Bacon-Wrapped Scallops with Hot Pepper Jelly Recipe

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If you want to impress your friends with a dish that’s bursting with flavor and irresistible textures, this Bacon-Wrapped Scallops with Hot Pepper Jelly Recipe is the answer. Picture plump, juicy scallops enveloped in smoky, crispy bacon, all drizzled with a glossy, sweet-spicy hot pepper jelly that adds a zingy pop to every bite. It’s a stunning combination of savory, sweet, and heat that feels both elegant and comforting—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser no matter the occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are deceptively simple but absolutely essential to get the perfect balance of juicy seafood, smoky bacon, and that fiery-sweet kick. Each one plays a starring role in creating this mouthwatering sensation.

• 16 large sea scallops (thawed if frozen): Choose fresh or well-thawed for tender, succulent bites.
• Kosher salt (to taste): Just enough to enhance the natural sweetness of scallops.
• 1 lb. bacon (16 slices): Opt for a good-quality bacon to achieve that crisp exterior and smoky flavor.
• 10 oz. hot pepper jelly (1 jar): This adds a vibrant, sweet-spicy glaze that complements bacon and seafood beautifully.

How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Scallops with Hot Pepper Jelly Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by adjusting your oven rack to the upper-middle position and preheat your oven to broil. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup and spray it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent any sticky situations when the scallops cook.

Step 2: Clean and Size Your Scallops

Remove the side muscle— that little rectangular flap attached to each scallop— it can be tough if left on. If you notice any scallops are larger than others, cut them down to a uniform size. Pat them dry with a paper towel, which helps achieve a perfect sear and keeps bacon crisp.

Step 3: Season Your Scallops

Generously season the scallops with kosher salt to bring out their natural oceanic sweetness before wrapping them in bacon. This step ensures your scallops won’t taste bland once cooked.

Step 4: Partially Cook the Bacon

This trick is crucial! To get bacon evenly crisp without burning the scallops, place 8 bacon slices between layers of paper towels on a microwave-safe plate and cook on high for 1½ to 2 minutes until the fat starts melting but the bacon stays flexible. Repeat with the remaining bacon. This quick pre-cook sets you up for perfectly wrapped scallops.

Step 5: Wrap Each Scallop in Bacon

Cut each slice of bacon so it fits snugly around one scallop, with just a bit of overlap to secure with a toothpick. Place each bacon-wrapped scallop onto your prepared baking sheet carefully.

Step 6: Add the Hot Pepper Jelly

Top each bundle with about one teaspoon of hot pepper jelly, which will melt into a glossy coating during broiling, adding a delicious sweet heat that elevates every bite.

Step 7: Broil to Perfection

Place the tray in your oven and broil for 3 to 4 minutes. At the 2-minute mark, rotate the tray so the scallops brown evenly. You’ll know they are done when the bacon edges crisp to a beautiful golden brown and the scallops feel firm but bounce back slightly when pressed.

Step 8: Serve Immediately

Transfer the scallops to a serving tray right away so they shine in their best, juicy form and enjoy the incredible medley of textures and flavors with friends or family.

How to Serve Bacon-Wrapped Scallops with Hot Pepper Jelly Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives add a refreshing pop of color and a mild herbal note that balances the boldness of the bacon and jelly. A few thin lemon wedges on the side brighten the dish when squeezed over, cutting through the richness beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair this showstopper with light sides such as a crisp green salad, roasted asparagus, or a simple garlic butter rice. These options complement without overpowering, letting the Bacon-Wrapped Scallops with Hot Pepper Jelly Recipe truly be the star.

Creative Ways to Present

For cocktail parties, thread scallops onto skewers with tiny pieces of fresh jalapeño or mini bell peppers between each to accentuate the jelly’s heat. Alternatively, serve them atop crostini with a smear of cream cheese or avocado for an irresistible appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (though that rarely happens!), place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Be sure to separate them with parchment paper to keep the bacon from sticking together.

Freezing

While fresh is best for this dish, you can freeze the wrapped scallops before cooking. Arrange them on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking as directed.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5 to 7 minutes to preserve the juicy scallops and crisp bacon. Avoid microwave reheating as it can toughen the scallops and wilt the bacon.

FAQs

Can I use regular pepper jelly instead of hot pepper jelly?

Yes, you can, but the hot pepper jelly provides a signature spicy-sweet contrast that really elevates this dish. Using mild jelly will result in a sweeter, less spicy flavor profile.

What type of scallops works best for this recipe?

Large sea scallops have the ideal size and sweetness. Avoid bay scallops since they are smaller and cook too quickly, which can cause bacon to overcook or become too chewy.

Is it necessary to precook the bacon?

Precooking the bacon is an important step. It ensures the bacon crisps nicely without undercooking or burning scallops during broiling, resulting in a perfect texture balance.

Can I grill these instead of broiling?

Absolutely! If using a grill, wrap precooked bacon around scallops and cook over indirect heat to crisp the bacon gently while keeping the scallops tender and succulent.

How do I know when the scallops are done?

Cook until the scallops are opaque with a slight bounce back to the touch, and the bacon edges turn a crispy golden brown. Overcooked scallops become rubbery, so keep a close eye during broiling.

Final Thoughts

Trust me when I say, once you try this Bacon-Wrapped Scallops with Hot Pepper Jelly Recipe, it will become one of your go-to favorites for celebrations and cozy dinners alike. The luscious mix of smoky bacon, tender scallops, and that spicy-sweet jelly glaze is pure magic on a plate. So grab your ingredients, invite some friends, and get ready to wow everyone with this unforgettable dish!

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