Bacon Wrapped Scallops with Maple Syrup

These Bacon Wrapped Scallops with Maple Syrup is made with sea scallops, bacon, butter, maple syrup, garlic powder and baked to perfection.

Delicate and creamy with a sweet caramelized crust, just like at the restaurants! Seared sea scallops are one of the best things you can eat, and making them yourself is much cheaper than dining out. The best part is that it takes less than 15 minutes to make them.  I love most shellfish but seared scallops are for the win, not to mention, they’re really low maintenance compared to lobster or crab. People are intimidated to make scallops at home so they opt to ordering them at a restaurant… this is silly!

If you like this Bacon Wrapped Scallops with Maple Syrup, you need to try my Cast Iron Scallops or my Butter Tomato Scallops.

Jump to:

• What are Bacon wrapped Scallops?
• Why you will love these Bacon Wrapped Scallops
• Bacon Wrapped Scallops Ingredients
• How to make Bacon Wrapped Scallops Recipe
• What to serve with Bacon Wrapped Scallops
• Substitutions
• Bacon Wrapped Scallops Recipe Variations
• Equipment
• How to store Bacon Wrapped Scallops
• Top tip
• Bacon Wrapped Scallops Recipe
• Food safety

What are Bacon wrapped Scallops?

Bacon-wrapped scallops are a popular appetizer or main course dish consisting of fresh sea scallops that are wrapped in bacon, skewered, and then broiled or grilled until the bacon is crispy and the scallops are cooked through. The combination of the salty and smoky flavor of the bacon with the sweet and delicate flavor of the scallops creates a delicious and decadent dish that is enjoyed by many seafood lovers. It is often served with a dipping sauce or garnished with herbs or lemon wedges.

Why you will love these Bacon Wrapped Scallops

Bacon-wrapped scallops are considered to be a great dish for several reasons. Here are a few:

• Flavor: The combination of the rich, savory flavor of the bacon with the sweet and delicate flavor of the scallops creates a delicious and indulgent taste.
• Texture: The crispy texture of the bacon complements the soft, tender texture of the scallops, creating a satisfying contrast in every bite.
• Versatility: Bacon-wrapped scallops can be served as an appetizer, a main course, or even as a snack. They can be prepared using various cooking methods, including grilling, broiling, or baking, making them a versatile dish for any occasion.
• Presentation: The beautiful and elegant appearance of the dish makes it an attractive option for entertaining or special occasions.

Bacon Wrapped Scallops Ingredients

• Scallops
• Bacon
• Butter
• Maple syrup
• Garlic powder

See recipe card for quantities.

How to make Bacon Wrapped Scallops Recipe

Hint: Instead of baking at 425°F, you can broil if you prefer extra crispy bacon.

What to serve with Bacon Wrapped Scallops

Bacon-wrapped scallops are a versatile appetizer or main dish that can be served with a variety of sides and accompaniments. Here are some ideas:

• Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the bacon-wrapped scallops.
• Grilled vegetables: Grilled asparagus, zucchini, or eggplant can complement the flavors of the bacon-wrapped scallops.
• Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes can be a perfect pairing for bacon-wrapped scallops.
• Roasted potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes can add a satisfying crunch to the dish.
• Steamed vegetables: Steamed broccoli, cauliflower, or green beans can provide a healthy and delicious side.
• Pasta salad: A pasta salad with fresh vegetables and a light dressing can be a refreshing side dish.
• Bread: A crusty bread or dinner rolls can be a simple but satisfying addition to the meal.

Substitutions

Sea scallops: Don’t buy scallops stored in a milky white fluid. It’s either a chemical preservative or it means they are old. Always opt for your local fish market and look for a fishmonger who sells “dry scallops.”

Bacon: I like using the thin cut bacon for this instead of the thick cut bacon, since you want it to get crispy by the end.

Butter: I love using salted butter although you can use unsalted butter and adjust the salt yourself.

Seasoning: I love using garlic and onion powder for this recipe. If you want something spicier, you could always add chili powder or paprika.

Maple syrup: the maple syrup is key to make a sweet taste to compliment the bacon and scallop combination. You could choose using honey instead of maple syrup.

Bacon Wrapped Scallops Recipe Variations

While bacon-wrapped scallops are delicious on their own, there are many variations and additions that can enhance the flavor and presentation of the dish. Here are a few ideas:

• Spicy: Add a kick of heat by sprinkling cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes over the scallops before wrapping them in bacon.
• Citrus: Add a bright and fresh flavor by squeezing lemon or lime juice over the scallops before wrapping them in bacon.
• Cheese: Add some melted cheese to the scallops before wrapping them in bacon for a gooey and flavorful twist.
• Herbs: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the scallops before wrapping them in bacon for an aromatic flavor.
• BBQ: Brush the scallops with BBQ sauce before wrapping them in bacon for a smoky and tangy taste.
• Jalapeño: Add a layer of sliced jalapenos between the scallop and the bacon for a spicy twist.
• Teriyaki: Marinate the scallops in a teriyaki sauce before wrapping them in bacon for a sweet and savory taste.
• Seafood Stuffing: Add a seafood stuffing to the scallops before wrapping them in bacon for a more substantial dish.

These variations can be used individually or combined to create unique and flavorful bacon-wrapped scallop dishes.

Check out this Peruvian Ceviche with Leche de Tigre!

Equipment

To make bacon-wrapped scallops in the oven, you will need the following equipment:

1. Baking sheet: A large baking sheet is needed to lay out the bacon-wrapped scallops. I love using my Caraway baking sheets for best quality. Get yourself a discount by clicking here.
2. Parchment paper: You can use parchment paper to line the baking sheet to prevent the scallops from sticking and to make cleanup easier.
3. Skewers: Bamboo skewers are commonly used to secure the bacon to the scallops before baking.
4. Oven: An oven is needed to cook the bacon-wrapped scallops.
5. Oven mitts: You will need oven mitts or pot holders to handle the hot baking sheet.
6. Brush: A brush can be used to apply sauce or seasoning to the scallops before baking.
7. Tongs: Tongs are useful for handling the scallops when turning them over during the cooking process.
8. Knife: A knife can be used to remove the small side muscle from the scallops before wrapping them in bacon.

How to store Bacon Wrapped Scallops

If you have leftover bacon-wrapped scallops, you can store them properly to maintain their freshness and quality. Here are the steps to store bacon-wrapped scallops:

1. Allow the bacon-wrapped scallops to cool down to room temperature before storing them.
2. Place the bacon-wrapped scallops in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap.
3. Store the container or the wrapped scallops in the refrigerator.
4. Bacon-wrapped scallops can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
5. To reheat the bacon-wrapped scallops, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the scallops on a baking sheet. Bake them in the oven for 5 to 7 minutes until heated through.

Note that reheating the scallops in the microwave may result in a soft and chewy texture, so it is recommended to use the oven to reheat them for best results. Additionally, do not leave the scallops at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent the growth of bacteria.

Top tip

Here are some top tips for making bacon-wrapped scallops in the oven:

• Use fresh scallops: Fresh scallops are essential for a tasty and tender bacon-wrapped scallop dish. Look for scallops that are firm, white, and have a sweet smell.
• Choose the right bacon: Use a good quality bacon that is not too thick or too thin. Thick bacon may not cook through properly, while thin bacon may burn before the scallops are cooked.
• Soak toothpicks: Soak bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before using them to prevent them from burning in the oven.
• Precook the bacon: Precooking the bacon in the oven or microwave for a few minutes before wrapping it around the scallops can help it cook more evenly and prevent it from becoming too chewy.
• Season the scallops: Season the scallops with salt and pepper or other seasonings of your choice before wrapping them in bacon.
• Use parchment paper: Line the baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the scallops from sticking and to make cleanup easier.
• Use a baking rack: Placing a baking rack on the baking sheet can help to elevate the scallops and allow the bacon to cook more evenly and crisp up nicely.
• Watch the cooking time: Overcooked scallops can become tough and rubbery, so keep a close eye on the cooking time to ensure they are cooked to perfection.

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Food safety

• Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
• Wash hands after touching raw meat
• Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
• Never leave cooking food unattended
• Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
• Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.