Description
This delicious Bacon Wrapped Scallops recipe features tender sea scallops wrapped in crispy bacon and topped with sweet and spicy hot pepper jelly. Quick to prepare and broiled to perfection, this appetizer is perfect for entertaining or a special treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Seafood
- 16 large sea scallops (thawed if frozen)
- Kosher salt (to taste)
Meat
- 1 lb. bacon (16 slices)
Condiments
- 10 oz. hot pepper jelly (1 jar)
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet: Adjust oven rack to the upper-middle position and set the oven to broil. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Scallops: Remove the side muscle from each scallop and trim scallops to uniform size if necessary. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Season Scallops: Place scallops on a plate and sprinkle evenly with kosher salt to enhance their natural flavor.
- Parcook Bacon: To ensure bacon crisps properly, microwave bacon slices between layers of paper towels on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave 1½ to 2 minutes on high until fat starts to melt but bacon remains pliable. Repeat for all slices.
- Wrap Scallops with Bacon: Cut each par-cooked bacon slice to fit around a scallop with slight overlap to secure with a toothpick. Wrap each scallop individually and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Add Pepper Jelly: Spoon 1 teaspoon of hot pepper jelly on top of each bacon-wrapped scallop to add a touch of sweet and spicy flavor.
- Broil Scallops: Broil scallops for 3 to 4 minutes, rotating the baking sheet after 2 minutes to ensure even cooking. Cook until bacon edges are browned, and scallops are opaque and spring back when touched.
- Serve: Transfer the cooked scallops to a serving tray and serve immediately to enjoy their crisp texture and tender interior.
Notes
- Make sure to remove the side muscle from scallops as it is tough and chewy.
- Parcooking bacon in the microwave prevents undercooked bacon and ensures it crisps well in the oven.
- If desired, toothpicks can be soaked in water before use to prevent burning during broiling.
- This recipe can be made ahead by wrapping scallops and storing in the refrigerator before broiling.
- Use a rimmed baking sheet to catch any bacon fat drippings for easy cleanup.
