacon will take too long to cook through.
- You can serve your scallops with the toothpicks intact as an appetizer, or remove the toothpicks if you’re planning to serve them as a main course.
- This recipe also works well with shrimp!
How do you reheat bacon wrapped scallops?
These scallops are best served fresh from the oven. You can reheat the scallops the next day, but you run the risk of overcooking the scallops. The best way to reheat your scallops is to warm them in a pan over medium heat until the bacon is crisp, which should take 3-4 minutes.
What should you serve with scallops?
You can serve these scallops on their own as a party snack, or with side dishes as a main course. I like to serve my bacon wrapped scallops over cream cheese mashed potatoes or mushroom rice. I also add a green vegetable on the side such as green beans almondine or balsamic brussels sprouts.
If you’re a seafood fan, you’ll be sure to enjoy these bacon wrapped scallops. You will impress everyone when you serve this dish at your next gathering!
More great seafood recipes
Bacon Wrapped Scallops
Ingredients
- 2 pounds large sea scallops patted dry
- 1 pound bacon slices cut in half crosswise
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the broiler. Coat a sheet pan with cooking spray.
- Wrap a slice of bacon around each scallop and secure with a toothpick. Arrange the scallops in a single layer on the baking pan.
- In a small bowl, mix together the maple syrup, soy sauce, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Brush half the mixture over the top of each of the scallops.
- Broil for 10-15 minutes, or until bacon is crisp and scallops are cooked through. Brush the remaining sauce over the scallops halfway through the cook time.
- Sprinkle with parsley, then serve.
Do you flip the scallops half way through broiling?
You don’t have to flip them, but you totally can if you prefer to do it that way!
Should this be on low or high for broiler?
Broil on high!
This recipe is amazing! 5 stars! This is my first time cooking scallops and it was delicious! I love the glaze, not overpowering just the right balance of flavor. The only bacon I had was thick cut so I did do a bit of pre-cook. Thank you for this scrumptious recipe :o)
Can you prepare ahead of time
Yes that’s fine!
I know it makes 6 servings and each serving is two hundred-fifty-nine kcal, but how many is a serving?
It should be 3-4 scallops, it’s hard to say exactly because scallops come in different sizes. What you’d want to do is count the number of scallops you end up with, then divide them by 6 servings.
Can worcestershire sauce be used in place of soy sauce?
Yes that should work!
I bought some skewered bacon-wrapped scallops frozen from a specialty meat shop. Can I pour the marinade on and thaw them in the fridge overnight? (Also thanks for all the answers in the comments!)
I think that could be ok, you just want to make sure what you purchased does not already contain seasonings or a marinade.
Can these be done in an Air Fryer?
I think that would work fine, although I haven’t tested it it myself!
So good! I only had thick-cut bacon so I pre-cooked it a bit (browned but still pliable) before wrapping the scallops, and it turned out perfectly!
Absolutely delicious. I can’t wait to make it again. Thank you!
Made this for a Christmas party and it was a hit! Be sure to read the directions and use regular sliced bacon and not thick-cut. They turned out perfectly!
Sara……
I made these bacon wrapped scallops. They were wonderful. Will use the recipe again and again
Delicious!!!!
Second time making these, and coming from a scallop fisherman from Nova Scotia… these are spot on! Thanks
So I don’t have to soakl the toothpi cks?
Also can I bake instead of broiling them
Thank you
Maryanncarlenestahler@gmail.com
You can soak the toothpicks if you like. The broiling cooks the bacon quickly so that the scallops don’t overcook. If you bake them, it will take a lot longer to get the bacon crisp and you run the risk of overcooking the scallops.
Before I make this, how many inches from the broiler?
About 6-7 inches is fine!
Absolutely loved this recipe – made it for the superbowl. It was easy and delicious! Thank you
What can I use in place of maple syrup
Brown sugar will work!
I have to bring them to a party. Can I broil them 10 min home and 5 min at party?
That’s fine!
What do you set the broiler at? Hi medium or low?
High!
These were AMAZING!! They were very much loved by my family and the plate was empty by the end of the night. Such an easy and delicious recipe!
I have found soaking them for a day in water removes some fish taste and some scallops have some chemical added. Dry well before you do anything with them .