Oh my goodness, bacon wrapped scallops are simply the epitome of deliciousness! These little bites of heaven are not only incredibly popular as appetizers but are also a surefire crowd-pleaser at any gathering. I remember the first time I made them; the aroma of sizzling bacon and tender scallops filled my kitchen, and I could hardly wait to dig in! Trust me, the combination of savory bacon and sweet, succulent scallops is a match made in culinary paradise. Whether you’re serving them at a fancy dinner party or just for a cozy night in, these bacon wrapped scallops will undoubtedly steal the show. I can’t wait for you to try them!
Ingredients
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making the best bacon wrapped scallops! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 12 large scallops: Look for fresh, plump scallops. They’re the star of the show, so don’t skimp on quality!
- 6 slices of bacon: I like to use thick-cut bacon for extra flavor and crispiness. Each slice should be cut in half to wrap around those delicious scallops.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: This will help the scallops and bacon crisp up nicely in the oven.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: A must for seasoning; it adds just the right amount of kick!
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Trust me, this brings a wonderful depth of flavor that pairs perfectly with the scallops.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: A splash of brightness to enhance all the savory goodness! You can add it just before serving.
How to Prepare Bacon Wrapped Scallops
Making bacon wrapped scallops is super easy and oh-so satisfying! Let’s dive into the steps to create this mouthwatering appetizer:
- First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your scallops bake perfectly while the bacon crisps up beautifully.
- Next, take each scallop and wrap it snugly with a half slice of bacon. Secure it with a toothpick to keep everything together. You’ll love how the bacon hugs the scallop!
- Now, line up those wrapped beauties on a baking sheet. Make sure they’re spaced out a little for even cooking. Trust me, they’ll need all that room to get crispy!
- Drizzle the scallops with olive oil, then sprinkle on the black pepper and garlic powder. This seasoning is what makes them so utterly delicious!
- Pop the baking sheet into the oven and let them bake for about 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they’re done when the bacon is crispy and the scallops are tender.
- Once they’re out of the oven, drizzle a bit of lemon juice over the top for that zesty finish just before serving. Yum!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: You’ll whip these up in no time, making them perfect for any last-minute gatherings!
- Flavor Explosion: The savory bacon paired with tender scallops creates a taste that’s simply irresistible.
- Impressive Presentation: These elegant bites are sure to impress your guests and elevate any occasion.
- Versatile: They work great as an appetizer or even as part of a main course.
- Gluten-Free: Perfect for those following a gluten-free diet without sacrificing flavor!
Tips for Success
To achieve the best bacon wrapped scallops, here are some of my favorite tips! First, always choose large, fresh scallops; they’ll hold their texture better and create a more satisfying bite. If you can, buy them from a reputable fishmonger for top quality. Next, don’t rush the wrapping—make sure the bacon is snug but not too tight, allowing the scallops to cook evenly. Also, keep an eye on the baking time; if you’re using smaller scallops, they may need a few minutes less in the oven. Finally, for an extra layer of flavor, consider marinating the scallops in a little olive oil and lemon juice before wrapping them. You’ll love the results!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of ways to switch up your bacon wrapped scallops! For a little kick, try adding a hint of spicy paprika or cayenne pepper to your seasoning mix. You can also experiment with different marinades; a soy sauce and ginger blend adds a delicious Asian twist that pairs beautifully with the scallops. If you’re a fan of herbs, wrapping the scallops with a touch of fresh rosemary or thyme under the bacon can elevate the flavor profile. And don’t forget about dipping sauces! A classic cocktail sauce is great, but a zesty mango salsa or a creamy garlic aioli can take your appetizers to the next level. Enjoy experimenting!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional data for these delicious bacon wrapped scallops, perfect for keeping track of your meals! Each serving, which consists of 2 scallops, contains approximately:
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on your specific ingredients. Enjoy every bite with confidence!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have any leftover bacon wrapped scallops (which is rare, but hey, it happens!), storing them properly is key to keeping that deliciousness intact. First, let them cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be kept in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just make sure they’re sealed tight so they don’t absorb any weird fridge odors!
When it’s time to reheat, I suggest using the oven to preserve that crispy bacon. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the scallops on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes or until they’re warmed through. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the bacon soggy—yuck! Trust me, reheating in the oven is the way to go for that just-baked taste!
FAQ Section
Got questions about bacon wrapped scallops? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! One common question is about cooking times. If your scallops are smaller, start checking them at the 12-minute mark to ensure they don’t overcook. You can also ask, “What can I serve with these?” They pair beautifully with a simple cocktail sauce, but feel free to get creative with your favorite dipping sauces!
Another popular inquiry is about ingredient substitutions. If you’re out of bacon, turkey bacon works as a lighter option, though it may not crisp up the same way. And if you’re looking for a flavor boost, consider adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Call to Action
I’d love to hear how your bacon wrapped scallops turn out! Please leave a comment below and let me know what you thought of the recipe, or share any twists you made. If you enjoyed it, don’t forget to give it a rating! Your feedback means the world to me and helps others discover this delicious appetizer. Happy cooking!
Imprimer
Bacon Wrapped Scallops: 5 Steps to Irresistible Bliss
- Temps Total: 35 minutes
- Rendement: 6 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Sans Gluten
Description
Bacon wrapped scallops are a delicious appetizer that combines savory bacon with tender scallops.
Ingrédients
- 12 scallops
- 6 slices of bacon, cut in half
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wrap each scallop with a half slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
- Place wrapped scallops on a baking sheet.
- Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with black pepper and garlic powder.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until bacon is crispy.
- Remove from oven and drizzle with lemon juice before serving.
Notes
- Use large scallops for best results.
- Adjust baking time based on the size of the scallops.
- Serve with cocktail sauce for dipping.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 20 minutes
- Catégorie: Appetizer
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 2 scallops
- Calories: 180
- Sucre: 0g
- De Sodium: 400mg
- La graisse: 12g
- Graisses Saturées: 4g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 7g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 2g
- La fibre: 0g
- La protéine: 15g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 30mg
Mots-clés: bacon wrapped scallops
